Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2023 to Question 196183 on Public Telephones, what recent discussions she has had with (a) BT and (b) Ofcom on repairs to dilapidated public telephone boxes which have been retained for use.

Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, is responsible for the regulation of Public Call Boxes (PCBs). Under the Universal Service Conditions by Ofcom, KCOM and BT are required to ensure the adequate provision, repair and maintenance of Public Call Boxes (‘PCBs’). Ofcom has published this guidance on their website. DSIT does not engage with Ofcom nor BT on issues related to PCBs because it does not fall within the Department’s remit.