A new analysis by AssetHUB shows that reusing existing abandoned infrastructure could potentially save the UK’s broadband network builders millions in construction costs – helping speed up deployments, limit disruption and fibre overbuild, and reduce carbon emissions.
Wed, 25/06/2025 - 15:59
A new 10-year strategy that “sits at the heart of plans to renew the UK” has been published by the government and will include proposals that are backed by £725bn in long-term funding for maintenance and major projects, which promises to “transform how infrastructure projects are planned and delivered”.
For the telecoms industry, this report comes following news earlier this week that the government confirmed it would invest £1.9bn into broadband and mobile projects until 2029/30.
The report, UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy, sets out a new long-term approach for the first time that brings together economic infrastructure with housing and social infrastructure, and how the government will invest and ensure that funding is spent effectively and efficiently.
The 10-year maintenance investment will deliver tangible improvements for people across the country.
The full strategy document reveals the government’s effort to update the ECC (electronic comms code) rules to help make broadband and mobile infrastructure sharing, as well as network upgrades and related dispute resolution, easier to deliver.
It also confirms a plan to “bring forward” more flexible permitting system for street works across England. This will include government commitment to removing barriers to the deployment of fixed infrastructure so that the commercial market can deliver as far as possible.
Proposals have been confirmed that will involve implementing the remaining provisions of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, alongside easing the process for gigabit deployment for leaseholders in multi-dwelling units, such as blocks of flats, and consulting on proposals as soon as possible.
The strategy says it will aim to “ensure that the regulatory regime promotes innovation and the growth of alternative technologies, such as satellite and fixed wireless access”.
The government will also continue to support commercial deployment of gigabit networks, helping industry with plans to invest over £40 billion in full fibre by 2030.
Finally, the strategy states how by using its purchasing power, the government will show leadership on the take up of new services, including innovative 5G use cases in the public sector, as well as removing barriers to digital infrastructure deployment.
The government has said it will carry out a review of the mobile market to better understand how it will evolve, with their initial conclusions and next steps being published by the end of 2025.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer said: “Infrastructure is crucial to unlocking growth across the country, but for too long investment has been squeezed. Crumbling public buildings are a sign of the decay that has seeped into our everyday lives because of a total failure to plan and invest.
“We’re not just fixing buildings – we’re enhancing public services, improving lives and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth in communities throughout the UK.
“This will deliver the decade of national renewal we promised Britain, and fulfil our Plan for Change goals to kickstart economic growth.”
The Rt Hon Darren Jones MP Chief Secretary to the Treasury added: “This Strategy is the starting point, not the end, backed up by higher, longer term public-sector capital investment and an updated approach on the role of private capital in partnering with government to deliver.
“Together, we will get the UK building again and deliver the improvements that are needed to bring about the decade of national renewal that we all want to see take place.”
