UK government launches ambitious review to accelerate 5G Standalone rollout and explore future tech infrastructure

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive Mobile Market Review aimed at strengthening mobile infrastructure, boosting 5G Standalone deployment by 2030, and preparing for future technological developments including 6G and satellite connectivity.

The UK government has opened a wide-ranging Mobile Market Review designed to inform Department for Science, Innovation and Technology decisions on how to strengthen the country’s mobile networks and accelerate rollout of 5G Standalone (5GSA) across populated areas by 2030. According to the government’s call for evidence, ministers want detailed input on technological and market trends, policy levers to unlock investment and the quality‑of‑service and coverage levels the country should aim for.

The review is organised around three linked themes: the technological and structural evolution of the mobile sector; the current market state and what government support or regulation might be needed to stimulate further investment; and whether the existing regulatory framework is fit for the next decade. Industry commentators have noted the review seeks to balance consumer outcomes, competition and security while also looking beyond 2030 to emerging developments such as 6G.

Officials set out four stated objectives for the vision of the sector: encourage investment in high‑quality connectivity; deliver for consumers; support innovation and growth; and provide secure, resilient networks. The government is soliciting evidence on how trends such as software‑defined networking, cloud providers and traffic growth could shape incentives for operators and new entrants, and how those dynamics might affect consumers and competition over the coming decade.

Ministers acknowledge the current funding climate is tough for mobile operators and are exploring which policy measures would best mobilise private spending. Industry trade body Mobile UK and operators have repeatedly urged planning reform and other deployment‑friendly measures to speed site build‑out for 5GSA, arguing such changes are important if the UK is to capitalise on AI and other digital opportunities. The review asks whether recent government steps to relax barriers are sufficient or need to go further.

The government is also scrutinising regulatory settings. Current rules derived from the 2023 Communications Act have supported past rollout but the review raises questions about whether Ofcom’s duties and powers, and existing net neutrality safeguards, remain appropriate as networks and services evolve. Ofcom itself has been updating and consulting on net neutrality guidance amid growing traffic and the rise of large content providers, signalling potential regulatory recalibration.

The call for evidence explicitly invites input on a range of technologies beyond traditional mobile mast networks, including shared “neutral host” deployments and non‑terrestrial connectivity such as direct‑to‑device satellite services, reflecting a recognition that multiple architectures may be needed to achieve broad 5GSA availability. Baroness Lloyd of Effra CBE, Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State at DSIT, said: “My first priority is ensuring investment to deliver the availability of reliable, high‑quality and affordable 5G standalone coverage across the UK this decade to drive growth and guarantee digital inclusion. I am also clear that the security and resilience of our telecoms networks is increasingly of central importance to ensuring that the essential services the public rely on continue to operate. Looking beyond 2030, it is also critical that we understand how the market will evolve over the following decade and what that means for the government’s long‑term objectives. I am therefore calling on all parts of the sector and interested parties to share detailed insights and evidence on: the impact of technological and market developments on investment, innovation, competition and consumers

policy levers that could unlock further investment in mobile networks

the appropriate quality-of-service and level of coverage that will enable UK people and businesses to realise the full benefits of standalone 5G

how we ensure the current regulatory framework continues to deliver the government’s objectives Together, we can shape a future where connectivity drives prosperity, inclusion, and innovation across the UK.” Responses to the review must be submitted by 5 May 2026.

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Source: Fuse Wire Services