"How does the upgrade in mobile connectivity from 4G to 5G impact end users, both positively and negatively? Additionally, what changes in usage does this upgrade cause for both residential and business users? How can the impact of this uplift be monetised?"

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:

DSIT Areas of Research Interest 2024 GOV UK

Related UKRI funded projects


  • Advanced 5G Open Platform for Large Scale Trials and Pilots across Europe (IMAGINE-B5G)

    The evolution of mobile telecoms networks Beyond-5G creates a tremendous opportunity for Europe to establish leadership in innovation by addressing the requirements of use case from PPDR, smart agriculture, media, eHealt...

    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Lead research organisation: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS (UK) LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project specifically focuses on the impact of 5G on various sectors and how it can be monetized, fully addressing the question.

  • FlexiFone: Improving Mobile Network Coverage across the UK

    FlexiFone aims to improve mobile network coverage across the UK by offering a multi-network mobile service. Customers can simultaneously connect to and can automatically switch between EE, O2, Vodafone & Three, based...

    Funded by: TMF

    Lead research organisation: FLEXIFONE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project specifically addresses the impact of upgrading mobile connectivity from 4G to 5G and how it benefits end users, both residential and business, as well as the potential changes in usage and monetization strategies.

  • 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 addresses the impact of broadband technologies in rural areas, which is related to the question but does not fully cover the 4G to 5G upgrade aspect.

  • 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

    Lead research organisation: University of Edinburgh

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project discusses improvements in wireless networks and spectrum management, which are partially relevant to the question but do not directly address the 4G to 5G upgrade impact.

  • First Mile

    Good connectivity is a basic necessity and yet a third of the global population does not have access to the Internet. The Teletech(c) box provides affordable 5G in the home. It is similar in size and power consumption t...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: OXBP LIMITED

  • Artificial Intelligence-enabled Massive Multiple-input multiple-output (AIMM)

    The fifth-generation of mobile network (5G) aims at transforming the role of wireless technology in society through providing ubiquitous connectivity and many other improvements. In the initial phase of 5G, coverage will...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

  • Green Heterogeneous Networks

    The tremendous development of mobile networks has enabled ubiquitous communication that has transformed the way people connect with each other. With fast and reliable information exchange, mobile communication is becomin...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Manchester

  • 6G-PATH: 6G Pilots and Trials Through Europe

    The path towards 6G is beginning now that 5G matured and is being deployed worldwide both publicly and privately. While 5G brought a step up in many fields, such as, performance and efficiency, more is always expected in...

    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD

  • 6G-PATH: 6G Pilots and Trials Through Europe

    The path towards 6G is beginning now that 5G matured and is being deployed worldwide both publicly and privately. While 5G brought a step up in many fields, such as, performance and efficiency, more is always expected in...

    Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee

    Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND

  • 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

    Lead research organisation: University of Ulster