The Government has today (11 April ) launched its new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy (WIS) with an ambition 'to boost digital connectivity and put the UK at the forefront of future telecomes technologies.'

The announcement continues:

"Today’s announcement also commits £8m to delivering high-speed broadband for up to 35,000 of the UK’s most remote properties. Under the new scheme, homes and businesses in the most remote areas that are unable to be connected to gigabit-capable broadband will be given funding to link them up to satellites orbiting the globe, giving them a broadband connection that will be up to ten times faster than what is currently available to them.

Additionally, a £40 million 5G innovation fund will promote investment and adoption of 5G by businesses and public services, helping them unlock opportunities to use advanced wireless connectivity, generating value, innovation and growth at a local level."

With a whole chapter focusing on 'Ensuring good connectivity across rural and urban areas', the strategy includes a 10 point plan for rural connectivity including the appointment of a Digital Champion reporting to DSIT and DEFRA to remove local barriers for deployment and promote digitally based innovation in rural areas. The plan also asks Ofcom to improve mobile coverage report, including in rural areas. 

You can access the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy at this link

ISPreview reports on the story but also highlights some possible issues for rural areas.  It mentions how under the new scheme, homes and businesses in the most remote areas that are unable to be connected to gigabit-capable broadband will be given funding to link them up to satellites orbiting the globe, giving them a broadband connection that will be up to ten times faster than what is currently available to them.

However, it points out that monthly ongoing rentals for satellite providers are still too expensive for many people to be able to afford and further details about bringing more longterm affordable costs for this service are yet to be announced.

With the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy having key ramifications for rural areas in the drive for improved digital connectivity, the Rural Services Network will be exploring the strategy in more detail, to produce a Rural Lens Review where we explore the implications for rural communities. This will be published in due course.

Full articles:

ISPreview - UK Set Ambition to Deliver Standalone 5G to All Populated Areas by 2030
GOV.UK - New investment boosts UK's digital connectivity