100 Days of Government: Progress On Mobile UK's Key Asks
It has been 100 days since the Labour Party took office following 14 years out of power and in doing so, the party indicated its key priority was growing the economy. Based upon its five missions, it has set out its early policy ambitions. Here we take stock to mark on the progress made against our own five policy asks.
The overall sentiment is that the Government is taking steps in the right direction. Strong rhetoric on planning and a desire to tackle ‘NIMBYism’ have been well received. After all, the planning system is a key barrier that adds delay and cost to mobile deployment and impacts on the investability of the sector compared to other nations. Talk of reform, however, must turn into action, alongside commitments to add vital resources into the system.
In other areas we have yet to learn what the Government’s intentions are. While it is fair to say we are likely to learn more in the upcoming Budget, it is equally important that the industry gets financial certainty.
With the economics across the sector still challenging, offering incentives to spur investment and allowing the industry to retain funds to invest in the nation’s networks would go a long way towards improving investor confidence.
With investment the key focus of this new Government we will be looking to see what proposals will be put forward at this week's international investment summit. Alongside the 300+ industry leaders in attendance, we will be looking out for mention of the manifesto proposals we put together.
Below we outline our five key manifesto asks made to the Government before the election and our analysis of progress made:
1. Overhaul the Planning System
Progress: Labour has indeed placed planning reform high on its agenda, which is a positive step. However, the focus has largely been on housing, with digital infrastructure receiving less attention beyond data centres.
Commentary: While initial steps are promising, there’s a significant need for the Government to recognise mobile infrastructure within its plans for major national infrastructure. This would ensure that planning applications for new or upgraded mobile infrastructure are prioritised, reducing delays and supporting the 5G rollout. The current approach risks long-term connectivity issues if not addressed promptly.
2. Reform the Radio Spectrum Tax
Progress: While the Chancellor has made clear ‘difficult decisions’ need to be made in the upcoming Budget she has made welcome statements that she is focussing on measures to create growth. However, we have not heard anything regarding taxes levied on the industry. The current levy on mobile operators for using the radio spectrum remains a significant financial burden, limiting their ability to invest in network improvements.
Commentary: More effort is needed in this area. The reduction of the spectrum tax would free up funds for operators to enhance network capacity and coverage, driving innovation and better service for consumers. The upcoming Autumn Statement will be a critical indicator of Labour’s approach to this issue.
3. Central Funding for Local Authority Digital Champions
Progress: While planning reform is a key area of activity for this Government there has been little to no indication of any actions to consider its resource constraints; this includes proposals made by Mobile UK and the LGA to fund Digital Champions.
Commentary: Investing in Digital Champions is crucial for reducing digital poverty and ensuring equitable connectivity. Evidence shows that councils with dedicated digital champions are significantly more successful in rolling out 5G. These champions can drive local strategies that support the broader national agenda, providing a £159 billion boost to the UK economy by 2030 through enhanced 5G deployment. Without this investment, the UK risks falling behind in its connectivity goals.
4. Business Rates Relief on New Mobile Infrastructure
Progress: Despite Labour’s focus on creating a positive investment landscape, recent funding cuts for AI projects have led to concerns about the Government’s commitment to key capital infrastructure projects. Further, comments made on extending mobile coverage have yet to be backed up with financial measures to aid such deployment.
Commentary: Offering business rates relief would encourage mobile operators to invest in new infrastructure, promoting digital inclusion and stimulating economic growth. With 21% of the UK population relying solely on mobile internet, this investment is vital for addressing digital inequality.
5. Reform Net Neutrality Regulations
Progress: There has been no significant movement in reforming net neutrality. Current Ofcom measures restrict how networks are managed, limiting operators’ ability to offer innovative data plans and tariffs.
Commentary: Reforming these regulations is essential for future-proofing the UK’s digital infrastructure. Allowing operators more flexibility would enable them to meet evolving consumer needs and support the development of new technologies.
