UK ranks lowest in 5G connectivity among major countries

The United Kingdom ranks last among 15 developed and developing international markets in 5G internet connectivity, according to a recent report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF).

The SMF report, titled "Growing Connections", highlights that UK consumers receive 5G coverage only 10% of the time. This figure places the UK significantly behind other major economies, such as India at 43% and South Korea at 38%, which are recognised as global leaders. European neighbours France and Italy also surpass the UK with 5G availabilities of 20.6% and 17.9% respectively.

The analysis conducted by SMF introduces a 5G 'composite connectivity' league table, assessing both the availability and achievable download speeds of 5G networks. The findings draw attention to the UK's position at the very bottom of the list.

The report coincides with recent commitments made by Chris Bryant, the Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, to enhance the UK's digital infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth. Nonetheless, despite such political ambitions, the reality appears disparate. In 2023, a Wireless Infrastructure Strategy was set forth, aiming for nationwide standalone 5G coverage across all populated areas by 2030; however, progress remains insufficient according to the SMF findings.

According to the report, the UK's subpar mobile connectivity stems from inadequate investment in next-generation technologies and telecommunications infrastructure. Insights gathered through interviews with industry experts suggest barriers to investment include intricate planning laws, uncertainty over consumer demand, and the structure of the telecommunications market. Additionally, political reforms have inadvertently hampered investment through policies on spectrum use and infrastructure cost reduction strategies, leading to widespread litigation that discourages landowners from leasing property needed for mobile network expansion.

Richard Hyde, Senior Researcher at the SMF, expressed concern over the findings: "It is concerning that the UK is at the rock bottom among several emerging and developed economies on 5G connectivity. Until it changes, this will continue to be a significant hinderance to the government's growth agenda, by denying us major productivity increases, which widespread 5G can help deliver. It is reassuring that the government has recognised the importance of infrastructure to growth, but there are a range of obstacles that will need to be addressed to ensure 5G mobile can play its role in contributing to growth."

Hyde added, "While this paper has set out the poor state of affairs, we will be providing a comprehensive set of solutions in a forthcoming report towards the end of the year."

Thomas Evans, Executive Vice President of APWireless, highlighted the critical need for improvement: "There is near-universal agreement that dramatically improving 5G connectivity is essential in order to safeguard the UK's global competitiveness and drive economic growth."

Evans also stated, "This research asks important and timely questions about why the UK languishes at the bottom of the global league table for 5G connectivity. We believe the government should look closely at the SMF's initial research as it seeks to meet its objective of attaining the fastest economic growth in the G7. By considering these issues in the round, the government has an opportunity to secure vast economic and social benefits across the country."

The SMF plans to release a more detailed report later this year, which aims to explore further the economic benefits of enhanced mobile connectivity and the measures policymakers could adopt to support its advancement across the UK.