As 2025 wraps up, and we move into the new year, the mobile industry stands at a pivotal moment. Government initiatives, such as planning reforms, are set to accelerate deployment. These changes could remove long-standing barriers and reshape how quickly operators can roll out advanced networks.

Looking ahead, we have invited industry leaders to share their forecasts for the trends and challenges that will define connectivity in 2026.

Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive at Mobile UK

“Looking ahead to 2026, the mobile industry is poised to be a key catalyst for the UK’s economic revival. Our investment ambitions align perfectly with the Government’s mission for growth, but unlocking this full potential requires a shift in the regulatory landscape next year.

“To deliver on our promises, the UK must build a policy framework that is more supportive of investment. This means getting planning reform right to expedite infrastructure rollout and adopting a pragmatic approach to fiscal policy. Specifically, we urge a move to reinvest Annual Licence Fees currently acting as a tax on the industry back into connectivity to supercharge development. Furthermore, a modernised review of net neutrality rules is essential to spur the next wave of digital innovation.

“By working together to remove these barriers, Government and industry can secure the world-class connectivity the UK needs and deserves.”

Antony Oliver, Host of The Infrastructure Podcast

"Over the last couple of decades, we have seen the entire built environment sector embrace – albeit rather slowly - the use of data and digital systems to transform the design, delivery and management of critical infrastructure assets. And with the government now staring down the barrel of a £725bn pipeline of work - work which will be central to its mission for economic growth and boosted standards for living – 2026 will have to see this transformation accelerated.  

“Mobile technology will be critical to this transformation, enabling rapid sharing of information and deeper collaboration between teams but also instant transfer of live data required to underpin the emerging AI backed monitoring and analysis tools that will be central to keeping our existing assets operating safely and efficiently."

Emma Philpott, Head of Mobile & Space at FarrPoint

“With Ofcom’s ambition to accelerate the introduction of Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology in the UK early in 2026, VM02 also announcing their plans to launch their ‘02 Satellite’ service with Starlink and VodafoneThree partnering with AST SpaceMobile, it will be interesting to witness the shift towards using more non-terrestrial networks. What will be critical for mobile operators is how they plan to commercialise and market their D2D products to consumers. And will the hype surrounding some of its initial capabilities match the reality of what UK consumers are willing to pay for the service. 

“Additionally, our approach to network resiliency in the UK will start to become more of a theme in 2026. Particularly as we withdraw legacy technologies such as PSTN and move over to Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and mobile networks. We will need a more coordinated approach from government, devolved administrations, fixed and mobile operators and distribution network operators (DNOs) working together to develop strategies for ensuring service continuity and protecting our networks from power outages or disruptions to critical transmission links.”

John Duncan, Connected Places Lead at Greater Manchester Combined Authority

“In 2026, we envisage that the UK mobile market will focus on performance as much as coverage, ensuring people and businesses enjoy seamless connectivity where they live, work, and travel. We expect to see a continued rollout of 5G Standalone (SA), enabling ultra-low latency and network slicing for smart city services and IoT.

“Building on our experience with the DSIT 5G Innovation Region programme, we will continue testing 5G connectivity and advanced wireless solutions to deliver real benefits in social housing and on our transport networks, which will scale and be sustainable. In 2026, Greater Manchester is focusing on measuring real-world mobile connectivity across urban centres, busy indoor venues, and transport routes to address congestion-related performance issues and enhance user experience. Insights from this work will guide digital placemaking, planning reform, and the deployment of neutral hosting and small cells. Through stronger collaboration between Ofcom, GMCA, and mobile network operators, we aim to empower consumers, improve digital connectivity and support the wider adoption of 5G enabled technologies in place.”

Jonathan Freeman, Chairperson of the Mobile Infrastructure Forum

“2026 will mark seven years since 5G was commercially launched in the UK. The expectations of consumers and needs of businesses continue to grow. Significant progress has been made on 5G rollout, but as an industry, we still have a lot to do to meet the aspirations we set out in 2019. In 2026, we expect both policy debates and industry activity to move on from deploying coverage to achieving better network quality. In practice, this means network densification. Building the new infrastructure the UK needs will require the government to deliver on its promised enablers. Alongside that, the industry will need to work together to deliver solutions which maximise deployment and minimise cost.”

Lewis Bailey, Head of Technology Practice at YIMBY Initiative / Chair of Labour Tech

“In 2026, the planning reforms delivered by Steve Reed’s Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities, should be enhanced to enable Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deliver stand-alone 5G and a rate not currently seen. Adoption of permitted development rights for MNOs will enable operators to cut down on time spent on planning applications, reduce administration costs and speed up development. Work is underway to meet the government’s stated ambition for mobile connectivity, whilst also solving the paradox between the NPPF and PDR issue the mobile industry is currently facing.”

Matt Warman, Former Minister of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

“As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, 2026 will see more and more people choosing to ditch broadband for mobile-only connections. That’s likely to put even more focus on what speeds people are getting from ‘5G’ connections and result in further pressure to improve user experience in urban and rural areas alike.”

Sophie Greaves, Associate Director at Tech UK

“2026 will see significant progress in satellite-terrestrial network integration, particularly regarding direct-to-device (D2D) services that extend mobile coverage to remote areas and provide resilience during outages. As standards mature and partnerships between MNOs and satellite providers deepen, as we are beginning to see in 2025, satellite connectivity will transition from a niche service to a complementary layer of mainstream mobile infrastructure. Such an integration will be critical for future technology applications, our emergency services and ensuring universal connectivity across the country, though achieving the levels of performance users expect from terrestrial networks may present a challenge in the short term.”

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