Laura Sharman 10 December 2019

London councils lack strategies and budget to rollout 5G, research finds

Most London councils do not have a strategy in place to rollout 5G networks, a new investigation has revealed.

A freedom of information request by Tech London Advocates found no London borough has a budget in place to implement 5G technology in 2019. Nearly all - 31 out of 33 boroughs - do not have a specific strategy for enabling the rollout of 5G networks.

Although six boroughs have a councillor specifically responsible for 5G or broadband, 30 boroughs have no staff responsible for implementing 5G.

The research also found not one of the London boroughs could confirm an anticipated date for full coverage in their respective territories.

Despite this, 13 boroughs have concessions contracts in place with communications infrastructure providers to use public street furniture.

Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates, said: 'The Greater London Authority must align all the boroughs under the same policy, proactively encouraging investment from network operators and fostering collaboration between them, businesses and land owners. Otherwise, London risks being one of the worst cities in the UK for 5G coverage – an unacceptable scenario when the capital’s global future is already under question.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North Essex

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North EssexPermanent, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School, ColchesterPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hour Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Inclusion Partner

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
SEND Inclusion PartnerPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (Full Time Equivalent)Actual Salary (22.2 hours per week) £25,657 to £30,184 pe England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner