Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Planning process and site-by-site analysis now identifying specific benefits of individual mast locations.
Recommendation
BDUK added that subsequent decisions about where masts should be located is allowing for greater specificity in identifying the programme’s benefits. For example, when seeking planning permission, DMSL must submit business plans for each cluster of masts and these should demonstrate what the individual and specific benefits for those locations will be. BDUK therefore expects the planning process to be a really important part of testing the benefits of those sites.26 In addition, over the couple of months to June this year, DMSL is conducting a site-by-site analysis of each proposed Total Not Spot site in terms of the coverage it delivers and its value for money. As part of this, DMSL is also meeting with community interest groups to discuss their concerns.27 The 5% of the UK landmass that will not have 4G connectivity
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and commits to refreshing its benefits model and cost-benefit analysis by December 2024, using new data, conducting a consumer value study, gathering innovative benefits data, and undertaking further qualitative research to assess the programme's benefits.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2024 2.2 The Shared Rural Network will deliver a range of benefits for the public, consumers, and businesses. Using new data on the coverage provided by the TNS and EAS projects, the department will be refreshing its benefits model to further analyse the programme’s expected benefits. Similarly, coverage uplift delivered under the Partial Not Spots (PNS) project can be tracked using data from Ofcom’s connected nations reports and will be analysed through this benefit model refresh, the programme’s evaluation, and bespoke pieces of analysis. 2.3 The department is also refreshing the figures underpinning the programme’s cost benefit analysis. This includes a study on the value that consumers are willing to pay for mobile connectivity – the first of its kind in a decade. These figures capture the current picture on the benefit of mobile connectivity in remote areas, as well as the latest costs from Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL), a joint venture of UK mobile network operators EE, Virgin Media (O2), Three and Vodafone. 2.4 The department is also taking an innovative approach to benefits data, including gathering information on leisure activity in coverage areas through exercise apps. 2.5 In addition, there are multiple non-monetised benefits to the programme which cannot be included in the cost benefit analysis. The department is conducting further qualitative research with key stakeholders in TNS areas to increase the evidence base on benefits (and challenges) with delivering mobile connectivity to these areas. 2.6 This analysis will be included in the department’s bid at the Spending Review.