Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of whether rural broadband and mobile connectivity are sufficient to support the deployment of agricultural robotics in Buckinghamshire.

Availability of digital connectivity underpins the UK’s digital capabilities, including the ability of rural communities to benefit from deployment of agricultural robotics. This is why we are futureproofing the UK’s networks, with a target to deliver gigabit broadband coverage to 99% of premises by 2032 and an ambition for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G coverage by 2030.

Ofcom reports that as of January 2026, 69% of rural premises in Buckinghamshire local authority have access to a gigabit-capable connection and standalone 5G is available across 98% of the rural landmass from at least one mobile network operator.

Through the 5G Innovation Regions programme, the Government has funded projects across the UK to demonstrate how a range of connectivity solutions can support modern farming practices and the use of agricultural technologies such as drones, robotics, cameras and sensors.