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May 16, 2019

District Council’s Network Spring Assembly: Mobile UK presents new report Councils and Connectivity 2

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Mobile UK is proud to be sponsoring a panel session at the District Councils’ Network Spring Assembly where its Head of Policy, Gareth Elliott, presented the findings of our new report Councils and Connectivity 2: How prepared is local government for the future of mobile?

With the initial commercial roll-out of 5G beginning this year Mobile UK spoke about the central role district councils will have in the deployment of mobile networks, both in the building of new 5G networks and ongoing upgrades to the existing 4G networks.

Presenting the finding of the report, Gareth Elliott outlined that while many councils are taking a proactive approach, there is now an important opportunity for additional steps to be made. Crucially, the report found that while Local Plans set out plans for the future development of a local area, only a third currently refer to mobile connectivity.

Mobile UK is seeking to ensure that mobile connectivity is prioritised at a policy level on an equal par with fixed broadband and that provisions are made to work with the industry to consider how best to make public assets available to mobile operators where they can assist with the development of mobile networks. Also, Mobile UK also seeks to highlight the Government’s desire to see ‘Digital Champions’ at a local level to champion digital connectivity and to build an active and ongoing dialogue with the industry.

Gareth Elliott, Head of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK, said:

“Mobile UK welcomes the opportunity to engage with councils at the District Council’s Network’s Spring Conference. With 5G roll-out beginning this year it is important that time is taken now to work with industry to break down barriers and champion mobile connectivity, to ensure the next generation of mobile infrastructure can be deployed quickly and effectively.”

Notes to Editors:

  1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
  2. The full Councils and Connectivity: How prepared is local government for the future of mobile? report is available below.
Councils and Connectivity: How prepared is local government for the future of mobile? PDF

About Building Mobile Britain

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Building Mobile Britain is a campaign created by Mobile UK seeking to work with national and local government, as well as interested industry groups to overcome the challenges we face with expanding the existing mobile networks, while also developing innovative services for customers.

See here for further information - or #BuildingMobileBritain

Media Contacts

Gareth Elliott
Head of Policy and Communications
Tel: 07887 911 076
Email: press@mobileuk.org

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