Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Acknowledged
Ensure public reporting on 4G connectivity progress for roads and premises targets.
Conclusion
The Department lacks up to date information to track progress on whether the Shared Rural Network programme will meet its targets for increasing connectivity on roads and premises. In addition to the overall target to increase 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass, the Department also aims to provide 280,000 additional premises and 16,000 kilometres of roads with 4G coverage through the Shared Rural Network programme. However, the Department is unclear on how many premises and roads had gained 4G connectivity so far and is still in discussions with the mobile network operators about getting the information it needs to track progress against these targets. Furthermore, it says that Ofcom will not assess whether the mobile network operators have met these targets until 2027. Despite not being able to confirm what progress has been made do far, based on information BDUK has received to date from the mobile network operators, the Department says it is confident that it will meet the roads and premises targets. Recommendation 5: The Department should work with Ofcom and the mobile network operators to ensure that it can report publicly on progress against its targets for increasing 4G connectivity on roads and premises.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and states BDUK is committed to working with Ofcom and MNOs to ensure mobile coverage data continues to be published. BDUK is engaging with Ofcom to consider publishing more granular figures in upcoming statistical updates and exploring ways to track roads and premises coverage before Ofcom's 2027 assessment.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. road and rail, and MNOs may publish their own network coverage data as part of their own communications. BDUK is committed to working with both groups to ensure mobile coverage data continues to be published and, where possible, is expanded. Ofcom regularly reports on 4G coverage through their Connected Nations reports. BDUK currently publishes the total UK mobile coverage figure in its Corporate Plan and Annual Report and Accounts. This figure is the same as the one presented by Ofcom in its Connected Nations report. BDUK is currently engaging with Ofcom to consider publication of a decimal point coverage figure in BDUK’s upcoming statistical updates. BDUK is further engaging with Ofcom and the MNOs to consider ways in which roads and premises coverage can be tracked ahead of Ofcom’s licence obligation assessment in January 2027.