Josh Turpin, program manager for telecoms and net zero at techUK, identifies gaps in the UK’s current digital infrastructure and outlines the improvements needed to accelerate digital services and compete globally.
The UK is at a pivotal moment in its digital evolution. Ranked 18th in the world in the 2024 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Rankings, moving up two places, the UK has far more work to do compared to its global peers.
This year, advanced connectivity technology (the government’s term for telecommunications in general) was identified as one of the UK’s frontier technologies with the greatest growth potential in the Digital Technology Sector Plan, which underpins the country’s industrial strategy. The stakes here are high: according to AWS, digitalisation enabled by AI could contribute up to £520bn to the UK economy by 2030, but only if we invest in the networks that power the UK economy. Of course, it’s not all about AI, but given the government’s focus on this area, such as AI Growth Zones, the lack of preparedness when it comes to communications networks is reckless.
As the UK continues to roll out 5G, it also prepares for 6G, and the decisions taken today will determine the UK’s competitive position in the global digital economy for decades to come.
Beyond simple deployment
The UK’s 5G journey goes far beyond the initial rollout and is demonstrating real-world innovation and impact, including through 5G testbeds and trials and innovation regions across the country. These efforts support practical use cases across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology across the economy and our lives.
A strong innovation ecosystem supports this progress. Testbeds and living labs provide businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, the opportunity to experiment with 5G capabilities before committing to full deployment. Academia-industry partnerships accelerate the development of use cases and ensure that research is linked to commercial applications. With the establishment of facilities like Digital Catapult’s SONIC Labs, the UK is establishing itself as a leader in open RAN testing and integration, attracting international companies while building domestic capacity.
Additionally, private 5G networks are particularly valuable in certain sectors, offering dedicated capacity and enhanced security for industrial applications. By developing these capabilities while focusing on maintaining and strengthening domestic supply chains, we are building long-term strategic advantages and balance of payments export opportunities.
unfinished business
Despite these advances, significant barriers remain to the full deployment of 5G. Potential continues to be constrained by delays in the rollout of 5G standalone networks, which provide the enhancements needed for vertical industry deployments that are at the heart of 5G’s promise. Additionally, the Shared Rural Network, an initiative by three mobile network operators (MNOs) to bring 4G to rural and hard-to-reach areas, is also ongoing. Concerns about return on investment, misconceptions about what 5G can offer, and security considerations are creating hesitancy, especially among small and medium-sized businesses. Integration challenges with legacy systems add further complexity to an already muddy business field.
Infrastructure gaps continue to exist, with urban-rural connectivity disparities, uneven indoor coverage quality, reliance on fiber backhaul and extensive infrastructure requiring continued investment. The business case for comprehensive deployment, particularly in less commercially attractive areas, remains difficult. AlternativeNet, which is driving gigabit broadband networks across the country, is also in a period of consolidation, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the market.
Perhaps most importantly, expertise in areas such as network integration and cybersecurity continues to be urgently needed. Significant skills shortages exist to meet future workforce demands, especially as we face the challenge of an aging workforce both within and outside of our industry.
project 6g
As these 5G challenges are resolved, a 6G schedule in line with the International Telecommunication Union’s 2030 goals is already taking shape. The UK is also positioning itself in the international effort to define the next generation of connectivity, and the proof is in its rollout plans. We know the UK’s strength in research, but to remain competitive we must not fall behind in implementation.
The expected capabilities of 6G extend far beyond incremental improvements. Advances in robotics and augmented reality will be supported by improvements in speed, capacity, and latency, while AI will be fully integrated into the network, allowing for self-learning and management. The shift from hardware to software through virtualization will continue, reducing costs and increasing adaptability.
The UK Government’s 6G vision focuses on interoperability, security by design, sustainability and accessibility. The goal is to incorporate multiple technologies, build reliable networks, achieve energy efficiency, and connect terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to extend coverage regardless of geography.
Securing digital leadership
The UK has established strong foundations through sustained innovation projects, world-class research partnerships and strategic investment. Progress in 5G deployment shows significant levels of capability and ambition, and early positions in 6G research and standardization demonstrate foresight. However, global competition for digital infrastructure leadership is intensifying. Countries leading the way in 6G are not just early adopters. They shape standards, influence architecture, and reap disproportionate economic benefits.
The next five years are critical. Addressing remaining 5G adoption barriers quickly while simultaneously investing in 6G research and development will require focus and resources. Building the skills pipeline, maintaining research momentum and ensuring alignment between all stakeholders will determine whether the UK can move up the global digital competitiveness rankings and become a top digital economy. This moment is both a challenge for the UK and a great opportunity to lead, as the infrastructure decisions we make over the next few years will shape our economic performance for years to come.
This article will also be published in the quarterly magazine issue 24.
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