The UK government has announced new measures to boost telecoms supply chain security. These will include phasing out 2G and 3G mobile networks by 2033, as part of plans to bring in new telecoms suppliers to build faster 5G mobile networks.
The announcement follows an earlier decision to ban Huawei equipment from 5G networks, and the recent introduction of the Telecoms Security Act. The government has reached agreement with UK mobile network operators Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media O2 and 3 UK to switch of all public 2G and 3G networks in the UK. This will free up spectrum for the mass roll-out of 5G and other future technology such as 6G.
The government and the mobile network operators have also announced new plans to boost innovation and speed up the roll-out of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) technology. The plans include a joint ambition for 35 percent of mobile network traffic in the UK to be carried over Open RAN by 2030; GBP 36 million in funding for 15 projects to trial Open RAN technology in England, Wales and Scotland; and a GBP 15 million investment for the SONIC prototype testing facility for next-generation telecoms technology.
The announcements were made as Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries prepared to meet US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in the US. During a 4-day visit to Washington DC and New York, Dorries will meet with several senior ministers and officials to discuss future co-operation on telecoms, technology and data.
