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UK internet service providers have unveiled a broadband policy roadmap

Posted on by darion

The UK Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has published its policy roadmap for 2024, Delivering a Digital Britainwhich outlines the strategic priorities and actionable policies for the next UK Government to continue the work of transforming the nation’s digital infrastructure, ensuring all citizens have access to fast, reliable and future-proof internet connectivity.

With just over a week until the new government is formed, the ISPA Action Plan provides the incoming administration with policy ideas to implement in its first 100 days and more medium- and long-term priorities to ensure a competitive and inclusive digital economy.

The roadmap outlines a series of quick wins that the next government can achieve within 100 days of taking office that would deliver significant change:

  1. Recognize that the UK can only realize the full potential of digital connectivity if it becomes a priority for the whole of government
  2. Ensure implementation is immediately accelerated by making full use of flexible permits and canceling plans to charge for street works.
  3. Create a supportive planning framework that enables suppliers to focus on delivering and connecting the last third of the country.

In the longer term, the next government will need to continue to ensure a competitive and growth-friendly environment that enables the sector to continue to thrive. This includes a holistic approach to regulation and ensuring the use of public-private partnerships to increase reach across the business. All this, combined with the uptake and skills campaign, as well as online resilience and safety activities, will provide a stable foundation for the sector to grow and innovate in areas such as artificial intelligence and infrastructure development.

“We are excited to reveal Delivering a Digital Britainour 2024 roadmap, which sets out key steps for the next government to ensure our members can continue to deliver the infrastructure and services that help unlock digital opportunities and drive economic growth across the country,” said Steve Leighton, ISPA Chair.