Through strategic initiatives, including the rollout of world-class digital infrastructure, implementation of a pro-growth regulatory regime, protection of tech intellectual property, and investment in research and development, the UK aims to unlock the full potential of its digital economy. By prioritising the development of digital skills and talent, fostering collaborations between academia and industry, and ensuring access to global talent, the UK will become the best place in the world to start and grow technology businesses. Embracing this vision and undertaking necessary actions, it is estimated that the UK tech sector’s annual gross value added could increase by £41.5 billion by 2025, accompanied by the creation of approximately 678,000 new jobs.
The DSIT is leading an ambitious programme of work to both accelerate the commercial delivery of nationwide gigabit broadband and ensure rural areas are not left behind. Thanks to our policies to encourage competition and investment, and remove barriers to deployment, industry is investing over £30 billion in one of the fastest broadband rollouts in Europe. Our aim is to achieve at least 85% gigabit coverage by 2025 and at least 99% gigabit coverage by 2030. The UK is also making significant progress in rolling out wireless connectivity, with 92% of the UK landmass currently covered by a good 4G signal from at least one operator. The Shared Rural Network will further improve coverage for 280,000 premises and 16,000km of roads, with the biggest anticipated coverage improvements in rural Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Beyond 4G, our ambition is that the majority of the population will have access to a 5G signal by 2027. DSIT has invested almost £200 million in UK telecoms innovation, through the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme (5GTT), helping to establish our global leadership in this area, and supporting industry, academic institutions and local authorities to realise the benefits of 5G.