Will we be a connected Britain by 2025?

With the rise of remote working and the current shift towards AI-enabled services in everyday life, we need to ensure that our customers are armed with reliable connections whenever possible. And this is already underway, with the race to full fibre in full swing and the advent of technologies like 5G. 

The future of the telecoms industry is changing fast with a focus on efficient network management and infrastructure sharing and collaboration. So where will we be in three years’ time and will the UK hit connectivity goals set by the government to ensure the country continues to lead in telecommunications?

Connectivity enablers 

The UK’s telecommunications market has long been a global powerhouse. And its growth trajectory continues unrelentingly as according to industry projections, it is poised to surge from USD 34.32 billion in 2023 to an impressive USD 42.95 billion by 2028. Undoubtedly, Britain stands as a formidable player in the global telecommunication arena.

A pivotal goal of the UK government is to usher in a new era of digital connectivity by ensuring every home and business has access to gigabit-capable broadband by 2025. Recognising the immense economic and social benefits inherent in full fibre digital connectivity and 5G, the government underscores the importance of security and resilience in the underlying infrastructure. The urgency of this mission is clear: consumers and businesses must be prepared to navigate this transformational shift.

A defining aspect of this transformation is the country’s shift to fibre optics and the impending end of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in 2025. As part of this ‘national switch ‘, the outdated copper phone network will be retired in favour of a full fibre connection – just like the broadband provided by BeFibre. While minimal disruptions are expected, the UK government, in collaboration with Ofcom, is proactively safeguarding consumer interests throughout this transition.

This change brings a host of benefits to UK consumers. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) estimates that the transition to full fibre could bridge the digital divide, connecting remote and underserved communities. This move could potentially boost overall labour productivity by nearly £59 billion, an invaluable contribution to the nation’s economy. Furthermore, with flexible working becoming the norm, up to a million individuals could rejoin the UK workforce, expanding opportunities for both consumers and businesses.

Simultaneously, the rollout of 5G by major providers since 2019 has injected a new wave of possibilities into the telecoms landscape. The fifth generation of cellular networks promises lower latency, higher bandwidth, and faster connectivity speeds, enabling consumers to seamlessly navigate a world filled with connected devices. However, the true gem lies in the heightened security features that 5G offers, including advanced mutual authentication and fortified subscriber identity verification. As 5G expands across the nation, consumers can anticipate enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and cybersecurity safeguards.

A bright connected future 

Embracing this evolving landscape, UK consumers are poised to reap unprecedented benefits. The nation’s move towards digital transformation holds the potential to revolutionise not only how we communicate but also how we live, work, and engage with our surroundings. As the future unfolds, it’s essential for consumers to be ready to seize these opportunities, making the most of what this new digital era has to offer.

The trajectory of the UK’s telecoms sector is a promising one. With BeFibre and other dedicated providers leading the way, and with the unwavering support of the government, the vision of a fully connected UK by 2025 is within reach. 

The convergence of full fibre broadband and 5G technologies holds the key to a future where consumers are at the heart of a digitally empowered nation. As we stand on the brink of this new digital age, UK consumers can look forward to a world where connectivity is no longer a luxury, but an essential part of everyday life.

Enter your postcode to check if BeFibre is available in your area, here.

All references to how many times faster our broadband service is, depends on you being able to access ‘superfast’ type broadband services of 70Mbps (or less) and selecting one of our packages at the advertised speed. Speeds shown may be affected based on the placement of the router in your property or the device you are using.