A new report from BT Group reveals that building a robust, high-capacity mobile network across the UK could generate up to £230 billion in economic benefits by 2035, alongside wide-ranging social and environmental advantages.

The report, Driving Growth: The £230bn Opportunity of Improved Mobile Networks, developed with Assembly Research, urges the government to accelerate mobile network rollout by reforming planning laws and expanding access to spectrum. These steps, it says, are vital to ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of connectivity, innovation, and economic competitiveness.

Key Findings:

• 5G Standalone (5GSA) coverage could drive £88 billion in growth through industrial adoption of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning.
• Increased network capacity through 5GSA could offer dedicated bandwidth and advanced capabilities for consumers, businesses, and the public sector.

Sector-Specific Impacts:

• Transport:
  • Improved rail network coverage could yield £12 billion in productivity gains by 2035.
  • Achieving 100% road coverage could unlock £45 billion, supporting autonomous vehicle deployment.
• Rural Economy:
  • Enhanced 4G and 5GSA coverage could contribute £3 billion to rural economic growth.
• Urban Innovation:
  • Faster drone adoption could add £26 billion in value.
  • The broadcast, digital advertising, and consumer media sectors could benefit by £9.5 billion.

Additionally, more resilient mobile networks would allow businesses to adopt mobile backup systems, reducing downtime and recovering up to £7.9 billion in productivity. Another £37 billion could be gained through mobile-driven upgrades to the national energy grid.

The report also references broader benefits across healthcare, education, and workplace safety, reinforcing the role of mobile infrastructure in advancing societal wellbeing.

BT’s Call to Action

Howard Watson, BT Group’s Chief Security and Networks Officer, commented:

“We’ve invested billions in UK connectivity, but with rising demand and limited spectrum, more support is essential to sustain and expand network capabilities. To deliver future-ready networks, we need closer collaboration with government, regulators, and local communities. Reforming planning laws and expanding spectrum access will be key to unlocking these benefits.”

Research Perspective

Matthew Howett, Founder and CEO of Assembly Research, added:

“Our modelling shows the UK could gain up to £230 billion from resilient, advanced mobile networks. Connectivity improvements will boost productivity, reduce downtime, and accelerate the adoption of next-gen technologies—critical components of the UK’s growth agenda.”

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