With the rise of remote working and the current shift towards AI-enabled services across the business environment, we need to ensure that our customers are armed with reliable connections whenever possible. And this is already underway, with the race to full fibre in full swing and the advent of technologies like 5G.
The future of the telecoms industry is changing fast with a focus on efficient network management and infrastructure sharing and collaboration. So where will we be in three years' time and will the UK hit connectivity goals set by the government to ensure the country continues to lead in telecommunications?
Connectivity enablers
The UK’s telecommunications market has long been a global powerhouse. And its growth trajectory continues unrelentingly as according to industry projections, it is poised to surge from USD 34.32 billion in 2023 to an impressive USD 42.95 billion by 2028. Undoubtedly, Britain stands as a formidable player in the global telecommunication arena.
A pivotal goal of the UK government is to usher in a new era of digital connectivity by ensuring every home and business has access to gigabit-capable broadband by 2025. Recognising the immense economic and social benefits inherent in full fibre digital connectivity and 5G, the government underscores the importance of security and resilience in the underlying infrastructure. The urgency of this mission is clear: businesses must be prepared to navigate this transformational shift.
A defining aspect of this transformation is the country's shift to full fibre optics and the impending end of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in 2025. As part of this 'national switch,' the outdated copper phone network will be retired in favour of a full fibre connection, just like Digital Infrastructures. While minimal disruptions are expected, the UK government, in collaboration with Ofcom, is proactively safeguarding consumer interests throughout this transition.
This transition presents a host of opportunities for UK organisations. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) estimates that the move to fibre could facilitate the connection of rural and isolated communities, potentially boosting overall labour productivity by nearly £59 billion. For a nation grappling with persistent productivity challenges, this shift could yield transformative economic gains. Moreover, the prevalence of flexible working practices could welcome up to a million individuals back into the UK labour force, offering businesses a richer pool of innovative talent to tap into.
Also, the deployment of 5G by major providers since 2019 has injected a new dimension into the telecoms landscape. The fifth generation of cellular networks brings with it lower latency, higher bandwidth, and improved connectivity speeds, empowering organisations to support a booming number of connected devices and services.
However, the real gem lies in the security enhancements inherent in 5G, including advanced mutual authentication capabilities and fortified subscriber identity verification. As 5G scales nationally, the implications for efficiency, cost savings, and cybersecurity resilience are profound.
A bright connected future
Embracing this shifting landscape, businesses are poised to leverage unprecedented growth opportunities. As the UK positions itself to harness digital transformation, the focus must be on ramping up workforce productivity to match global competitors. It's not just about adopting new technologies but also about strategically utilising them to optimise performance and outcomes.
The trajectory of the UK's telecoms sector is a promising one. With the steadfast commitment of providers like BeFibre and the determined vision of the government, the target of a fully connected Britain by 2025 seems within reach. The amalgamation of full fibre broadband and 5G technologies is poised to revolutionise not only the way we work and communicate but also the way we innovate and grow as a nation.
As we stand on the brink of a new digital age, businesses must seize the opportunities presented by this evolving landscape to unlock their true potential and contribute to a truly connected Britain.
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All references to how many times faster our broadband service is, depends on you being able to access ‘superfast’ type broadband services of 70Mbps (or less) and selecting one of our packages at the advertised speed. Speeds shown may be affected based on the placement of the router in your property or the device you are using.
