- The UK has the second highest energy costs and planning environments according to a study of 10 countries.
- Britain also ranks ninth out of 10 in terms of overall network quality.
- VodafoneThree wants networks to be considered critical national infrastructure
VodafoneThree has argued that the UK lags behind the rest of Europe in mobile infrastructure due to regulations that make it difficult for companies like it to invest heavily in the right areas at the right time.
According to the report, the UK is being set back by pressures from all sides, including high energy costs of running mobile infrastructure, high property and site costs, planning delays, restrictive policies and even competition from mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).
More broadly, globally, the UK also lags behind countries like Singapore, South Korea, the US, Norway, Australia, Germany and Hungary.
VodafoneThree charts the regulatory landscape for mobile networks in the UK
Of the 10 specific countries studied in the company’s analysis, VodafoneThree revealed that the UK has the second highest energy costs and the most burdensome planning environment. The UK ranks ninth on a scale of 10 countries for overall network quality.
“Bringing the UK’s investment environment up to par with our international peers could help support public services, close the digital divide and enable communities to thrive,” wrote networks director Andrea Dona.
The report warns that the UK could fall behind in terms of digital public services, national resilience and economic growth if the situation does not improve. That’s why the UK is working with the UK government “to examine the barriers holding back our mobile networks”.
One of the biggest changes that could impact the landscape is the recognition of mobile network operators as providers of critical national infrastructure, so that they are protected against certain cost fluctuations such as energy costs.
“Fast, reliable and quality mobile networks are a fundamental driver of economic growth and prosperity,” concluded Dona.
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