Laying the Foundations for 5G

It is worth casting our mind backs a second to 1985 when the first phone call was made over a mobile network. Since that time the mobile industry has changed out of all recognition. While mobile phones have advanced to become the essential tool to our daily lives mobile operators have invested heavily to meet demand and upgrade to new technologies.

5G is the next iteration of this process, and mobile operators stand ready to meet the challenge. However, to do that, it is essential that the planning and regulatory framework in which the mobile companies operate is also up to the task. At present, while improvements such as the new Electronic Communications Code and changes to planning regulations are steps in the right direction the balance is still not quite right.

Strategic planning at both a regional and local level have yet to catch up with the needs of mobile telecommunications. Local Plans and Strategic Economic Plans that set local planning policies often barely mention mobile telecommunications, yet they determine how and where mobile networks can be installed. Suitable sites are often lacking with specific requirements such as adequate power, fibre back-haul connectivity or access needs. In addition, these sites need to be economically viable, yet the balance between revenue generation and the social benefits of mobile connectivity of landlords is not often geared in the right direction, significantly increasing the national cost of mobile infrastructure deployment. And finally, there is a lack of political leadership, especially at a local level, which is willing to put the case for increased mobile infrastructure; after all, there can be no mobile signal without the equipment to broadcast it.

Mobile UK, through its Building Mobile Britain campaign, is working hard to push the case for a partnership with local, regional and national government to ensure that mobile networks can be deployed and installed quickly and effectively. We are encouraged that there are already positive movements and welcome the aspiration from Government to be a leading player in 5G. Councils across the country are already engaging with Mobile UK and operators to consider new and innovative initiatives to make their public assets available and at a cost basis that does not aim simply to raise revenue. Devolved institutions are working on Mobile Action Plans, and the Government is working with the industry to identify and seek ways to break down barriers to mobile infrastructure deployment. These are all steps in the right direction, but to shift the balance further and to ensure the regulatory and planning framework is ready and flexible enough to enable 5G, it is important action is taken now.