Mission 4: By 2030, the UK will have nationwide gigabit-capable broadband and 4G coverage, with 5G coverage for the majority of the population.

Principal objectives:

Boosting productivity, pay, jobs, and living standards by growing the private sector, especially in those places where they are lagging

How does this mission relate to spatial disparities?

High-quality digital infrastructure is essential for positioning the UK to take advantage of technological advances and improve living standards and well-being. This mission is directed at addressing spatial disparities in digital infrastructure provision. Densely populated areas of the UK have world-class infrastructure. But the rate of rollout to more sparsely populated areas has been slower, as the economic incentives for the private sector to provide services to these communities are less clear cut. Achieving this mission would contribute to increased economic growth, innovation and productivity through improved digital connectivity in all places, as well as supporting those that are vulnerable or disadvantaged to access high-quality services.

Metrics considered within the analysis:

1. Percentage of premises that have Superfast Broadband (30Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband
2. Percentage of premises that have coverage from full fibre or Gigabit capable services from fixed broadband
3. Percentage of indoor premises that have 4G signal from all operators