What is the current forecast of non-fibre based technology (including anything capable of delivering speeds above superfast but below gigabit[30Mbps - 1Gbps], or speeds which exceeds gigabit [>1Gbps]) and its role in delivering broadband connectivity to homes and businesses where fibre is not feasible? What is the lifespan and redundancies of these technologies?
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
Topics
Related UKRI funded projects
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Last mile broadband for rural UK via Integrated Access Backhaul
Broadband is an essential tool for empowering populations and a key priority in the 21st century due to its transformative power as an enabler for economic and social growth. It leads to increased income and reduced unem...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: ORB CONNECT LTD
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on last-mile broadband for rural areas, addressing the need for non-fibre based technology and its role in delivering connectivity where fibre is not feasible.
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High Speed (400Mbps) Broadband over existing Copper
Proof of Concept trials have shown that it is feasible to deliver up to 400 Mbps over standard copper telephone wires by reconfiguring the architecture into DSL Rings®, the first major change to the copper telephone ...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: GENESIS TECHNICAL SYSTEMS UK LIMITED
Why might this be relevant?
The project discusses high-speed broadband over existing copper, which partially addresses the question by providing an alternative technology for broadband delivery.
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Optical Wireless Link Solutions (OWLS)
The growing demand for high bandwidth, reliable and affordable data communications has major connectivity bottlenecks, notably the ‘last mile’ delivery of broadband to homes and businesses. BT Openreach’s planned upgrade...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: PALLISER ENGINEERS LTD
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on Optical Wireless Communication for broadband delivery, but does not specifically address non-fibre based technology or its role in areas where fibre is not feasible.