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 effectiveness of new 4G mobile signal constructed via the Shared Rural Network on communities in (a) total not spots and (b) partial not spots.

The Shared Rural Network will deliver good 4G coverage - defined by Ofcom as 4G signals supporting nearly all 90-second calls being completed without interruption and data connections that deliver a connection speed of at least 2 Mbps.

Delivery of the partial not-spot programme is already underway with many new and upgraded sites already delivered. The mobile network operators (MNOs) and suppliers are currently assessing where new total not-spot masts should go and planning applications are being submitted. The most recent Connected Nations report published on 7 September showed increased 4G coverage mobile coverage from at least one MNO being available across 93% of the UK, up from 91% when the SRN was agreed in March 2020.