The Government has announced that high-speed fibre and 5G will be available to the whole country by 2033. This investment in technology will create tender opportunities across the UK as the Government proceeds with plans to improve connectivity nationwide.
The Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review
The Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR) has recommended that super-fast full fibre broadband is installed in new-build properties as standard.
The Government wants everyone living and working in the UK to benefit from ‘world-class connectivity’. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Jeremy Wright said:
“This radical new blueprint for the future of telecommunications in this country will increase competition and investment in full fibre broadband, create more commercial opportunities and make it easier and cheaper to roll out the infrastructure for 5G.”
The measures outlined in the latest review include giving telecommunication operators a ‘right to entry’ to a variety of properties (flats, business parks, office blocks and other tenanted properties). This aims to give UK renters access to better connectivity and a wider range of suppliers.
There are also plans for the UK to invest in rural areas, making sure that areas outside of cities can gain access to full fibre.
World leaders in 5G
DCMS has stated that the latest plans could cement the UK at the forefront of technology:
“There is a real opportunity for the UK to become a world leader in digital connectivity –
increasing our competitiveness, boosting productivity and meeting future demands of consumers and businesses.”
Although the FTIR is positive, stating that 87% of the UK landmass already has 4G coverage, the report notes that there are still many areas in the UK where mobile connectivity needs to be improved. The report estimates that the total level of investment required for the national roll-out of full fibre is around £30 billion.
Tender opportunities from the full fibre roll-out
In the FTIR the Government states that the £400 million Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund will help release over £1 billion for full fibre broadband.
The £200 million Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) Challenge Fund is also now open for local bodies to bid into. The Government hopes that this will “stimulate commercial investment in full fibre networks in both rural and urban locations across the UK”. This has the potential to unlock digital tender opportunities across the UK.
If you are looking to tap into this type of Government spend and find tender opportunities in this area, try Tracker for free today.
