William Eichler 14 December 2016

Britain in ‘digital slow lane’, commission warns

Local authorities should work with network providers to ensure the deployment of 5G across the country, commission says.

The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) today published its final report into 5G and telecommunication technology which warned Britain is in ‘the digital slow lane.’

It reported Britain is 54th in the world for 4G coverage—behind Romania, Albania, Panama and Peru.

Its central conclusion was Government must play an active role to ensure the country is 5G ready and that basic services are available everywhere.

The report recommended local authorities develop consistent approaches to support the deployment of mobile infrastructure across the country.

It also said they should work together and with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to develop coordinated local mobile connectivity delivery plans.

The NIC said responsibility for digital infrastructure should reside in one place under a single cabinet minister—a point of contact councils and LEPs will be able to report to annually on their progress delivering connectivity plans.

‘5G is the future – ultra-fast, and ultra-reliable it has the potential to change our lives and our economy in ways we cannot even imagine today. But the UK is currently languishing in the digital slow lane,’ said the NIC chair Lord Adonis

‘That isn’t just frustrating, it is increasingly holding British business back as more and more of our economy requires a connected workforce.

‘5G offers us a chance to start again and get ahead. If government acts now we can ensure our major transport networks and urban centres are 5G ready in time to give British industry every chance to lead the world in exploiting its applications.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner