Small, targeted changes to UK planning policy could help unlock transformative economic benefits and accelerate the rollout of next-generation mobile connectivity at no cost to the taxpayer, according to a new report commissioned by Mobile UK and published by TYI.

The report, authored by Maxwell Marlow of TYI, argues that modest amendments to planning policy and secondary legislation could unlock the full economic potential of 5G. Independent estimates suggest a complete UK 5G rollout could generate between £41 billion and £230 billion in economic value by 2035, and immediate return on investment of up to £2.5 billion.

Unlike most national infrastructure projects, the UK’s mobile networks are almost entirely privately funded, with operators already committing billions of pounds of investment by the end of the decade. The report argues that planning rules must evolve to keep pace with the technology the industry is already ready to deploy. Around 95% of the build programme in the short to medium term involves upgrading existing masts rather than building new ones, meaning small regulatory adjustments could significantly speed deployment while reducing administrative burdens on cash-strapped local authorities.

The report focuses on reforms to Permitted Development Rights and the Notice to Quit regime, including extending the emergency deployment window from 18 to 36 months, and ensuring developers assess the impact of their schemes on existing mobile infrastructure before construction begins. These changes would help to prevent local communities from losing mobile coverage when infrastructure is displaced and ensure network resilience.

Sean Woodcock MP, Member of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, said:

“As a rural MP, I know the value of connectivity, but the planning system is holding Britain back. I am pleased to support these modest proposals to keep my constituents connected, unlock the potential of small businesses across the country, and save local authorities money.”

Maxwell Marlow, Director of Research at TYI, said:

“The UK has a major opportunity to accelerate 5G deployment through targeted planning reforms that require no new public spending and minimal parliamentary time. This research shows that we can maintain the integrity of the planning system while freeing up local authority resources and helping the UK to remain competitive.”

Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK, said:

“While the industry is committed to building world-class mobile networks, current planning rules are slowing down progress. Updating these frameworks would enable the industry to unlock billions in economic benefits at no cost to the taxpayer.

“The UK operates one of the most competitive mobile markets in Europe, and the services our industry provides enable everything from contactless payments to connected transport. With small changes to regulations, we can help to accelerate the UK’s technological transformation.”

Notes to Editors

• About TYI: TYI is a research-led organisation specialising in economic and infrastructure policy.

• About Mobile UK: Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, Virgin Media O2, and VodafoneThree.

Media Contact:  

Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications

ge@mobileuk.org - 07887911076

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