Digital infrastructure will be critical for the UK's economy in the 21st century as the digital economy currently represents 12.4% of GDP. However, without further investment the UK risks falling behind internationally, as it currently ranks 9th out of 18 countries for 4G and 17th out of 19 countries for full fiber broadband. Key issues that need to be addressed include how to best invest in ultrafast and 5G networks, how to achieve universal broadband provision beyond the minimum standard, how regulation will work outside the EU, and how to build resilience into smart systems from the beginning.

1. Digital Infrastructure to 2050
November 2017
Adam Cooper
nic.org.uk
@natinfracom
@infra_adam

2. Congestion, capacity, carbon
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3. Building a digital society
Digital connectivity will be at the heart of a
successful 21st century economy
• The UK’s digital economy represents 12.4% of GDP,
the largest of any G20 nation
• Forecasts are for 156m ‘internet of things’
connections in 2024, up from 13.3m today
But without further investment, the UK risks falling
behind:
• In 2015, the UK ranked: 9th out of 18 countries for
4G; 17th out of 19 countries for ‘full fibre’
• Nearly 25% of rural premises do not receive a decent
broadband service
Key issues:
• Investment for ultrafast and 5G: what is the best
route?
• Universal provision beyond the USO
• Regulation outside the EU
• Building resilience into smart systems from the start
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