MIF Welcomes APPG Report

Mobile Infrastructure Forum Welcomes APPG Report Highlighting Mobile Connectivity as the Engine of National Growth

Mobile Infrastructure Forum (MIF) welcomes the Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) report, Reconnecting Britain: Restoring Trust, Connecting Communities and Driving Inclusive Growth.

The report serves as a powerful endorsement of the industry’s role in the UK’s economic future. The APPG’s findings align with the Forum’s core policy objectives, specifically the urgent need for planning reform and the full implementation of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act.

Securing the Future: PSTI Act Implementation

A stable regulatory environment is fundamental to innovation. While the Forum notes the progress made on the PSTI Act 2022, full implementation remains vital to resolving legacy legal issues affecting 16% of mobile sites.

Meeting the 7 April 2026 commencement date is a priority to help close the UK's 5G investment gap, currently estimated between £20 billion and £37 billion.

Unlocking Growth Through Planning Reform

The report confirms that barriers to coverage are often structural rather than technical. We support the APPG’s call to treat digital infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.

Key findings supporting reform include:

• The Cost of Delay: Speeding up planning by just three months could deploy 1,600 additional 5G cells by 2030.

• Empowering Local Authorities: Areas with "Digital Champions" see progress four times faster than those without.

• Addressing Inconsistency: Operators currently win 85-90% of appeals, suggesting many initial refusals are based on uninformed grounds.

The Economic Value of a Connected Britain

The report also strongly supports digital connectivity as the backbone of economic renewal, stating that the potential rewards for a fully connected UK include:

• Productivity Gains: 5G and full fibre could boost the economy by over £200 billion by 2035.

• Social Return: The report notes a potential £9.48 return for every £1 invested in digital inclusion.

  
  

Mobile Infrastructure Forum remains committed to working with the Government, Ofcom, and local authorities to ensure world-class mobile infrastructure improve wireless connectivity for society and businesses throughout the UK.