Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme

The programme supports the implementation of our UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out a clear vision for how advanced wireless infrastructure can become an integral part of the fabric of the UK’s economy and society by 2030, and how we want people, business and public services across the UK to realise the full benefits of 5G and other advanced wireless connectivity.

Projects applying to this competition are expected to address and meet the primary competition objective of improving the understanding and realisation of the benefits of utilising street furniture and other assets for network deployment.

The competition is focused on applying the PAS 191 standard to the design and procurement of new smart infrastructure for local authorities. The programme aims to help promote greater knowledge of future demand and requirements for infrastructure and services, as well create efficiencies in network rollout; new opportunities across the supply chain; and innovative commercial models for deploying infrastructure.

The competition process will follow these steps:

1/ applications will be assessed against the competition application guidance

2/ applications will be ranked for shortlisting

3/ the highest scoring shortlisted applications will be selected as preferred applicants

4/ the applicants will be notified of the funding decision

5/ all applications will receive assessor feedback upon request

Milestone date/deadline

1/ competition opens - 12 June 2023

2/ launch/briefing event - 15 June 2023

3/ competition closes to applications - 7 July 2023

4/ assessment of bids - July 2023

5/ successful applicants notified - late July 2023

6/ project mobilisation - August 2023

7/ grant funding period - September 2023 to 31 March 2025

This competition is open to applications from UK-based local authorities. Applicants should also meet the other eligibility criteria set out in the competition application guidance.

Complete the following document as part of your application:

application form (plus any allowed appendices) - see application and assessment section in the competition application guidance for further details of the application.

You must submit your application via the Find A Grant portal.

Applications for submission must be submitted by 23:59, 7 July 2023.

We strongly advise submitting well in advance of the deadline (days before) as there is always a risk that IT issues prevent you submitting promptly (for example issues sending large files).

If you have any questions or would like more clarification, please contact us via 5gadoption-enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. Your question(s) and respective answer(s) will be aggregated, anonymised and added to a public clarification questions and answers log.

Slides from the Briefing Event can be downloaded here.