11 Dec 2018

Stronger digital infrastructure could add billions to UK economy

The economy could get a multi-billion-pound boost if the government takes immediate action to ensure the UK is ‘match-fit’ for the digital revolution by improving connectivity.

The CBI’s latest report – Ready, Set, Connect – warned that ensuring the UK has a stronger digital infrastructure is just one area of domestic policy which risks being overshadowed by Brexit.

The CBI said that businesses have largely?welcomed the?government’s?ambitious target of rolling out 5G nationwide by 2027 and full-fibre by 2033. But?without?government?action on funding and policy in 2019, it said?firms?of all sizes?will be?at risk?of losing their competitive edge?internationally. 


You may also like:


The CBI’s report highlighted key actions for policymakers?to?deliver on?their?vision to achieve a ‘buffer-free’?digital future?and?make the UK the?top?place to start and grow a digital business.

These include fast-track laws that ensure every new property has access to gigabit broadband and give companies permission to access land or property to install connections for private tenants by 2019.

All new?government infrastructure projects?must also include?full fibre?broadband capacity?through the setting?up of a cross-government?‘Fibre and 5G Taskforce’. In addition, 5G adoption should be turbo-charged by raising awareness of its uses to businesses and by helping firms to learn more about how to better exploit the technology through government trials.

The CBI said world-class 5G technology could?potentially?add?up to £173bn to the?UK?economy by 2030.

“In?today’s world, digital connectivity matters more than ever – if data is the new oil,?then?digital connectivity is the pipe that transports it. Seamless?connections, from?full fibre networks?to?5G, offer?unprecedented opportunities for businesses and consumers across the UK,” said Matthew Fell, CBI UK chief policy director.

“Our country is?already?home to?hundreds of thousands?of innovative technological firms, both start-ups?and large enterprises.??Business models and workplaces?are changing,?and?more people?are either working?from a coffee shop, their home or office.??They are the backbone of our economy?and they all rely on?fast?and reliable digital connectivity to?run their businesses successfully.

“Action needs to be taken?now?to unleash our?digital economy?which is already?worth nearly £184 billion. This means?the government?must?unlock?investment,?update the law to help everyone get access to gigabit broadband and?spur businesses to adopt?new technologies.”

Read more like this here

Sign up to our newsletter

Get it now

Search for new diversification ideas

Search here

Find the products or services YOU need

Find an expert

Access exclusive member content

Get it now

Contact us for help and advice

Get in touch