Mobile UK Submits Budget Proposals to Fuel National Growth Through Mobile Sector Investment

2 min read10 February Partner content

Mobile UK has submitted its budget proposals, outlining six key opportunities for the government to boost investment in the mobile sector and drive wider economic growth. Recognising the challenging fiscal environment, Mobile UK emphasises that its proposals will leverage private capital, accelerating existing investment and unlocking further deployment. We highlight the mobile sector's powerful multiplier effect, citing data showing that investment in European markets generated 5% of annual GDP in 2024. For the UK, this translates to a potential £83 billion GDP growth over the period, driven by operator investment. However, a significant £25 billion investment gap exists, necessitating government action to fully realise the potential of 5G and 5G Standalone networks.

Mobile UK's six key policy recommendations:

Repeal net neutrality regulations: We advocate for repealing prescriptive net neutrality regulations and replacing them with flexible guidance. We believe this will foster innovation and investment, particularly in areas like AI.
Reduce Annual Licence Fees (ALFs) for spectrum: We propose reducing ALFs, arguing that they are no longer necessary to promote efficient spectrum use. A £150 million reduction, for example, could fund hundreds of new 5G sites.
Reform and invest in the planning system: We call for increased resources for planning authorities to handle mobile infrastructure applications and accelerated reform of permitted development rights to speed up network capacity deployment.
Centrally fund digital champions: We urge that reformed local authorities be mandated to include digital matters within their remit and be centrally funded to appoint digital champions to promote digital adoption, transformation, inclusion, and connectivity.
Introduce business rates holidays for new mobile infrastructure: We call for the implementation of business rates holidays for new 5G and 5GSA infrastructure, similar to those used for fixed fibre, to incentivise rollout in less economically viable areas.
Urgent and full implementation of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act (PSTI): We call for rapid implementation of the PSTI Act, particularly regarding measures that will streamline processes for leases governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, which currently impacts approximately 6,200 agreements.