Evaluate current spectrum annual licence fees: (i) do they effectively promote efficient allocation and use of spectrum? (ii) do they materially inhibit operator ability to invest in network upgrades? (iii) What lessons can be drawn from international practice, particularly on how charging for spectrum and network investment and coverage interact?

Background

For the deployment of current and future technologies, DI wishes to develop a stronger evidence base around the benefits of and barriers to their deployment, with a focus on the adoption of 5G and open network infrastructure to build the resilience of networks and support innovation. DI needs to develop models and techniques to understand efficient spectrum allocation and understand the issues surrounding the use of specific spectrum bands.
DI needs to better understand the trends around technological convergence, future demand for digital connectivity, regulation around access to the internet and emerging cloud services and their impact on security.
DI wishes to complement its understanding of current technology deployment with research into the work driving future technologies to develop and increase the UK’s future capabilities.
All of this needs to be underpinned by further research into the security and resilience of UK networks, addressing future developments and threats, gaining insight into the value of security interventions and barriers to investment in security.