Labour's Digital Revolution: Insights from the CityFibre Fringe at Labour24

The CityFibre Fringe event buzzed with insights into Labour's bold digital vision. Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms (DSIT/DCMS) alongside Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology , shared their thoughts on building a connected Britain for the future. Key themes echoed by the Fabian Society and Labour Digital included:

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Gigabit Britain, Outpacing the Competition:?

Labour's committed to maintaining the 25% year-on-year growth in gigabit connectivity, which has surpassed France and Italy on delivery. This signals continuous investment in digital infrastructure, creating a fertile ground for businesses to offer high-speed solutions and play their part in increasing digital inclusion.

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Smart Data and Digital Inclusion:?The keyboard gap

Forget just connecting people - Labour's aiming for a truly "data-smart" society. They're ambitious about tackling the "keyboard gap" to equip every child with access to a desktop and digital skills for the 21st century. ?Did you know that some families have access to the internet only via a shared mobile phone??

This focus on digital inclusion, is not limited by geography and technological solutions. It opens doors for innovative educational technologies and digital literacy programs and a pathway to get the basics right - access to devices.

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The 2G Farewell & A Data-Driven Future:?

The sunsetting of 2G paves the way for a data-driven future powered by AI and fuelled by longer spectrum licenses from the EU. Could private 5G networks be the key to unlocking innovation across industries, particularly in manufacturing and automation? That was a contested point, but one thing was clear.

The phasing out of 2G is a sore point when it comes to connectivity inclusion and health monitoring, for example and the new government is looking at workable solutions with the industry.

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Opportunities Abound:

The opportunities for businesses:

• Internet Data Pricing Flexibility:?Smart data analysis could enable customised internet data packages based on individual behaviour, opening exciting new pricing models and targeted services.?
• Fibre Optic Boom:?Outdated broadband contracts could revise to boost fibre optic uptake, creating a dynamic environment for businesses offering high-speed solutions.?
• Laying the Groundwork:?Labour's synchronised approach to laying new fibre optic cables alongside their overall digital strategy presents a golden opportunity for businesses involved in infrastructure development, network management, and data-driven solutions.

It's a bold vision for a connected Britain, built on a robust fiscal framework and fuelled by the ideas and expertise shared by industry, Labour's influential think tanks and government. Labour's message is clear: the future is connectivity for all not for some.?Big business would see challengers come in and challenge the existing status quo in individual pricing, device inclusion and more but without the availability of a robust national grid infrastructure there is more at risk than 5g connectivity for all, our prosperity and national security depends on it.