Supporting mobile connectivity

DSIT and BDUK should ensure that their arrangements for oversight of MNOs on the SRN programme enable effective decision-making. BDUK should ensure that it receives timely and detailed financial and performance data across the programme to allow it to monitor progress, have clear sight of reliable forecasts, assess delivery risks, and obtain assurance about the likely outturn costs. DSIT and BDUK should consider whether any further changes to the grant agreement are required to facilitate information sharing, and whether additional financial reviews are needed to understand and verify the reasons for any increases in the cost of the programme.

Ref Page 12, a · Implemented 07/2025

DSIT and BDUK should ensure that there is sufficient focus on delivering the 4G performance that consumers and businesses need. They should: carry out a detailed analysis of the outcomes they are seeking to achieve from improving connectivity in remote areas and who will benefit, and use this analysis to determine the level of service required

Ref Page 12, b bullet 1 · Implemented 07/2025

DSIT and BDUK should ensure that there is sufficient focus on delivering the 4G performance that consumers and businesses need. They should...continue to work with Ofcom to improve processes for measuring coverage to ensure that 4G coverage data reliably reflect user experience, particularly in those remote areas covered by the SRN where Ofcom has carried out limited testing

Ref Page 12, b bullet 2 · Implemented 01/2027

DSIT and BDUK should ensure that there is sufficient focus on delivering the 4G performance that consumers and businesses need. They should...monitor how consumers and businesses are using 4G in SRN areas to ensure that intended benefits are being realised, and use this information to inform plans for supporting future connectivity

Ref Page 12, b bullet 3 · Implemented 01/2027

DSIT and BDUK should ensure that there is sufficient focus on delivering the 4G performance that consumers and businesses need. They should...assess how any actions they take to address the affordability of the SRN programme affect outcomes for consumers.

Ref Page 12, b bullet 4 · Implemented 07/2025

As it develops the wireless infrastructure strategy, DSIT should...set out target dates for taking key decisions about the outcomes it is seeking, the connectivity that will be needed to realise them, and the input DSIT will need from other government bodies to deliver opportunities to use 5G in key sectors;

Ref Page 12, c bullet 1 · Implemented End - 2030

As it develops the wireless infrastructure strategy, DSIT should...determine the combination of enablers that will be required to deliver this connectivity (for example, 4G, wired connectivity, standalone 5G, other new technologies) and where they will need to be deployed to meet users? needs;

Ref Page 12, c bullet 2 · Implemented End - 2030

As it develops the wireless infrastructure strategy, DSIT should...collect the data needed to assess to what extent the market will meet the UK?s future connectivity needs, and the government funding that may be required

Ref Page 12, c bullet 3 · Implemented End - 2030

As it develops the wireless infrastructure strategy, DSIT should...learn lessons from its experience on previous digital infrastructure programmes, including the risk that advances in technology coupled with the practical and commercial barriers to deploying infrastructure in remote areas could perpetuate the rural urban divide

Ref Page 12, c bullet 4 · Implemented End - 2030