Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what support her Department is offering to Local Authorities to support the connectivity of 5G in their areas.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has published, via the Digital Connectivity Portal, extensive guidance for local authorities and operators to help facilitate broadband and mobile connectivity deployment. This includes technical information, as well as examples of best practice, such as supporting the appointment of Digital Champions in local authorities, to help deployment in an area go as smoothly as possible. The Department continues to work closely with both local authorities and operators to support the rollout of digital connectivity across the UK.

Since 2023 we have provided over £46 million of funding to local and combined authorities across the UK through the 5G Innovation Regions Programme, which aims to increase investment in 5G networks and encourage the adoption of advanced connectivity services in key sectors.