Digital ambition must be delivered at digital pace

One of the major issues that I’ve been speaking about at the political party conferences recently is how to get gigabit internet rolled out right across the country as quickly as possible.

The UK led the way in the first industrial revolution, and we should do the same again in the fourth.

It’s a big opportunity with a significant prize.

For starters, there’s a strong economic case. Ultra fast broadband can give a much-needed boost to productivity and unlock new innovations right across the country.

But perhaps even more compelling is the social case:

- Closing regional imbalances

- Flexible working a reality no matter where you live

- Quicker, more accessible healthcare.

Investment in digital infrastructure was one of the big-ticket items of the Chancellor’s spending announcements, with £5bn dedicated to the hardest-to-reach rural areas of the UK.

Welcome investment that will accelerate roll-out and reflects months of campaigning by the CBI.

But investment is just one part of the springboard needed to turn rhetoric into reality.

The steps to delivering full fibre

First, insist on the best from now on. Fast track legislation to mandate gigabit connectivity in all new build homes. And while we’re at it, let’s have 5G connectivity built into all new transport infrastructure from here on in.

Second, let’s get all parts of government hooked up and pulling in the same direction, and straining every sinew to meet the 2025 target.

That includes a business rates exemption for all new telecoms kit for the duration of the build.

It means getting the planning system right to access the premises and land to lay the new fibre - so let’s streamline street works and remove barriers to buildings.

Third, let’s make sure we have access to all the available talent needed for delivery.

Fibre installations currently require an engineer to visit every property. They're currently doing around 3,000 a day. To hit the 2025 target would require getting the run rate up to 13,000 a day.

So, let's get the apprenticeship levy sorted so we can train as much new homegrown talent as possible.

And design the UK’S future immigration system so that we can continue to access the best engineering talent from abroad.

A final word: pace matters

This month marked 100 days since Boris Johnson announced his commitment to having full fibre in every home by the end of 2025.

That means we’ve already used up almost 5% of the available time to get the job done.

Government must make these changes as a matter of urgency to give industry the best chance of hitting the target.

There’s not a moment to lose.