Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department are taking to improve 5G infrastructure in rural areas.

This Government is taking steps to improve both 4G and 5G coverage across the country. With industry, we are investing £1 billion in the Shared Rural Network, to extend 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by the end of 2025.

We have also steps to make it easier and cheaper for operators to deploy 5G. This includes reforming the planning system in England. Alongside this, measures within the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, will support upgrades of sites to 5G.

Our forthcoming Wireless Infrastructure Strategy will articulate a clear vision for how advanced wireless infrastructure, including 5G, can become an integral part of the fabric of the UK's economy and society by 2030. We will set out how we will continue to drive 5G deployment across the UK.