Mobile UK, the trade body representing the UK's leading mobile network operators, has submitted its response to the government's 10-year Infrastructure Strategy working paper. In its submission, Mobile UK emphasises the pivotal role of world-class mobile infrastructure in achieving the government's ambitions for economic growth, innovation, and inclusion.

Mobile UK's response underscores that mobile technology is not only a key industry segment in its own right, but also a critical enabler for other sectors, driving economic growth, job creation, inclusion, and the transition to net zero. The organisation strongly advocates for policies that stimulate investment in the mobile sector, recognising its multiplier effect across the economy. Economic studies indicate that for every £1 invested in mobile infrastructure, at least £5 is generated for the broader economy, demonstrating the sector's vital role in driving national growth and prosperity.

While acknowledging the government's efforts to create a supportive policy environment, Mobile UK asserts that the forthcoming infrastructure strategy must firmly prioritise mobile connectivity as a cornerstone of its approach. The submission calls for a decisive shift in policy focus towards mobile, recognising that the UK's growth ambitions are intrinsically linked to the strength and ubiquity of its mobile networks. It argues that the government has demonstrated success in supporting fixed telecoms, and now a similar level of prioritisation is essential for the mobile sector to unlock its full potential.

Key recommendations include:

• Repurposing spectrum licence fees to incentivise network investment.  

• Expanding planning reforms to facilitate the deployment of vital mobile infrastructure.  

• Prioritising the full implementation of the PSTI Act.  

• Introducing a temporary business rates holiday on new mobile infrastructure deployments.  

• Evolving the UK's net neutrality regime to a more flexible, principles-based approach.  

• Providing greater support for operators' plans to retire legacy 2G networks.  

• Enhancing the rollout of 5G at regional and local levels by appointing skilled and experienced digital champions.  

Mobile UK believes that the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy can play a crucial role in achieving the government's long-term growth ambitions, but only if it places mobile connectivity at the forefront. By prioritising mobile and implementing the recommended policy reforms, the government can empower operators to accelerate deployment plans, improve coverage and data speeds, and fuel digital adoption and economic expansion across the UK.  

Mobile UK’s submission can be read in full here.

Mobile UK also recently published a new industry report by Assembly Research which forms the basis of this response. This report, Investment in Mobile Infrastructure: The UK’s Route to Growth, can be found here.

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