July 2025
Starting from:
£99 + VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference examined latest developments and next steps for the fixed and mobile telecoms markets in the UK. It brought out latest thinking on regulation, investment, competition, and the implementation of future-proofed digital infrastructure.
It brought together key stakeholders and policymakers to assess priorities in light of Ofcom’s ongoing Telecoms Access Review, which will set regulations for fixed telecoms markets from April 2026. The agenda brought out latest thinking on strategic options for fostering competition and investment in fibre rollout, implications of emerging planning and regulatory changes, and the potential for deregulation.
There was discussion on key considerations for regulators, government and stakeholders if ambitions are to be achieved for nationwide gigabit broadband connectivity by the Government’s updated target for 2032. Discussion considered issues around network convergence, priorities for infrastructure expansion and resilience following confirmation of £1.9bn in funding for BDUK, and commitments to improving telecoms infrastructure over the next decade as part of the recently published, UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy, as well as the role of public-private partnerships in delivery.
Mobile coverage and quality
Delegates assessed quality and coverage provided by UK mobile network operators, and the way forward for supporting better outcomes for consumers, including tackling not-spots, addressing indoor coverage deficits and the Government’s commitment to improving connectivity on public transport, and improving network resilience and protecting against outages.
Further discussion focused on progress of the Shared Rural Network, following Ofcom’s recent update on mobile coverage data. With findings that outdoor 4G coverage now reaches 96% of the UK landmass from at least one operator, delegates assessed how planning will need to advance for services to the hardest-to-reach areas with the Government announcing reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework with the aim of making it easier to build important infrastructure including broadband, as well as issues such as environmental concerns over mast deployment.
Competition, infrastructure, spectrum, and the future of fixed and mobile markets
Delegates examined developments in the mobile market, including the impact of the Vodafone-Three merger on market competition and consumer pricing, and concerns that the consolidation could lead to higher prices and reduced service quality for some users, as well as priorities for the Government’s review of the mobile market that will be completed by the end of 2025. Next steps for long-term investment in high-quality services and infrastructure upgrades were also assessed, as well as industry needs for access to spectrum, and questions over its allocation and pricing.
The impact of proposals in the Telecoms Access Review for altnets was also discussed, including latest thinking on what is needed from regulation to support fair competition and strategies for tackling issues arising from market fragmentation.
Attendees discussed the future of the broadband market and what will be needed to support the transition from copper, including pricing concerns, and key considerations for the financial viability of altnets in a market where consolidation is expected to continue. Opportunities were also assessed, including the potential to help altnets to attract new users, make greater use of existing infrastructure, and build more sustainable business models. We also expected discussion on the role of infrastructure sharing in enabling efficient network expansion, including latest thinking on the use and accessibility of Openreach’s Physical Infrastructure Access product.
With the Planning and Infrastructure Bill currently progressing through Parliament, delegates looked at options for amendments to directly address concerns relating to telecoms infrastructure barriers, and assess implications for the industry of proposed changes to the consenting process for NSIPs.
Rural coverage and innovation
Delegates considered approaches for ensuring the sustainability of network expansion and tackling outstanding connectivity challenges, including rural broadband coverage and the next phase of Project Gigabit. Next steps for addressing uptake gaps were considered, and the long-term pathway to achieving 99% gigabit-capable access, with Ofcom having published their report on planned network deployments in May 2025.
Sessions also focused on regulatory considerations for 5G expansion, how investment can be incentivised to support rollout, and next steps for expanding the development and commercialisation of standalone 5G architecture, as well as priorities for the deployment of £370m in investment over the next decade for advanced connectivity technologies outlined in the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those who attended include officials from DSIT; DBT; Defra; DESNZ; DHSC; DfE; DfT; DfE, NI; DfI, NI; HMRC; HM Treasury; MOD; MHCLG; NAO; NCSC; NISTA; Ofcom; CCC; Home Office; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
