"How does introducing 4G mobile coverage to areas which previously had no coverage impact the entire area? How does it affect the local industries and does it allow for new emergent industries? How does it impact local ways of life, tourism, educational facilities, safety for residents and visitors, and leisure activities? Are there international case studies of this happening?"
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
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
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
Why might this be relevant?
Partially answers the question by addressing broadband coverage in rural areas, but does not specifically focus on 4G mobile coverage impact on local industries, ways of life, tourism, etc.
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Seamless and Adaptive Wireless Access for Efficient Future Networks (SERAN)
Wireless communications is becoming a pervasive technology that we use throughout our lives. Across society, there is a move away from using the internet on desktop computers and towards mobile phones, laptops and tablet...
Funded by: EPSRC
Why might this be relevant?
The project discusses concepts to improve mobile networks, which partially addresses the impact of introducing 4G coverage to areas with no coverage.
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EPSRC NETWORK in Next Generation Networks Systems and Services- Enablers for the Digital Economy
Investment in innovation and research in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is essential in order to foster social and economic inclusion, better public services, and improvements in the quality of life for ...
Funded by: EPSRC
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on Next Generation Telecommunications Networks and does not directly address the impact of introducing 4G coverage to areas with no coverage.