Recommendation 11

BDUK said that the mobile network operators will pick up any additional costs they incur in delivering the programme as they are required to deliver the coverage obligations in their licences from Ofcom. However, the licences also allow the operators relief from these obligations if costs have been excessive. BDUK told us that Ofcom would say that it needed to be reasonable in coming to its judgement about operator compliance with their licence obligations. However, we note that, if Ofcom were to grant such relief, this could put the achievement of the Government’s 95% target at risk.20