Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to (a) expand broadband coverage for rural communities and (b) encourage market competition for such coverage.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Through Project Gigabit we are rolling out fast, reliable broadband to UK premises not included in suppliers’ commercial plans. These premises are predominantly in rural areas. As of the end of March 2025, over 1.2 million premises had been upgraded to gigabit-capable broadband through government-funded programmes. In addition, more than one million further premises have been included within contracts to provide access to gigabit-capable broadband, with funding of over £2.4 billion through Project Gigabit.
In July, we published a consultation on a draft updated Statement of Strategic Priorities that sets out the Government’s view on the key role of competition to support the fibre roll-out. Competition across the UK is necessary to promote investment as well as foster innovation, and will help ensure low prices and more choice for consumers in the long-term. We are currently reviewing responses to the consultation and will publish our response in due course.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Physical Infrastructure Access pricing model encourages investment by network providers in full fibre provision in rural areas in Yeovil constituency.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.
In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.
The draft Statement also sets out how Ofcom can continue to support the roll-out of broadband across the UK, including in rural areas, by promoting competition.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the phasing out of landlines in (a) Yeovil constituency and (b) Somerset on residents.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Landlines are not being phased out. The analogue technology underpinning the landline network, the Public Switched Telephone Network, is being upgraded to digital Voice over Internet Protocol, which is more reliable and resilient. We want to ensure that all customers, including those in Yeovil and Somerset, are migrated safely.
A voluntary charter, agreed in December 2023, committed communications providers to protecting vulnerable consumers during the migration. The Government secured new safeguards from providers in November 2024, as set out in the non-voluntary migrations checklist.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help improve mobile phone signal in (a) Yeovil constituency and (b) other rural communities.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
In Ofcom’s Connected Nations Spring Update, published on 8 May 2025, it is reported that 4G is available across 96% of the Yeovil constituency from all four mobile network operators (MNOs), while 5G is available outside 97% of premises in the constituency from at least one operator.
Our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural areas, to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Government continues to work closely with the MNOs, ensuring that we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment into mobile networks and competition in the market. This includes removing barriers to deployment where they exist.
We also continue to work with the MNOs to deliver the Shared Rural Network to boost 4G mobile coverage in rural communities.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the digitally excluded have access to (a) groceries, (b) banking, (c) the NHS and (d) other key services in rural areas in Yeovil constituency.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
DSIT is working closely with departments and with partners across the UK to address digital exclusion, making certain no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.
Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers about measures to ensure access to nutritious, safe and affordable food.
On banking, we are working with industry to rollout 350 banking hubs across the UK to provide face-to-face support for critical cash and in-person services. The Government is also developing a Financial Inclusion Strategy which includes a focus on access to banking and digital inclusion.
For NHS England, mitigating the risk of digital exclusion is one of five key priorities asked of Integrated Care Systems to address in their drive to reduce healthcare inequalities.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help tackle digital exclusion in Yeovil constituency.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Digital Inclusion Action Plan sets out the first five actions we are taking over the next year to boost digital inclusion in every corner of the UK, including in Yeovil.
They will be targeted at local initiatives for boosting digital skills and confidence, widening access to devices and connectivity, and getting support to people in their own communities so everyone can reap the benefits of technology.