Supercharge broadband and 5G to stop NW economy buffering – CBI plea

Without government action in 2019, the North West risks a growing digital divide that leaves people and businesses behind, according to the ‘Ready, Set, Connect’ report by bosses’ organisation the CBI.

With the region’s firms champing at the bit to upgrade the UK’s digital networks, better connectivity will help flexible workers, reduce costs and lay the foundation for companies to adopt 5G.

With Brexit sucking the oxygen out of priorities like this at home, Damian Waters, CBI North West regional director, is urging the Government to take practical steps this year to add billions to our economy, enable companies to adopt new technologies and close the productivity gap between London and the rest of the UK.

Government recommendations include: Fast-track laws for firms to install internet connections in existing homes for private tenants and ensuring all new properties have full fibre or other gigabit cables installed when they’re built; equip all new train lines and other transport projects with full fibre cables; and get businesses ready for 5G adoption by raising awareness of its uses and how firms can use it – through government trials.

Damian Waters said: “There’s is a real risk that 2019 will be a year in which we overlook the rest of our economy.

“There’s already a digital divide in rural areas across the UK.

“Our ability to enjoy world-class digital connectivity shouldn’t be determined by where we live or work. It’s not just a social case for national coverage, but a clear economic one.”

He added: “Businesses have already invested heavily in digital infrastructure.

“In fact, the private sector will provide most of the £33bn total investment needed to deliver full fibre networks across the UK.

“But government must help firms access those hard to reach areas.”