The UK Government and mobile network operators have agreed on a shared ambition: to have 35% of the country’s mobile network traffic carried over open, interoperable Radio Access Network (RAN) architectures by 2030.
Open network architectures are expected to play a central role in strengthening the security and resilience of the connectivity infrastructure people and businesses rely on.
After recent policy decisions on high-risk vendors and the introduction of the Telecommunications Security Act, the Government aims to foster a more competitive, innovative and diverse telecommunications supply base.
A Government statement noted that mobile operators are actively rolling out and expanding 5G networks while continuing to extend coverage into the UK’s most rural areas. The statement emphasised that this target is an ambition rather than a mandate and will require partnership and collaboration between government, mobile operators and the wider telecoms industry.
The Government acknowledged that further work is needed to improve the performance, cost-effectiveness and security of new RAN solutions so they become commercially competitive and viable for large-scale deployment.
Joint activities to achieve the 35% ambition will include investment in research and development, support for deployment and adoption of open network technologies, creating the right market conditions to encourage innovation, and international partnerships to share knowledge across the global supply chain.
The Government welcomed steps taken by operators and suppliers to position the UK as a leader in open and interoperable RAN technology and has committed £250 million to help accelerate this programme of work.
“This ambition demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering its Diversification Strategy and building lasting and sustainable supply for the infrastructure that underpins our entire digital economy,” the statement said.
Sunsetting 2G and 3G networks
Following a recommendation from the Diversification Taskforce, the Government has worked closely with industry to set a date by which all public 2G and 3G networks in the UK will be switched off.
Turning off older networks will free valuable spectrum for 5G and future technologies, and supports broader efforts to introduce new vendors into the UK mobile ecosystem—contributing to national security and resilience.
Establishing a clear end date helps clarify the commercial lifespan of these legacy technologies and allows businesses and consumers to plan their transitions confidently. Moving away from 2G and 3G will also improve overall network efficiency.
Mobile network operators have confirmed they do not intend to operate public 2G and 3G networks beyond 2033 at the latest.
The Government welcomed that some operators plan to switch off networks—particularly 3G—earlier and will publish their own timelines. It also pledged to work with operators to ensure a smooth transition that accounts for the needs of businesses, consumers and vulnerable groups.
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