Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 27
27
We asked why the Department had not made more progress in identifying what would be...
Conclusion
We asked why the Department had not made more progress in identifying what would be needed to connect the hardest to reach areas and how it would ensure that people in these aren’t were pushed to the back to the queue.82 The Department told us that “nothing is ruled out”. It explained that in these areas, potential means of providing gigabit-capable coverage included wireless options, as well as the use of satellites such as those in the OneWeb and SpaceX Starlink programmes.83 The Department told us that the Government had spent $500 million on OneWeb and that the technology was “moving very fast” while improving year-on-year but were nonetheless expensive. It explained that OneWeb had entered into a deal with some of the operators in the UK, and that it was working with OneWeb to see whether it could bring down the costs and whether it might be a viable option for some of the hardest to reach areas. The Department asserted that it “might be a more creative and faster solution than some other options available” for the more remote areas and agreed to provide us with more detail on the programme.84 82 Qq 13, 20 83 Qq 13, 34–35 84 Qq 34–35, UK government to acquire cutting-edge satellite network – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Delivering gigabit-capable broadband 19
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.5 In March 2021, a call for evidence was made to explore all possible options for improving broadband connectivity for these Very Hard to Reach premises. The government published its response in February 2022 bringing together its analysis and evidence from stakeholders. 6.6 This evidence will be used to assess policy options to understand how best to address the small minority of premises that will be beyond the scope of the programme and unable to access gigabit-capable connections. The department will publish further details later this year. 6.7 As part of its assessment process, the department will consider all available solutions and technology types. As equipment improves and technology standards are updated, it will continue to engage with stakeholders to understand how these technologies can best address Very Hard to Reach premises. 6.8 The department will address this recommendation in its letter to the Committee.