A report published by the National Infrastructure Commission reveals that countries including Romania, Albania, Panama and Peru all have better 4G coverage than the UK, shaming it into 54th place.
"Our roads and railways can feel like digital deserts and even our city centers are plagued by not spots where connectivity is impossible," the report states.
4G is available in the UK just half the time we need it. Worse than Romania + Albania, Panama + Peru. Action needed pic.twitter.com/LX1xhTBUSN
— NatInfraCommission (@NatInfraCom) December 14, 2016
"This isn't just frustrating, it is increasingly holding British business back, as more and more of our economy requires a connected workforce."
The commission cites roaming connectivity as a "necessity," from augmented reality to WiFi connected cars through to the Internet of Things. And to provide adequate coverage, the UK must be early adopters of 5G services.
However, in order for the UK to take to advantage of the early 5G services, the commission suggests that the government must ensure roads, railways and city centers are ready "as quickly as possible" for 5G.
"5G is the future — ultra-fast, and ultra-reliable it has the potential to change our lives and our economy in ways we cannot even imagine today. But the UK is currently languishing in the slow lane," Lord Adonis, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission said.
Lunchtime reading >>> Our #ConnectedFuture —why we're behind on 4G and how we get ahead on 5G https://t.co/pIf3sKlqWr pic.twitter.com/IiATo90xgn
— NatInfraCommission (@NatInfraCom) December 14, 2016
'The UK Must Not Be Left Behind'
According to Lord Adonis, the British government must bring the UK's existing cellphone network coverage "up to speed" if Britain is going to be in with a change to "get ahead" and utilize the new 5G technology.
"From connected vehicles to the Internet of things, 5G will support a whole new way of communicating and doing business," Lord Adonis said.
