Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure residents in (a) rural and (b) urban areas benefit equally from improved access to all broadband providers.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government continues to remove barriers to broadband roll out, including making considerable legislative changes and publishing non-statutory guidance to encourage fibre deployment. As well as changes to the Electronic Communications Code, all new build homes are required to have gigabit-ready physical infrastructure installed, and gigabit-capable connections where these can be provided within a cost cap. The Department continues to work closely with both local authorities and operators to support the rollout of digital connectivity across the UK and has published the Digital Connectivity Portal, extensive guidance for local authorities and operators to help facilitate broadband deployment. We also continue to work with the Department for Transport to trial a more flexible street works permitting system.
Alongside this, Project Gigabit is the government’s flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities, left out of commercial delivery plans, to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.
Some of the hardest to reach parts of the UK are rural communities and therefore Project Gigabit will level-up mostly rural and remote communities across the UK. Most of our delivery volume will come through local and regional contracts and subsidies to suppliers to extend their gigabit-capable networks to premises that will not otherwise be reached by suppliers’ commercial plans. These contracts require the supplier to offer wholesale access to their network for other internet service providers to use, facilitating fair, open access to the infrastructure government is subsidising.
Most urban and suburban areas are already well served or part of commercial rollout plans, however, to reach our ambition of nationwide gigabit coverage by 2030, we recognise that pockets of poor connectivity in urban areas left out of commercial plans need to be tackled.
Work is ongoing to find solutions and define an appropriate course of action to ensure these premises are not left behind, solutions for these premises may involve working with suppliers and local authorities to enable commercial delivery rather than using public subsidy.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what guidance her Department issues to broadband providers on working with planning authorities when installing electronic communications apparatus.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
We believe that communities benefit enormously from the deployment of high quality digital infrastructure, with all the economic and social benefits it brings. We want to make sure that deployment happens efficiently, but at the same time, in ways that make sure the impact on communities and the environment is taken into account and broad support is maintained for the rollout of this critical infrastructure.
The Government is acutely aware of ongoing concerns about the installation of telegraph poles. On 20 February, the Secretary of State wrote to the Chief Executive of Ofcom regarding the 2003 Regulations, asking them how they could enforce greater infrastructure sharing.
We are actively considering a wide range of measures we can take to address these concerns, and to promote collaborative engagement between operators and communities. I will ensure that interested Members are made aware of any concrete steps my Department takes.
Telegraph poles play an important role in delivering efficient and cost effective coverage and connectivity to communities, particularly in hard to reach areas without costly and disruptive roadworks, or where existing infrastructure cannot be used.
Although permitted development rights allow telegraph poles and lines to be deployed without requiring case-by-case approval from the planning authority, these rights are still subject to certain restrictions and limitations set out in legislation. The Department issues no specific guidance on the permitted development rights for electronic communications.
However, we recognise that care must be taken when choosing where to site telegraph poles; ensuring that any potential disruption to communities is minimised.
That is why additional duties and obligations relating to telecommunications installations are included in the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 (“the 2003 Regulations”) which Code Operators are required to comply with, such as requirements for all operators to share apparatus where practicable, and also to use underground, rather than overground, lines where reasonably practicable, with certain exceptions.
The 2003 Regulations also require that in certain PDR cases, the operator must notify the local planning authority of its intention to deploy certain apparatus, provided that they have no pre-existing equipment in the area. The local planning authority may give written notice of conditions with which they wish the Operator to comply in respect of the installation of the apparatus.
In addition, there is a Code of Practice (The Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice 2016) in place relating to the siting of cabinet and pole installations. It provides guidance on ways operators can ensure these installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are engaged with regarding proposed installations. For example, it sets out that where new poles are to be installed the operator should place a site notice to indicate to nearby residents the intention to install a pole, and the proposed location.
As well as the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice, the Digital Connectivity Portal provides extensive guidance for local authorities and operators to help facilitate broadband deployment, including technical information, and examples of best practice such as early engagement with communities.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what her Department's policy is on the funding arrangements for new telecare devices for people who have telecare devices that are not compatible with new digital landlines.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government expects the telecoms industry to ensure that all consumers, particularly the most vulnerable including telecare users, are protected and prepared for the upgrade of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). DSIT receives regular updates from telecoms providers about the progress of their migration and any emerging challenges they face, including regarding the migration of telecare users.
