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<p>Our 2023 Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out a range of measures to drive
5G adoption in the private and public sectors to ensure the UK can fully realise the
benefits of 5G. This includes a commitment to drive innovation in public services,
and for digital connectivity requirements for future users of infrastructure to be
at the heart of planning for major infrastructure projects. This includes our commitment
that all new hospitals are built with 5G or the equivalent technology.</p><p> </p><p>My
Department has regular engagement with network providers to explore how the public
sector can be an early adopter of 5G and deliver our ambitions to improve 5G coverage
nationally.</p><p> </p><p>We have taken steps to encourage the use of public sector
assets for wireless infrastructure deployment, including through the £7 million Digital
Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator programme, which helps local councils and
the telecoms industry resolve the challenges involved with using publicly owned land,
buildings and street furniture to host digital infrastructure.</p><p>DSIT has also
awarded six local authority pilots a total of £1.3 million through our Smart Infrastructure
Pilots Programme, to test “smart” multipurpose columns that provide wireless connectivity
services and other uses, such as EV charging.</p><p>My Department has also published,
via the <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Fdigital-connectivity-portal&data=05%7C01%7Cjesam.eyong%40dsit.gov.uk%7C0a46ae1b613f4b049ad908dbf4b9f600%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C638372851753549336%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=U0lZBjfmci7%2FgXH2xaNvx9W%2BjZchr4%2Fgrj87ny8AV5k%3D&reserved=0"
target="_blank">Digital Connectivity Portal</a>, - extensive guidance for local authorities
and operators to help facilitate broadband deployment. This includes technical information,
as well as examples of best practice.</p>
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