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UK mobile industry calls for planning reforms

January 21, 2026

By Colin Mann

Mobile connectivity is the fundamental backbone of everyday life, according to trade body Mobile UK. From how we work and learn to how we access an increasing number of public services, our reliance on high-speed networks continues to grow, it notes.

“As we progress into the AI era, the UK stands at a critical juncture, where it is paramount to build world-leading digital infrastructure, including mobile connectivity,” it asserts.

According to Mobile UK, the UK lags behind other leading nations in respect of 5G connectivity. “If we are to realise the Government’s ambition of a high-growth, competitive economy, of being a leading AI nation and of delivering public services much more efficiently, the UK must redouble its efforts to match, if not exceed, our economic competitors; as it is for other sectors, one of the most important actions needed is to reform the planning regulations for our sector,” it declares.

“We can expect that virtually all the new AI-supported applications will run on a mobile device (personal and Internet of Things), and so it is essential that the massive computing power generated within data centres can actually reach the people and businesses who need it.

“Our goal of becoming an AI superpower relies on high quality 5G standalone (5GSA) networks acting as the ‘nervous system’ to deliver real-time processing to the user. From integrated supply chains to remote healthcare, these strategic priorities cannot exist without a densified network of masts and small cells. The Government’s digital vision and mobile infrastructure are two sides of the same coin.

“To unlock this potential, the UK must overhaul a planning system that is currently a ‘digital brake’ on progress, one that otherwise risks a £230 billion (€263bn) economic windfall made possible by 5GSA deployment [according to BT findings],” says Mobile UK. “Just as the Government prioritised a National Planning Policy Statement for datacentres it must in tandem focus its efforts on mobile infrastructure.”

“The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), that sets out the Government’s planning policies, requires modernisation to prioritise the economic and social necessity of mobile infrastructure. Current decision making at a local level can often feel like digital rollout is being treated as a secondary consideration behind other factors. It is time now to shift to a bolder philosophy where the NPPF gives substantial weight to the benefits of and needs for mobile infrastructure, recognising that connectivity is essential to daily life, not just a ‘nicety’.

“Alongside this, the Government must reform Permitted Development Rights (PDR) to reflect the refocused NPPF and allow for rapid network evolution. Speeding up the planning process by just three months could result in the deployment of 1,600 additional 5G cells being deployed by 2030.(Digital Communities APPG, 2026). This is important to allow operators to upgrade existing sites, such as increasing mast heights for better signal delivery or adding equipment to rooftops, without long delays caused by the planning process, ensuring our networks can meet the requirements of the AI era.”

“The current system often says ‘no’ by default or delays ‘yes’ until it is too late. The ambition for all populated areas to have access to 5G standalone by 2030 is only achievable if we clear these bottlenecks today. Reform of planning regulations to improve mobile deployment removes a key area of friction, to the benefit of every community and business in Britain.”

“The UK cannot afford further delay. By embracing planning reform now, we will unlock the full potential of 5G, drive productivity, and secure our position as a global leader in digital connectivity,” concludes Mobile UK.

Categories: 5G, Articles, Business, MNO, Mobile, Policy, Regulation

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