Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Committee took evidence on progress delivering UK-wide reliable mobile connectivity.
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (the Department) and Building Digital UK (BDUK), an agency of the Department, on progress in delivering UK-wide reliable mobile connectivity that meets the country’s needs now and in the future.1 We also received written evidence from the Local Government Association, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, Three UK, BT Group, Virgin Media O2, Ericsson and Vodafone UK.2
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's introductory conclusion and provides a general update on the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, stating that the overarching 95% coverage target is expected to be met ahead of schedule and within budget, with financial risk managed through existing grant agreements.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. coverage from at least one mobile network operator (MNO) is making excellent progress since Building Digital UK (BDUK) reported to the committee in April, with indications that the overarching 95% coverage target will be met ahead of schedule and within budget. The Shared Rural Network’s (SRN’s) Grant Agreement structure moves the majority of the financial risk for delivery outside government. Using a capped grant fund for the Total Not Spot (TNS) element of the programme ensures the government’s financial contribution cannot exceed £300.7 million over the programme. MNOs must remain within this grant envelope or use their own funds to deliver their 1% coverage target. For the Extended Area Service (EAS) project, delivered with the Home Office, BDUK is working closely with its partners to ensure that maximal benefit can be achieved within the allotted programme funding. SRN is technology neutral. If technology can meet the Department for Science and Innovation and Technology’s (the department’s or DSIT’s) minimum speed requirements within the terms of the grant agreement, it will be eligible for subsidy. The programme delivers to Ofcom’s standard of ‘good network service’ with speeds of at least two megabits per second (Mbps), though speeds of at least six Mbps are expected in most of the network’s footprint. In all cases, the government’s delivery partners have the freedom to choose the best technologies to deliver their targets with while maintaining value for money.