Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Mobile operators anticipate missing 2024 4G coverage targets, seeking extension from Ofcom.
Conclusion
We noted that, in late 2023, three of the four mobile network operators had already advised BDUK that they were each unlikely to meet their Ofcom licence obligation to increase their own 4G coverage to 88% of the UK landmass by June 2024 and wanted to discuss an 18-month extension.11 BDUK confirmed that Ofcom would assess whether an extension should be given in respect of its licence obligation, and would complete its assessment in autumn later this year.12 However, the Department noted that it was entirely possible for some of these June 2024 obligations not to be met and for the operators still to be in good shape to hit the December 2025 target of 95% coverage. BDUK pointed out that the gap between the June 2024 licence obligation date and the programme’s target date of December 2025 provided a significant contingency which was now being used.13 DMSL wrote to us to say that the programme is on track to meet key deadlines, with momentum from industry to deliver.14