The new plans and investment have been unveiled by UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan as part of the new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy
The UK government announces investment package worth approximately £150m to bolster digital connectivity. (Credit: F. Muhammad from Pixabay)
The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced an investment package worth approximately £150m to bolster digital connectivity and position the country at the forefront of emerging telecom technologies.
The new plans and investment have been unveiled by UK Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan as part of the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.
Under the strategy, the government has outlined its goals to provide the fastest, most reliable wireless coverage throughout the country and make standalone 5G available to all populated areas by 2030.
The UK government has pledged up to £100m of funding initially to power early-stage research into 6G and make an impact on global standards-setting.
Besides, the investment package includes £40m 5G innovation fund to encourage investment and adoption of 5G by businesses and public services.
The financing is expected to support businesses and public services utilise advanced wireless connectivity to create value, innovation, and growth at a local level.
Furthermore, the government has committed £8m to provide high-speed broadband for up to 35,000 of the country’s most remote properties.
The new programme will provide funds to households and businesses in the most remote regions that cannot connect gigabit-capable broadband to link them up to satellites orbiting the planet. This will provide them access to broadband connections that are up to 10 times faster than what is now accessible to them.
Donelan said: “Our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out our plan to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, can reap the benefits of improved connectivity.
“We are doing this by ensuring all populated areas in the UK will be served by what I call ‘5G-plus’ technology by 2030. We are also committing £8m to provide satellite connectivity for our most remote communities so that no one is left behind.
“We are also supporting long term economic growth in the UK with a £40m fund to encourage innovative 5G investment across the private and public sector.”