WIREDGOV

The Telecoms Diversification Taskforce, led by Lord Livingston of Parkhead, has published its findings and final report, identifying solutions and opportunities to diversify the supply market for 5G.  

The report sets out four strategic priorities with recommendations for government, the regulator and industry in each.  

In addition to the specific and targeted findings and recommendations that the Taskforce has identified, a number of cross-cutting issues relevant to the implementation of the Government’s Diversification Strategy have also been raised:  

• Education and skills 
• The role, significance and commercial value of Private Networks in the overall market 
• Intellectual property (IP) and Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) 
• The need for a targeted international engagement strategy 

Matt Evans, Director of Markets, techUK comments: 

The Taskforce is right to identify 2021 as a ‘moment in time’ opportunity for the diversification of the telecoms supply chain and the acceleration of innovative and open networks. We welcome the report’s findings and recognise the work undertaken by the Taskforce — clearly there are few silver bullets in telecoms diversification as the report identifies the complexity of spurring a nascent market and rolling out 5G at pace, and doing both securely and resiliently.  

Now the UK Government needs to take up the mantle and drive action across these areas. The telecoms sector, and wider tech industry, is a ready and willing partner but we need detailed plans that supports incumbent suppliers, attracts new vendors, accelerates the development and adoption of new and open network architectures, and captures the economic opportunity available.

Click here for the full press release