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 merits of more closely aligning spectrum policy with mobile coverage and connectivity objectives across the UK.

The government's ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Our spectrum policy supports the industry achieve this.

Spectrum is a strategic national asset and ensuring efficient use of spectrum is a priority for the government. A range of measures can support this including the adoption of innovative technologies, enhanced spectrum sharing and, in some cases, new spectrum allocations.

Ofcom is responsible for spectrum management in the UK and its duties include balancing the needs of different spectrum users and encouraging the availability of mobile and other services throughout the UK.

The government has no plans to publish a refreshed spectrum strategy currently. However, we frequently review our spectrum policy priorities, for example in the recent draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for Telecommunications, the Management of Radio Spectrum, and Postal Services.