Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator DCIA
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 9 September 2021, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) announced a competition for a Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) pilot run by DCMS and supported by the Department for Transport (DfT). The competition explores ways to make it simpler and quicker for mobile companies to use publicly owned buildings and kerbside infrastructure to host 5G radio equipment.
Availability of 5G is expected to broaden the role that mobile technology plays in society by paving the way for virtual and augmented reality services and helping drive the take-up of innovations such as autonomous cars and remote healthcare technologies. It is also expected that reliable 5G availability could support improved real-time monitoring and responsiveness in order to reduce waste, pollution or congestion.
[edit] Local involvement
The two-year pilot may trial street lamps, CCTV poles, bus shelters, public buildings, traffic signals and other roadside resources to host 5G radio kit intended to boost coverage. This approach is believed to be cheaper, quicker and less intrusive than traditional phone masts. However, network operators sometimes find it difficult to acquire the information needed to verify that a structure is suitable, such as its location, physical dimensions, proximity to the street and access to a power source.
The Government is piloting digital asset management platforms to enable local councils to share data that mobile companies need to accelerate their 5G delivery plans. Once the pilot is complete, the Government intends to support local authorities on the nationwide adoption of digital asset management platforms.
Local and regional authorities are being encouraged to form partnerships with industry to submit joint proposals for pilot project funds. The deadline for applications closed on 18 November 2021.
Ref https://www.gov.uk/guidance/digital-connectivity-infrastructure-accelerator-dcia
[edit] Related articles
- 5G, AI and Big Data Technologies in Construction.
- Asset management.
- Construction innovation.
- Digital communications and infrastructure dependencies.
- Digital infrastructure.
- Digital mapping and cartography.
- Distributed Antenna Systems DAS.
- Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plans.
- The rise of 5G in buildings.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.