Mobile UK: Live Better Connected

To close out the year our Chief Executive, Hamish MacLeod joins our Director of Policy and Communications, Gareth Elliott, for the final podcast episode of 2024. In this special episode the pair sit down to reflect on a busy year that has seen the General Election, three operators switching off 3G, and a trip in a helicopter for Gareth.

Nick, a visionary leader, spearheaded the groundbreaking Nottingham Sherwood 5G Connected Forest project. This world-first initiative explored the potential of 5G technology in the iconic Sherwood Forest, home to the legendary Robin Hood.

In this episode, Nick reflects on the innovative experiences made possible by mobile connectivity, including immersive augmented reality adventures and captivating indoor historical tours. But the conversation goes beyond technology marvels.

The final podcast of our Better Connected Rural week features a local South Uist crofter, Donald Anderson. Our Director of Policy and Communications Gareth Elliott interviews Donald to get a better understanding of what local residents actually think about mobile connectivity and the infrastructure that powers it.

Fresh off a flight across South Uist, the Live Better Connected podcast series continues. In this episode our Director of Policy and Communications Gareth Elliott sits in conversation with, Skyhook Helicopters Pilot, Guy Stephens. Guy has been piloting helicopters for many years and sheds light on how he got into this career. He explains that his parents lived near a local helicopter base which he attended, be-friending the pilots there and developing his piloting skills.

Gareth Elliott welcomes Paul Steele, Council Leader at Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar. Paul joins Gareth to discuss what the installation of mobile infrastructure means to the local area of South Uist and its residents. Paul explains that connectivity is one of the key elements of living, allowing residents to connect to the outside world and maximising work opportunities on the island.

The Live Better Connected podcast series continues as our Director of Communications and Policy is joined by mobile operator Three UK’s Chief Network Officer Iain Milligan in our latest episode. With a focus on rural connectivity and agriculture, Iain joins to offer some fascinating case studies, demonstrating the innovative ways connectivity is being used in remote locations across the UK.

In the latest episode we welcome Nick Wiggin, Head of Partnerships at Freshwave and Chair of the Communications Infrastructure Services Council. Not only has Nick worked alongside Freshwave and TechUK, but he also worked within the Civil Service as part of the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

A positive investment environment is vital to ensure the UK is in the strongest position to spur investment in critical national infrastructures to provide the connectivity the UK requires, according to Gavin Winbanks of White Hawk Green, our latest guest on the Live Better Connected podcast,  

Our Director of Policy and Communications Gareth Elliott is joined by Gavin, the founder of Strategic Investment firm White Hawk Green and author of the latest industry report ‘Rebalancing Act: Unlocking the Potential of the UK’s Mobile Industry’ (commissioned by Mobile UK).