Substantial investments in telecoms and a new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy to put the UK at the forefront of science and technology, harness enterprise and innovation, and drive economic growth.
Edinburgh, U.K., 11th April 2023 – The Prime Minister has set out his 5 priorities for this government – to build a better, more secure, more prosperous future for the UK, including growing the economy, and creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the UK.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out a policy framework to affirm the government’s commitment to extending 4G coverage to 95% of the population, deliver standalone 5G to all populated areas in the UK by 2030, and invest £40 million to drive take-up of innovative 5G-enabled services for businesses and the public sector. It also sets out a comprehensive 6G strategy to harness and develop the UK’s strengths in future telecoms, and to ensure that the UK can influence and benefit from the development of 6G in a way that meets the UK’s future connectivity needs.
The Clarus Networks Group, alongside BT, is currently supporting Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband trials in the most remote parts of the UK. The government has now launched a total of 7 sites across the UK using a mixture of both OneWeb and Starlink equipment. These sites include some of the most remote areas of the UK including Snowdonia National Park, North York Moors, Papa Stour, and Lundy Island.
Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, said:
“Our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out our plan to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, can reap the benefits of improved connectivity…we are committing £8m to provide satellite connectivity for our most remote communities so that no one is left behind while ensuring all populated areas in the UK will be served by what I call ‘5G-plus’ technology by 2030.”
“This package of measures turbocharges our progress towards becoming a science and tech superpower with a substantial initial investment in the future of telecoms.”
Derek Phillips, Managing Director of The Clarus Networks Group, added:
“With our strong track record of delivering connectivity to remote areas, Clarus is committed to developing innovative new solutions to provide high-speed internet access to those in underserved areas of the UK. We are working closely with Starlink, OneWeb, and the UK government to deliver something that has not been possible until now. It’s a hugely exciting and transformative time for people located in remote areas – this rollout will create a wealth of new opportunities for businesses and communities alike.”
You can read the full announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investment-in-telecoms-innovation-and-rd
About The Clarus Networks Group
Launched in 2014 Clarus specialises in offering customers fully managed networking solutions to connect businesses with their teams across the world, no matter how remotely located they are. From energy and construction to retail and healthcare, Clarus works across a wide range of sectors providing network design, installation, and support services, keeping users online 24/7. The company’s main divisions include CLEO, Boost Pro, and Clarus Site Solutions.
About The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) brings together the relevant parts of the former Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy and the former Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport.
Their responsibilities include:
- positioning the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement
- driving innovations that change lives and sustain economic growth
- delivering talent programmes, physical and digital infrastructure, and regulation to support our economy, security, and public services
- R&D funding
About OneWeb
OneWeb is a global communications network powered by a constellation of 648 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Headquartered in London, OneWeb enables high-speed, low-latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities everywhere around the world.
About Starlink
Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more.
Leveraging advanced satellites and user hardware coupled with our deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world.
