Press release

Government issues call for information on use of private telecoms

The government has launched public call for information on the uses and security of private telecoms networks in the UK.

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Published: 5 July 2023

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

• Government launches public call for information on the uses and security of private telecoms networks in the UK 
• The exercise will help develop understanding of the private telecoms market 
• The remit will cover technologies being deployed, the sectors using these networks, and the security measures taken to protect them

The government has today (5 July 2023) launched a public call for information on the uses and security of private telecoms networks in the UK. These are networks that provide bespoke services to closed user groups and are different to public telecoms networks, which supply a standard service to individuals or businesses, relying on common infrastructure. 

The call for information will help the government develop its understanding of the private telecoms market, including the technologies being deployed, the sectors using these networks, and the security measures taken to protect them. This information will be used to determine if any government intervention is required to promote the security and resilience of private telecoms networks.

The call for information will be open for 10 weeks and closes on 13 September 2023.

Read further details, including how to submit a response to the Private Telecommunications Networks: call for information.

While anyone can respond to it, the government would particularly welcome responses from telecoms providers, businesses that currently procure, or are planning to procure, and use private telecoms networks, and consultants, contractors, or academics involved in the industry.

Notes to editors

• Our call for information on the security of private telecoms networks will help us to better understand how dependent critical sectors are on private telecoms networks 
• The deployment of 5G is likely to lead to further growth in the market for private telecoms networks
• More information can be found in our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy
• Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at private.networks.cfi@dcms.gov.uk if you have any questions about the call for information

Published 5 July 2023