This week, Mobile UK hosted a timely parliamentary dinner, sponsored by Chris Curtis MP, Chair of the Labour Growth Group. Bringing together parliamentarians—including Kevin McKenna MP and Julie Minns MP—alongside senior figures from BT/EE, Virgin Media O2, VodafoneThree, TYI, Enders Analysis, and Assembly Research, the evening provided a vital, constructive platform to discuss the Government’s ongoing Mobile Market Review (MMR).

The overarching consensus of the commentary was clear: digital connectivity is the non-negotiable foundation upon which the Government's broader ambitions for AI and housing depend. However, unlocking this growth requires an open, honest dialogue about the economics of deployment.

A central theme of the evening’s discussion was the comparative cost of building critical infrastructure. Industry experts highlighted that building mobile networks in the UK remains significantly more expensive than in many peer nations, driven by complex deployment barriers and high regulatory fiscal burdens. To counteract this, attendees discussed the urgent need for a shift toward a sustainable, growth-oriented industry framework. This includes essential policy levers such as modernising planning reform, evolving net neutrality rules, and reforming annual licence fees to properly incentivise private investment.

Crucially, the conversation moved beyond private capital to explore the role of the state. With mobile networks recognised as critical national infrastructure, there was a welcome and open debate on how public investment must adapt. Participants explored where and how the state should step in—particularly in harder-to-reach areas where the commercial economic case for deployment is naturally limited. Bridging these gaps is essential if the UK is to achieve true world-class mobile networks.

Mobile UK would like to extend its thanks to Chris Curtis MP for sponsoring the event, and to all the attendees for their positive engagement. The evening demonstrated a shared determination between industry and policymakers to deliver the resilient, world-class mobile infrastructure necessary to power the UK’s economic future.

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