The UK’s mobile sector has called on the Government to modernise planning regulations to help unlock 5G Standalone and free up local planning authorities.
In a joint submission to the Government’s telecoms planning consultation, Mobile UK and the Mobile Infrastructure Forum said modest, technical updates to the English planning system would better reflect the needs of advanced digital infrastructure.
The industry groups say that because 95% of current network work focuses on upgrading existing sites rather than building new ones, outdated Permitted Development Rights are inadvertently hindering efficient 5G Standalone deployment.
They argue that streamlined processes for routine upgrades could unlock between £1bn and £2.5bn in economic growth by bringing improved coverage and capacity online more quickly.
The proposals would also reduce administrative burdens on local planning authorities, allowing them to focus on complex developments, according to Mobile UK and the Mobile Infrastructure Forum.
