Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the level of investment by IX Wireless in the local authorities in (a) Bolton, (b) Blackburn, (c) Rochdale, (e) Bury, (f) Lancashire.

I am aware that IX Wireless is in the process of rolling out its network in your constituency and surrounding areas, making use of permitted development rights to install telegraph poles.

This issue was debated in the House on 15 March 2023. During that debate I said the Government is looking closely at how to ensure all operators are aware of, and adhere to, their responsibilities when under both the legislative framework and the associated code of practice on pole siting. In addition we are looking at whether additional work is needed to ensure local authorities understand their role in the process, including their ability to impose conditions on where poles and cabinets are sited and the ability to escalate issues to Ofcom.

Increasing competition and investment in the fixed telecoms market is integral to the Government’s strategy to deliver nationwide coverage of gigabit-capable broadband. In the 2018 Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review and the 2019 Statement of Strategic Priorities, we brought forward substantive proposals to make it easier for new firms to enter the market and compete with the incumbent provider, such as granting competitors access to Openreach’s national network of ducts and poles.

As a result of our pro-competition policies, there is now a thriving market of over 80 providers investing nearly £35bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the UK. In Lancashire, 73% of premises can access gigabit-capable networks, up from just 5.6% in November 2019.