Mobile UK is pleased to have been invited to respond to the Coast to Capital LEP’s consultation on its strategic economic plan. In our response, we urge the LEP to consider the continued roll-out of 4G technologies in addition to its aspiration for 5G deployment. Mobile UK further stressed the importance of cooperation and collaboration with MNOs and included the following suggestions that we believe will help with delivery of mobile infrastructure:

• Assist in the delivery of mobile infrastructure through both public and private funds
• Develop a stronger collective voice as a region around digital infrastructure
• Seek to develop a policy statement for local authorities to take advantage of opportunities to use/re-use existing public-sector assets to deliver improved connectivity, including the use of street furniture and ducting
• Work with private providers to encourage the roll-out of fibre, particularly around new developments (housing and business parks) (Mobile UK would suggest this should also consider mobile sites, and that fibre is essential to underpin wider mobile rollout)
• Leadership role for digital connectivity / digital champions or a Chief Digital Officer

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.