Mobile network trade body puts out Industry Manifesto

Mobile UK, the trade association of the UK’s mobile network operators, has put out its own ‘Industry Manifesto’ trying to encourage the next government to prioritise reform to boost investment. £5 is generated in the UK economy for every £1 invested by the mobile operators, according to GSMA, and reiterated by Mobile UK, and it can help promote digital inclusivity and unlock cross-sector innovation. £25bn is required to deploy 5G nationwide, according to a 2022 report from Digital Connectivity Forum, a government advisory body, but only £2bn is being invested annually. This shows a clear gap in funding that the Labour Party would have to help find if it wants to keep its pledge of nationwide 5G by 2030. 

The five-point plan from Mobile UK is as follows:

1. Overhaul the planning system so that it is adequately resourced and able to deliver the rapid rollout of mobile networks to support economic growth
2. Reform the radio spectrum tax so that mobile operators can retain funds for investment in improved network capacity and coverage
3. Centrally fund local authority Digital Champions to make them more effective at digitising public services and promoting the rollout of digital infrastructure
4. Reform network traffic management regulations to boost service and tariff innovation
5. Offer business rates relief on new mobile infrastructure to encourage investment in its construction and increase digital inclusion

Mobile UK hopes that an incoming government will take this forward in their ‘first 100-day plan’. Whilst some of these points don’t need explaining, some could use further detail to explain precisely what they are looking for. Mobile networks have previously urged Ofcom to repeal ‘net neutrality’ rules. They argue that these rules hinder product innovation, although they do protect consumers from a tiered Internet system. For example, if a video streaming platform pays a mobile network to prioritise its traffic over others, it could harm potential start-ups trying to compete. This prioritisation might push users towards the streaming platform which is paying for better performance, which may not be in the user’s best interest.