Osbourne Unveils Plans To Make U.K. 'World Leader' In Mobile Services

Plans to make the U.K. a "world leader" in next generation mobile services and help fund ultra-fast broadband networks have been announced by U.K. Treasury Chief George Osborne, according to Daniel Thomas of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Near instant wireless broadband would enable connected cars as well as linking up the billions of devices expected in the so-called "internet of things." The chancellor said that "the strategy would be in place by next year," which experts warn could put the U.K. "at a disadvantage to other nations that are already investing heavily in the technology." The U.K. "is at risk of falling behind Asian countries in the development of 5G networks." Korea, for example, "expects to roll out a working 5G system in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics." The 5G strategy "will be based on an assessment by the National Infrastructure Commission," and will be supported by the development of a "network planning tool" to be trailed in Bournemouth (FT, 3/16).