Digital Connectivity plays key role in London Infrastructure Plan 2050

Digital Connectivity plays key role in London Infrastructure Plan 2050

The Mayor of London’s office published a consultation on the London Infrastructure Plan 2050 today.

The core focus of the proposals is how ensure that London’s infrastructure continues to underpin and improve its position as a global city – whilst dealing with a growing population.

Digital connectivity features prominently and is the topic of an accompanying paper. Ideas and actions outlined in this paper include:

  • The creation of a Connectivity Advisory Group, which will work with the Mayor and the wider Infrastructure Delivery Board
  • A city-wide mapping exercise to create a ‘connectivity map’ to help identify barriers to digital access
  • Improvements to the regulatory regime, including the permit scheme and the possibility of bringing planning applications for communications infrastructure under the Mayor’s strategic remit
  • Consideration of an open communications network,  a domestic property version of the SME voucher scheme, or other proposals to ‘fill gaps in high speed connectivity’
  • There was also the eye-catching ambition for London to be the first capital city to deploy 5G.

The deadline for the consultation is 31 October and the BSG will be working with stakeholders over the coming weeks on a response.