On 14 December, DSIT Ministers convened the UK’s leading telecoms providers to discuss steps to protect the most vulnerable when upgrading their phone lines. These telecoms providers have now signed a Charter committing to concrete measures to protect vulnerable customers, including specific provisions on protecting telecare users. This is a positive step by industry to make sure safety continues to be at the heart of the nationwide switchover.
With regard to telecare systems, lifeline alarm systems or remote ringers, it can be difficult to provide general guidance given the range of devices and providers across these sectors. I therefore cannot state definitively which products will not function over digital landlines, and which will need modifications. Similarly, given there are a multitude of devices and services that rely on the digital connectivity and various ways they may be connected, Government does not have a definitive estimate regarding the cost of the switchover.
We encourage those with equipment that rely on the PSTN, such as businesses or local authorities, to audit their estate and understand if they need to upgrade their devices. DSIT has been working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the telecare industry to raise awareness of the migration and to help identify alternatives, while BT and other providers have set up test labs for manufacturers to test their equipment.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department is taking steps to monitor the migration of telecare users from the public switched telephone network to digital phone lines.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government expects the telecoms industry to ensure that all consumers, particularly the most vulnerable including telecare users, are protected and prepared for the upgrade of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). DSIT receives regular updates from telecoms providers about the progress of their migration and any emerging challenges they face, including regarding the migration of telecare users.
On 14 December, DSIT Ministers convened the UK’s leading telecoms providers to discuss steps to protect the most vulnerable when upgrading their phone lines. These telecoms providers have now signed a Charter committing to concrete measures to protect vulnerable customers, including specific provisions on protecting telecare users. This is a positive step by industry to make sure safety continues to be at the heart of the nationwide switchover.
With regard to telecare systems, lifeline alarm systems or remote ringers, it can be difficult to provide general guidance given the range of devices and providers across these sectors. I therefore cannot state definitively which products will not function over digital landlines, and which will need modifications. Similarly, given there are a multitude of devices and services that rely on the digital connectivity and various ways they may be connected, Government does not have a definitive estimate regarding the cost of the switchover.
We encourage those with equipment that rely on the PSTN, such as businesses or local authorities, to audit their estate and understand if they need to upgrade their devices. DSIT has been working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the telecare industry to raise awareness of the migration and to help identify alternatives, while BT and other providers have set up test labs for manufacturers to test their equipment.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of the compatibility of telecare products with digital landlines.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government expects the telecoms industry to ensure that all consumers, particularly the most vulnerable including telecare users, are protected and prepared for the upgrade of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). DSIT receives regular updates from telecoms providers about the progress of their migration and any emerging challenges they face, including regarding the migration of telecare users.
On 14 December, DSIT Ministers convened the UK’s leading telecoms providers to discuss steps to protect the most vulnerable when upgrading their phone lines. These telecoms providers have now signed a Charter committing to concrete measures to protect vulnerable customers, including specific provisions on protecting telecare users. This is a positive step by industry to make sure safety continues to be at the heart of the nationwide switchover.
With regard to telecare systems, lifeline alarm systems or remote ringers, it can be difficult to provide general guidance given the range of devices and providers across these sectors. I therefore cannot state definitively which products will not function over digital landlines, and which will need modifications. Similarly, given there are a multitude of devices and services that rely on the digital connectivity and various ways they may be connected, Government does not have a definitive estimate regarding the cost of the switchover.
We encourage those with equipment that rely on the PSTN, such as businesses or local authorities, to audit their estate and understand if they need to upgrade their devices. DSIT has been working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the telecare industry to raise awareness of the migration and to help identify alternatives, while BT and other providers have set up test labs for manufacturers to test their equipment.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
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 broadband (a) signal strength and (b) speed on the rollout of digital landlines in rural areas.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned telecommunications network. The migration is industry-led and does not result from any government decision or form part of any government programme.
Ofcom is responsible for ensuring telecoms providers adhere to their regulatory obligations throughout the migration process, such as ensuring uninterrupted access to the emergency services and protecting vulnerable consumers. Ofcom has published guidance which states that providers must take steps to identify and protect at-risk consumers who are dependent on their landline.
