What are some of the emergent environmental and ecological benefits of fixed and 4G mobile connectivity? For example, could 4G mobile connectivity help rewilding and biodiversity projects by aiding in wildlife tracking? Could increased fixed connectivity support greater use of sensors with IOT, for example, to track water quality? How significant of an impact would this be?

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


  • 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

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it focuses on energy efficiency of mobile networks but does not directly address rewilding, biodiversity, or sensor use.

  • Roadmap for the Evaluation of the environmental Impact of next Generation telecommunications Networks and Services (REIGNS)

    Cambium will develop a **R**oadmap for the **E**valuation of the environmental **I**mpact of next **G**eneration telecommunications **N**etworks and **S**ervices (REIGNS). Information and Communications Technologies (IC...

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    The project focuses on evaluating the environmental impact of next generation telecommunications networks, which is related to the question about the environmental benefits of fixed and 4G mobile connectivity.

  • 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

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    Why might this be relevant?

    Fully relevant as it discusses the environmental benefits of mobile connectivity, including carbon reductions and smart energy systems.

  • AI generative design and investment tool for Hybrid Terrestrial/Non-Terrestrial Telecommunication Network Eco-Systems

    5/6G telecommunications networks provide the opportunity for ubiquitous network coverage, enhanced data speeds, reduced latency, increased flexibility and resiliency. As a result of these potential improvements and incre...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

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    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it focuses on AI generative design for hybrid networks, which indirectly relates to connectivity benefits but does not directly address rewilding or biodiversity.

  • C-NODE: Cloud-Native Orchestration of Distributed Services for network planning and optimisation

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    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...

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  • TrialsNet: Trials supported by Smart Networks beyond 5G

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  • Wireless Telecommunications Networking for Residential and Commercial Developments

    In today's rapidly evolving world, seamless internet connectivity has become vital to our daily lives. The Wireless Telecommunications Networking for Residential and Commercial Developments project aims to establish a st...

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  • Last mile broadband for rural UK via Integrated Access Backhaul

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