UK government 'must take action' on 5G

More communications masts will be needed to facilitate 5G

The rollout of the UK's future 5G mobile network must be handled better than 4G was, according to a new report. 

The current 4G network ranks only 54th in the world in terms of coverage, a panel of government-appointed experts has said. The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) said there must be far fewer dead spots the next time round.


Ofcom welcomed the report but indicated the study that gave rise to the ranking might not be reliable.
The communications regulator's targets are based on the percentage of properties that have access to a mobile phone signal rather than coverage to all parts of the country.

But the figure quoted by the NIC was based on data gathered by an app used by volunteers measuring the amount of time they had access to a 4G network as they travelled about.

"We agree that mobile coverage must improve, so we're pleased the NIC shares our ambition for universal coverage," said a spokesman for the communications regulator.

"Our rules mean that virtually all UK premises must receive a 4G signal by the end of next year, and we're also making more airwaves available to boost mobile broadband.

"Last month, we challenged mobile operators to explore how to reach all remote areas and transport lines. "We will shortly publish robust data on 4G in the UK, to help inform decisions on improving coverage."

5G masterplan

A 5G standard does not yet exist, but the technology is expected to surpass 4G to provide faster data uploads and downloads when it is deployed, some time after 2020.

The NIC said mobile connectivity had become a "necessity" in society and 5G would play a crucial role in the economy.

"The market has driven great advances since the advent of the mobile phone, but government must now play an active role to ensure that basic services are available wherever we live, work and travel, and our roads, railways and city centres must be made 5G-ready as quickly as possible," the report said.

Quoting research by the mobile data crowd-sourcing firm OpenSignal, the NIC attacked the UK's 4G coverage ranking.

"The UK's networks are not complete. There are too many digital deserts across the country and the availability of our 4G network is worse than many countries including Albania, Panama and Peru," the commission said.

Its report called on the government to become a "digital champion" by, for example, creating a dedicated cabinet minister.

Roadside networks needed to be made "fit for the future", while the railway network must "rapidly improve connectivity", it said.