The petition of residents of South Suffolk,
Declares that too many communities in the constituency suffer from poor mobile phone signal and not-spots; further that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport together with Her Majesty’s Treasury should bring forward a new round of Mobile Infrastructure Project funding to support new masts in the worst affected villages; and further that a local paper petition and online petition on this matter has received 3,707 signatures.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Her Majesty’s Treasury to support the earliest possible introduction of a new phase of the Mobile Infrastructure Project for rural areas.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by James Cartlidge, Official Report, 9 March 2016; Vol. 607, c. 387.]
[P001677]
Observations from The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr John Whittingdale): The Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP) was a complex and challenging programme which aimed to address the small number of the population without 2G coverage by supporting the build of mobile masts. Most mast sites will be able to provide 3G and 4G coverage once operational.
As you are aware, MIP and its associated funding was contracted to end on 31 March 2016, with there being no plans to extend the project beyond this date. I understand the disappointment of those communities that will not benefit from MIP intervention; I am acutely aware that in many of these communities there was strong support for the MIP programme.
There were four potential MIP mast sites identified in South Suffolk to tackle not-spot areas. One of these masts, in Bildeston, was built and is providing mobile coverage. Two identified mast sites—one near Assington Green and another near Hartest—could not be progressed due to withdrawal of interest by landowners. In both instances, withdrawal was due to concerns about the visual impact the mast structure would have on the landscape. Due to the timing of these withdrawals, alternative locations could not be considered.
I understand that for the final mast, a planning application was made following a successful pre application process. Unfortunately, the site provider became unwilling to proceed with the hosting of a mast site following strong opposition from neighbouring residents.
Despite the closure of the MIP programme, I would like to assure you that improving mobile coverage across the UK remains a top priority for Government. In December 2014, the Government reached a landmark agreement with the four UK MNOs to ensure that 90% of the UK’s land mass will have voice and text coverage from each of them by 2017. It also means that 97.7% of the UK will have a signal from at least one mobile operator.
This is a significant change in the way MNOs relate to coverage in this country and will guarantee £5 billion of investment in mobile infrastructure. Mobile services will be provided to some areas for the first time, and will be improved across the UK. It is estimated that as a result of this deal, partial not-spots (areas where there is coverage from one or two operators but not all four) will be halved and complete not-spots will be reduced by two-thirds.
To support industry mobile coverage rollout further, the Government announced on 17 March 2016 proposals to reform planning laws (for England only) that will, amongst other things, make it easier to build taller masts so that coverage can be improved further. We will continue to work with industry to support investment and help deliver improved digital connectivity in the UK.
Additionally, Telefonica (O2) has a further licence obligation to deliver indoor 4G coverage to 98% of premises in the UK (and 95% of premises in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) by 2017. Other MNOs have indicated that they will also match this commitment. These licence obligations should bring improved coverage across the UK.