UK Struggles with 5G Connectivity: A Call for Improvement
- British users currently access 5G only about 10% of the time, in contrast to over 40% in India.
- The UK's poor 5G rollout is linked to the government's 2020 ban on Huawei and public resistance to mobile mast installations.
- Investment of approximately £37 billion is necessary to fully establish 5G across the UK by 2030.
In the UK, there have been significant challenges regarding the implementation and accessibility of 5G technology. As of a recent report, British users only experience 5G connectivity about 10% of the time, notably lagging behind countries like India, where it exceeds 40%. The inconsistency of mobile service is a widespread concern, with 17% of users reporting connection issues. The situation was exacerbated by the government's 2020 decision to ban Huawei's equipment from the 5G network, which has delayed the rollout of robust 5G services. Furthermore, the lack of adequate infrastructure, including necessary mobile phone masts, is due to resistance from planning departments and public opposition labeling these masts as eyesores. Investment in the infrastructure remains inadequate, with estimates suggesting £37 billion is needed to achieve nationwide 5G coverage by 2030. The government's commitments to enhance connectivity reflect a growing awareness of the economic potential of improved mobile networks.