The UK government recently announced its plans to continue a tax exemption policy that directly benefits telecommunications infrastructure ideally catering to significant players like BT. The proclamation, made by the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, states that operators will be allowed to deduct the cost of network gear from their pretax profits.
Full expensing, as this tax exemption is known, essentially assists businesses with substantial plant and machinery costs. While this is a boon for established telecommunication giants, it does not provide the same level of advantages for smaller enterprises yet to see profits.
Among the beneficiaries, BT embarked on a full-fibre project worth £15 billion, backed by this fiscal initiative. Philip Jansen, the outgoing CEO of the company, cited the slow return on such investments, which on average take at least five years to yield any returns and in the case of fibre, even a decade. Full expensing allowed BT to contribute an additional £300 million per year to its capital spending allocation, accelerating their fibre rollout to 25 million homes by 2026.
Coinciding with its interest in tax incentives, BT has its sights set on quantum computing. The telecom giant expressed delight over the government’s commitment to five quantum missions as a significant leap towards the UK’s leadership in the field. By 2035, the UK aims to launch the world’s most advanced quantum network.
Three goals set for 2030 within the Quantum Strategy illustrate the country’s eagerness to adapt to this technology. These targets include the introduction of quantum navigation systems on aircraft and equipping every NHS Trust with quantum sensing solutions.
In addition to quantum computing, the government demonstrated a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI), allocating £500 million for AI endeavors over the next two years. The focus remains on facilitating scientific research by providing easy access to computing power essential for complex tasks.
Further initiatives include facilitating semiconductor manufacturing, exploring UK Infrastructure Bank funding, and contemplating reduced energy prices for chip makers. The Autumn Statement also detailed other ventures in the fields of R&D, manufacturing, skill enhancement, LEO satellite development, and regulation.
Despite the numerous technological ambitions, the full expensing policy holds high significance for the telecom industry, clearing any investment hurdles or uncertainty for the future.
