What is the full carbon life cycle of fibre? How does this differ where different machineries and processes are used? Are there possible emissions savings that could be made across the lifecycle? What are the ways in which these savings could be implemented or influenced by BDUK or other actors in the market?

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

  • 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 discusses fibre optic cable installation methods but does not address the full carbon life cycle or emissions savings.

  • NetworkPlus - A green, connected and prosperous Britain

    The impending rollout of 5G offers significant opportunity to reassess how to build, operate and manage networks in a smart, strategic way providing connectivity and mobility equity across the UK. For example, implementi...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: London South Bank University

    Why might this be relevant?

    Fully relevant as it addresses the carbon emissions, energy-saving solutions, and potential emissions savings across sectors related to connectivity.

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