The UK government has set out a variety of measures that will see millions given access to full fibre broadband and access to 5G in the future.

The Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR), part of the government’s modern industrial strategy, lays out a plan to provide the majority of the UK population with access to 5G, connect 15m homes with full fibre broadband by 2025, and provide full fibre broadband coverage to the entire nation by 2033.

“We want everyone in the UK to benefit from world-class connectivity no matter where they live, work or travel,” said Jeremy Wright, secretary of state at the Department of Culture, Media & Sport. “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.”

The FTIR’s recommendations include providing operators with a ‘right to entry’ to flats, business parks, office blocks, and other tenanted properties in order to provide connectivity; public investment in full fibre for rural areas along with commercial investment in urban locations; a switchover from copper to full fibre coordinated with Ofcom; increased access to spectrum for 5G services; and much more.

“We welcome the Government’s review, and share its ambition for full-fibre and 5G networks to be rolled out right across the UK,” said Sharon White, Ofcom chief executive. “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.”