Mobile UK, which represents major mobile operators like Three UK, EE (BT), O2, and Vodafone is calling on the government to introduce changes in the UK’s spring budget ahead of its announcement on 6 March. 

The aim is to make the investment climate more favourable for mobile operators, in order to accelerate network upgrades across the country. This comes on the backdrop of increasing challenges according to Mobile UK, such as escalating costs due to inflation, stagnant or declining revenues, escalating data demands, and increasing governmental expectations to deliver social goods like affordable digital access for all.

Mobile UK is calling for measures such as central funding for Digital Champions, reconsideration of annual licence fees, ensuring tax system predictability, bolstering resources for planning to expedite approval of new mobile infrastructure, and investing in digital skills.

Commenting ahead of the Spring Budget, Hamish MacLeod, chief executive at Mobile UK, said:

‍“The mobile network operators believe these actions will help unlock the full potential of the UK’s mobile industry. 

“We hope to work with the Government to break down barriers and create a positive investment environment that supports the deployment of mobile infrastructure to help sustain people’s ultra-connected lifestyles, along with the recruitment of digital champions within local authorities.  

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Despite potential limitations, the government’s commitments to expand mobile coverage, including the Shared Rural Network project and the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, could face challenges without further intervention.

While the Spring Budget may not directly address all of Mobile UK’s concerns, the trade body’s advocacy underscores the urgency of bolstering the mobile industry’s infrastructure to meet evolving digital demands nationwide.

“We look forward to the chancellor’s announcement with the hope of seeing the inclusion of focus on infrastructure and the acknowledgment of its central role in strengthening the economy,” concluded MacLeod.