On 14 December, the Secretary of State for DSIT, Michelle Donelan, convened a meeting with the UK’s leading telecoms providers, including Sky, BT, VMO2 and TalkTalk, to discuss urgent steps to protect vulnerable households when upgrading phone lines to a digital network. In response, the major telecoms providers have now signed a Charter committing to concrete measures to protect vulnerable households. Communications Providers have agreed to pause forced migrations unless all possible steps are taken to protect vulnerable consumers, this is a positive step to ensure safety remains at the heart of this migration.
In order to function correctly, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) requires a minimum stable connection speed of just 0.5Mbps. These speeds are available to more than 99.8% of premises – the remainder can usually request a connection through the Broadband Universal Service Obligation. Current landline-only customers can order a VoIP landline without purchasing a general internet connection. For consumers in rural areas who are landline-dependent due to limited mobile coverage, it is the responsibility of Communications Providers to ensure their customers have access to telephony services.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April 2023, set out the steps we will take to ensure that all parts of the UK have the wireless connectivity they need to unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity. The Strategy sets out a policy framework to encourage mobile network operators to continue investing in 4G and 5G networks. It emphasises our commitment to extending 4G coverage to 95% of the UK’s landmass through the Shared Rural Network and sets out a 10-point plan to support rural connectivity. Alongside the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, we also asked Ofcom to improve the accuracy of its reporting of mobile network coverage.
The resilience of the UK’s fixed and mobile telecoms networks is of paramount importance. The Secretary of State asked Ofcom to review the general resilience of telecommunications services in the event of prolonged power outages. In response, in December 2023, Ofcom launched a consultation on the resilience of the sector that includes a separate call for input on power backup for mobile radio access networks. We await the outcome of the consultation.
For consumers who are landline-dependent, Ofcom has placed the obligation on Communications Providers to provide at least one solution that enables access to emergency organisations for a minimum of one hour in the event of a power outage in the premises. This solution should be suitable for customers’ needs and should be offered free of charge to those who are at risk, including consumers who have no mobile signal. Communications Providers have also pledged to this commitment in DSIT’s Industry Charter.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the cessation in the rollout of digital landline switchovers on consumers.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned telecommunications network. The migration is industry-led and does not result from any government decision or form part of any government programme.
Ofcom is responsible for ensuring telecoms providers adhere to their regulatory obligations throughout the migration process, such as ensuring uninterrupted access to the emergency services and protecting vulnerable consumers. Ofcom has published guidance which states that providers must take steps to identify and protect at-risk consumers who are dependent on their landline.
On 14 December, the Secretary of State for DSIT, Michelle Donelan, convened a meeting with the UK’s leading telecoms providers, including Sky, BT, VMO2 and TalkTalk, to discuss urgent steps to protect vulnerable households when upgrading phone lines to a digital network. In response, the major telecoms providers have now signed a Charter committing to concrete measures to protect vulnerable households. Communications Providers have agreed to pause forced migrations unless all possible steps are taken to protect vulnerable consumers, this is a positive step to ensure safety remains at the heart of this migration.
In order to function correctly, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) requires a minimum stable connection speed of just 0.5Mbps. These speeds are available to more than 99.8% of premises – the remainder can usually request a connection through the Broadband Universal Service Obligation. Current landline-only customers can order a VoIP landline without purchasing a general internet connection. For consumers in rural areas who are landline-dependent due to limited mobile coverage, it is the responsibility of Communications Providers to ensure their customers have access to telephony services.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April 2023, set out the steps we will take to ensure that all parts of the UK have the wireless connectivity they need to unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity. The Strategy sets out a policy framework to encourage mobile network operators to continue investing in 4G and 5G networks. It emphasises our commitment to extending 4G coverage to 95% of the UK’s landmass through the Shared Rural Network and sets out a 10-point plan to support rural connectivity. Alongside the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, we also asked Ofcom to improve the accuracy of its reporting of mobile network coverage.
The resilience of the UK’s fixed and mobile telecoms networks is of paramount importance. The Secretary of State asked Ofcom to review the general resilience of telecommunications services in the event of prolonged power outages. In response, in December 2023, Ofcom launched a consultation on the resilience of the sector that includes a separate call for input on power backup for mobile radio access networks. We await the outcome of the consultation.
