Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that rural communities have sufficient digital connectivity and infrastructure to benefit from developments in artificial intelligence.

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

We have created a competition-friendly environment in areas where deployment of gigabit broadband is commercially viable, and through Project Gigabit we are focusing government funds on the remaining areas of the country, including rural areas, where commercial deployment is less likely. According to Ofcom, gigabit services became available to a further 243,897 rural premises between July 2025 and January 2026.

As highlighted in the recent Mobile Market Review call for evidence, over the next decade mobile networks should support the adoption of new technologies, including AI, driving innovation and growth in sectors across the UK economy. Mobile network operators have committed significant investment plans that align with government’s 2030 ambition. Government continues to work closely with the operators to create a conducive investment climate, including through the removal of barriers to deployment where necessary.