New Minister for Broadband (and other bits) Jeremy Wright pledged today to bring high speed fibre and 5G to the whole country by 2033, in the launch of the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR). The Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) also said the government would be pushing to make super-fast full fibre broadband installed as standard in new properties. Government statistics suggest only 4% of UK premises currently have a full-fibre link – compared to 79% in Spain and 95% in Portugal.

“We want everyone in the UK to benefit from world-class connectivity no matter where they live, work or travel.” said Jeremy…. “this radical new blueprint for the future of telecommunications in this country will increase competition and investment in full fibre broadband, create more commercial opportunities and make it easier and cheaper to roll out infrastructure for 5G….Without change, full fibre broadband networks will at best only ever reach three quarters of the country, and it would take more than twenty years to do so. [separator]

[separator]Key measures outlined in the FTIR also includes giving operators a ‘right to entry’ to flats, business parks, office blocks and other tenanted properties to give renters access to better connectivity and choice of supplier.  It will also invest in rural areas to ensure parts of the UK outside of cities also get access to full fibre. The DCMS will also work with Ofcom to lead an industry-wide switch over from copper to fibre.

Sharon White, Ofcom chief executive, said: “We welcome the government’s review, and share its ambition for full-fibre and 5G networks to be rolled out right across the UK. The government and Ofcom are working together, and with industry, to help ensure people and businesses get the broadband and mobile they need for the 21st century.”

Hurrah ! Hopefully only 1/3rd of the century will have passed by the time the plan delivers !

[separator]If you need super fast fibre broadband, or full fibre to the premises, Trio Telecom partner will all the major carriers and will search to find the best available solution for your business. Call Trio Telecom today on 01727 221303.