ISPA has welcomed the next stage of the Local Full Fibre Networks Challenge Fund - detailed in Chancellor Philip Hammond's Spring Statement - with half of the £190m fund to be allocated to help roll out full-fibre to local areas.
"ISPA has been working with members and Government to maximise the impact of the fund and we look forward to receiving a further update," noted ISPA Chairman Andrew Glover. "We further welcome the £25m allocated for the first six 5G testbeds."
He also noted that long-term investment in the UK's telecoms networks, including through the LFFN Challenge Fund, remains a key priority in delivering reliable and leading edge communication services.
"In addition to targeted support, Government must also continue to reform and remove barriers to broadband rollout to ensure the UK remains well connected and able to compete in a global digital economy," he added.