The UK government is embarking on a bold strategy to boost the country’s network speeds by investing in fiber broadband and 5G technologies over the next five years, with the goal of encouraging businesses to set anchor on the island by keeping pace with the likes of Germany in Internet of Things (IoT) projects. The Autumn Statement, delivered this week by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, promises government investments of more than £1 billion ($1.25 billion) in digital communications by 2020 or 2021. This will include £400 million ($500 million) for a new Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund for fiber to the premises (FTTP) infrastructure. The cash will be allocated between rival operators to upgrade residences to ultrafast broadband with…