How might future extreme weather, such as flooding and storms, heatwaves, and wildfires, affect the reliability and durability of: (i) underground fibre ducting; (ii) overhead cabling; (iii) mobile masts; (iv) hybrid wireless solutions such as satellite connectivity; (v) system wide vulnerabilities?
Background
BDUK wishes to develop a stronger evidence base around the telecoms market and how it functions at a national level. In these markets, BDUK is interested in increasing understanding of infrastructure planning and decision making, as well as how infrastructure maintenance can be ensured in the long term.
BDUK would like more insight into the barriers to delivery of gigabit and mobile roll-out across the UK and what technological innovations may assist in this. International comparisons for gigabit and mobile connectivity roll out would also be beneficial.
Cutting across all programmes, BDUK wants to understand more about the impacts of fixed and mobile connectivity, specifically how greater connectivity benefits businesses, residents, and public sector organisations. In addition, BDUK also needs more evidence on the behavioural changes connectivity makes to residents and businesses which have been connected, and the wider impacts this may have.
Lastly, BDUK is interested in more evidence on the environmental impact of its work.
Next steps
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
Related UKRI funded projects
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Why might this be relevant?
This project specifically focuses on building resilience of national infrastructure networks to flood and storm events, which directly addresses the question about the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure.
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AI generative design and investment tool for Hybrid Terrestrial/Non-Terrestrial Telecommunication Network Eco-Systems
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Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on AI generative design for hybrid networks, but does not directly address the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure.
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TINFOIL - Trenchless Installation Fibre Optic Cable
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital inclusion, and households and indirectly businesses, have become even more dependent on broadband connectivity. Data traffic has risen quickly and whilst it...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: FAST2FIBRE LIMITED
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on trenchless installation of fibre optic cable, but does not address all aspects of extreme weather impacts on telecom infrastructure.