Building the UK’s Capability to shape the next generation of communications network
In 2023, the government identified future telecoms as one of the five critical technologies in the Science and Technology Framework – making a long-term commitment to foster next generation connectivity solutions in the UK as a key pillar for future prosperity, security and resilience.


Alongside this, the government announced a package of measures to drive the deployment and adoption of fixed and wireless networks and to invest in the next generation of connectivity. This included an initial investment of up to £100 million in a new Future Telecoms mission that fits within the wider DSIT Technology Mission Fund (TMF) missions. This ensures the UK is at the cutting-edge of future telecoms and 6G technologies – supporting domestic and international companies to build their portfolio of exciting solutions through the UK’s world-leading innovation ecosystem.


A key element of this mission is support for a series of Future Telecoms Research Hubs. These hubs will bring together multiple universities and institutions around the country to conduct early-stage research into cutting-edge technologies. This work will be coordinated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).


Support for early-stage research will be complemented by funding for a range of application focussed ‘challenges’, delivered via Innovate UK. This will support companies and researchers to accelerate innovative solutions to market, and encourage disruptive collaboration across the UK’s diverse Future Telecoms landscape. These competitions will cover challenges such as Network of Networks, Advanced Optical Networks and Next Generation Wireless, while also considering areas like performance, coverage, security, resilience, spectrum efficiency, cost-effective deployment, and energy efficiency.


Read the Science and Technology Framework.
 


EPSRC hubs

PlaTform DrIving The UltimAte CoNnectivity (TITAN)

The research of the TITAN platform is geared towards the ultimate network of networks and is structured in six strongly interconnected lighthouse projects which reflect all network elements - 1) the core, 2) optical fibre, 3) radio frequency (RF) including cellular and wireless networks, 4) emerging optical wireless networks for access and backhaul, 5) non-terrestrial networks involving satellites, aerial and underwater networks, and finally 6) quantum communication networks.

Hub in All-Spectrum Connectivity (HASC)

The Hub brings together eight core partners with world-leading expertise in wireless and fibre communications to investigate how to use these emerging capabilities to provide all-spectrum connectivity. We will develop comparative models that allow the optimal combination of wired and wireless spectrum to be determined; develop methods to jointly optimise their use and investigate approaches to create a universal interface between the wired and wireless domains. Partners will jointly undertake demonstrations using existing testbeds as well as systems modelling and a range of other activities.

Communications Hub for Empowering Distributed clouD computing Applications and Research (CHEDDAR)

The CHEDDAR: Communications Hub for Empowering Distributed clouD computing Applications and Research lies on this interface between communications fundamentals and an infrastructure that serves our many communities. Bringing together a spectrum of experts not only in communications but across quantum, neuro-symbolic AI, autonomy etc who have worked in application areas from Farms to Space via Smart Cities, and who understand security and privacy, CHEDDAR aims to build a community that will provide the step change in research and be agile to address new opportunities as they arise.

  • Case studies
    Case studies

    Illustrating the value of the Digital Infrastructure (DI) directorate interventions, through showcasing the stories behind the projects, partners and people involved.

    The BEACH Project

    Towards AI Project

    YO-RAN: Developing Open RAN technologies for the UK telecoms industry

    Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem (CORE) Project – Case Study

  • Thematic and explainers
    Thematic and explainers

    Highlighting key topics in Digital Infrastructure including the value of collaboration and the future of Telecoms.

    UK Government Launches the Future Telecoms (Technology Missions Fund) Programme.  This new £70m fund launched on the 5th October 2023, will be delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It invites applications for research and development (R&D) and commercialisation support up until March 2025, with a specific focus on the technologies underpinning future telecoms networks.

    Read more about the Future Telecoms Programme

     

    DSIT’s Open Networks Programme Projects 

  • Announcements and outcomes
    Announcements and outcomes

    Sharing key announcements from the Digital Infrastructure (DI) Directorate and benefits shared from government-funded projects.

    UKRI to invest 70m in new future telecoms technologies

  • Industry engagement
    Industry engagement

    Showcasing the importance of collaboration which involves holding regular events and meetings with key industry stakeholders, sitting on various group advisory boards and wider involvement in industry.

    The Value of Collaboration - The Future Networks Programme

    Building skills in UK Telecoms

    Stephen Patrick on the impact of DSIT funding

    DSIT’s first stand at Connected Britain 2024

  • Case studies
    Case studies

    Illustrating the value of the Digital Infrastructure (DI) directorate interventions, through showcasing the stories behind the projects, partners and people involved.

    The BEACH Project

    Towards AI Project

    YO-RAN: Developing Open RAN technologies for the UK telecoms industry

    Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem (CORE) Project – Case Study

  • Thematic and explainers
    Thematic and explainers

    Highlighting key topics in Digital Infrastructure including the value of collaboration and the future of Telecoms.

    UK Government Launches the Future Telecoms (Technology Missions Fund) Programme.  This new £70m fund launched on the 5th October 2023, will be delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It invites applications for research and development (R&D) and commercialisation support up until March 2025, with a specific focus on the technologies underpinning future telecoms networks.

    Read more about the Future Telecoms Programme

     

    DSIT’s Open Networks Programme Projects 

  • Announcements and outcomes
    Announcements and outcomes

    Sharing key announcements from the Digital Infrastructure (DI) Directorate and benefits shared from government-funded projects.

    UKRI to invest 70m in new future telecoms technologies

  • Industry engagement
    Industry engagement

    Showcasing the importance of collaboration which involves holding regular events and meetings with key industry stakeholders, sitting on various group advisory boards and wider involvement in industry.

    The Value of Collaboration - The Future Networks Programme

    Building skills in UK Telecoms

    Stephen Patrick on the impact of DSIT funding

    DSIT’s first stand at Connected Britain 2024