Mobilise Britain > Deployment, innovation and investment

Delivering growth in every postcode will require more than private investment alone. The UK needs policy reform that enables networks to be built faster, encourages innovation and unlocks investment.

That's why Mobile UK is calling for action across three key policy levers.

Mobile networks rely on thousands of pieces of infrastructure located across the UK, from rooftops and street furniture to masts in rural communities. This infrastructure must be built, upgraded and maintained to meet growing demand for connectivity.

Yet outdated planning rules continue to create delays and make the UK one of the slowest and most expensive places in which to deploy mobile infrastructure. Reforming these rules would accelerate deployment, support investment and help ensure people, businesses and public services benefit from reliable connectivity.

Faster deployment means better coverage, greater capacity and more reliable mobile services for the communities that depend on them every day.

The UK's mobile networks support far more than calls and internet access. They have the potential to enable emerging technologies, transform industries and improve access to essential public services.

However, parts of the UK's regulatory framework have not kept pace with technological change. Current net neutrality rules limit operators' ability to manage network traffic effectively, develop innovative products and deliver new services that could support economic growth, improve public services and provide wider societal benefits.

Mobile UK is calling for a more modern and flexible framework that supports innovation while maintaining consumers' ability to access an open internet.

This would help unlock advanced capabilities such as network slicing, supporting smart manufacturing, logistics and automated industries. It would also enable operators to provide zero-rated access to essential services for vulnerable customers, including healthcare applications, public service platforms and digital support tools.

Innovation will unlock new services, support economic growth and ensure mobile networks can continue to meet the needs of an increasingly digital society.

The UK's mobile operators invest billions of pounds every year to maintain, upgrade and expand the nation's networks.

Yet significant regulatory and financial costs are making the UK a less attractive place to invest in mobile network infrastructure, reducing the capital available for network deployment and upgrades.

To mobilise investment, government should review costs that place unnecessary burdens on mobile operators, including high Annual Licence Fees and other charges that are not faced by many international competitors. Reforming these costs would unlock additional private investment, accelerate network deployment and improve connectivity across the UK.

Unlocking investment means stronger networks, greater resilience and better connectivity for communities, businesses and public services across the country.

Mobilise Britain

Mobilise Deployment. Mobilise Innovation. Mobilise Investment.

Together, these three policy levers will help create the conditions needed to accelerate 5G deployment, unlock investment, drive innovation and deliver the mobile infrastructure required to support growth in every postcode.

By removing barriers to deployment, modernising regulation and encouraging investment, the UK can strengthen its digital infrastructure, improve connectivity and enhance its international competitiveness.