Michelle Donelan announced the strategy, which will seek to boost digital connectivity to communities throughout the UK using 5G connections.

The investment is made up of £100m for future research into 6G technology, £40m for boosting 5G take up, and £8m for a satellite connectivity programme, aiming to serve for more remote homes and businesses.  The announcement of the funding follows the announcement of the initiative itself which happened earlier this week.

The future research investment is expected to position the UK at the forefront of future telecoms technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and innovation potential in the sector. At the same time, levelling the playing field in the UK in terms of access to broadband internet. 

“Lack of connection in rural areas, alongside increasing costs for data and the upcoming 3G switch-offs, continue to have a huge impact on someone’s ability to succeed in education, their chances of securing a well-paid job,” said Elizabeth Anderson, COO for the Digital Poverty Alliance.

According to Donelan, the Infrastructure Strategy will ensure that everyone can reap the benefits of improved connectivity no matter where they live. Which would in turn, foster long-term economic growth. 

Recommended

• Critical Vulnerabilities Found in Microsoft Message Queuing
• Scots Rural Small Businesses Struggling Due to Poor Broadband
• Scottish Games Week to Return Later This Year

She added: “With millions of people in the UK cut off from the online world, it should no longer be the case that individuals miss out on opportunities because they cannot get access to connection and providing connectivity for all will not only benefit people on an individual level, reducing unfair barriers, but means the nation will be more equipped with individuals who can help to grow the economy now, and in the future.

“This package of measures turbocharges our progress towards becoming a science and tech superpower with a substantial initial investment in the future of telecoms. We want to ensure that 6G is developed to meet the needs of people and businesses right across the UK and bolster our international competitiveness throughout the economy,” said Donelan.