For consumers who are landline-dependent, Ofcom has placed the obligation on Communications Providers to provide at least one solution that enables access to emergency organisations for a minimum of one hour in the event of a power outage in the premises. This solution should be suitable for customers’ needs and should be offered free of charge to those who are at risk, including consumers who have no mobile signal. Communications Providers have also pledged to this commitment in DSIT’s Industry Charter.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the digital landline rollout, what discussions she has had with industry stakeholders on (a) assessing whether and (b) ensuring that residents have access to enough mobile signal to rely on a mobile phone in instances of power cuts.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned telecommunications network. The migration is industry-led and does not result from any government decision or form part of any government programme.
Ofcom is responsible for ensuring telecoms providers adhere to their regulatory obligations throughout the migration process, such as ensuring uninterrupted access to the emergency services and protecting vulnerable consumers. Ofcom has published guidance which states that providers must take steps to identify and protect at-risk consumers who are dependent on their landline.
On 14 December, the Secretary of State for DSIT, Michelle Donelan, convened a meeting with the UK’s leading telecoms providers, including Sky, BT, VMO2 and TalkTalk, to discuss urgent steps to protect vulnerable households when upgrading phone lines to a digital network. In response, the major telecoms providers have now signed a Charter committing to concrete measures to protect vulnerable households. Communications Providers have agreed to pause forced migrations unless all possible steps are taken to protect vulnerable consumers, this is a positive step to ensure safety remains at the heart of this migration.
In order to function correctly, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) requires a minimum stable connection speed of just 0.5Mbps. These speeds are available to more than 99.8% of premises – the remainder can usually request a connection through the Broadband Universal Service Obligation. Current landline-only customers can order a VoIP landline without purchasing a general internet connection. For consumers in rural areas who are landline-dependent due to limited mobile coverage, it is the responsibility of Communications Providers to ensure their customers have access to telephony services.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April 2023, set out the steps we will take to ensure that all parts of the UK have the wireless connectivity they need to unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity. The Strategy sets out a policy framework to encourage mobile network operators to continue investing in 4G and 5G networks. It emphasises our commitment to extending 4G coverage to 95% of the UK’s landmass through the Shared Rural Network and sets out a 10-point plan to support rural connectivity. Alongside the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, we also asked Ofcom to improve the accuracy of its reporting of mobile network coverage.
The resilience of the UK’s fixed and mobile telecoms networks is of paramount importance. The Secretary of State asked Ofcom to review the general resilience of telecommunications services in the event of prolonged power outages. In response, in December 2023, Ofcom launched a consultation on the resilience of the sector that includes a separate call for input on power backup for mobile radio access networks. We await the outcome of the consultation.
For consumers who are landline-dependent, Ofcom has placed the obligation on Communications Providers to provide at least one solution that enables access to emergency organisations for a minimum of one hour in the event of a power outage in the premises. This solution should be suitable for customers’ needs and should be offered free of charge to those who are at risk, including consumers who have no mobile signal. Communications Providers have also pledged to this commitment in DSIT’s Industry Charter.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of encouraging mobile network roaming in rural areas.
Answered by John Whittingdale
The Government agreed a deal with the mobile network operators (MNOs) in March 2020 to deliver the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme. This agreement will see the Government and industry jointly invest over £1 billion to increase 4G mobile coverage throughout the UK to 95% geographic coverage by the end of 2025, underpinned by licence obligations. The SRN will improve rural 4G coverage, reducing the digital divide between rural and urban areas of the UK, enabling rural businesses and communities to thrive. Any decisions on rural roaming are commercial decisions for mobile operators.
The Code of Practice for the Public Emergency Call Service requires that any call from a mobile phone will automatically roam onto another mobile network free-of-charge to make an emergency call if they have no signal from their own provider. The SRN will deliver new masts in total not-spot areas which will enable calls to 999 to be made through the mobile network for the first time in these areas.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
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 Shared Rural Network on 4G mobile signals across (a) the UK and (b) North Shropshire constituency.
Answered by John Whittingdale
With industry, we are investing £1 billion in the Shared Rural Network (SRN) to extend 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by the end of 2025. The UK will see coverage improvements to partial not-spots, areas where there is coverage from at least one but not all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and to total not-spots, where there is no coverage from any operator.
The SRN programme is also regulated by Ofcom, with regular reporting throughout the life of the programme to ensure agreed obligations and targets are met.
Any improvements from the SRN programme in North Shropshire will come from the industry-led element of the programme and as such DSIT are unable to provide any details on the precise location or number of new or upgraded masts that may be delivered specifically in North Shropshire as a result of the SRN.