John Cooke, Executive Director of the Mobile Operators Association said: “Mobile broadband is an increasingly important part of the country’s digital infrastructure. Four in ten people are already accessing the Internet using a mobile device, a proportion that’s rising all the time as smartphones become the norm, and as more and more people have tablet computers.”
He added: “We agree with the Committee that a whole host of services will increasingly be delivered via the internet - including critical public services. The availability of 4G - bringing mobile superfast broadband on our phones at roughly equivalent speeds to those you would expect from your home broadband connection - will make that even more possible”
However, these services require infrastructure and the MOA has warned that planning delays are hindering the delivery of the Government’s broadband strategy. John Cooke said “We’re asking MPs, local authorities and other stakeholders to show their support for the bringing the benefits of mobile communications to as many people as possible by signing up to a series of statements including a commitment to approving appropriate applications for necessary new mobile phone masts.”