Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help improve mobile phone coverage in rural areas.

The Shared Rural Network continues to deliver 4G connectivity where there is limited or no coverage. Beyond this, our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural communities, to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030.

We are working with Ofcom and the industry to ensure we have the right policy and regulatory framework to support investment and competition in the market.

Ofcom have written to me confirming that their improved online coverage checker will go live in the second half of June, which will better reflect people’s real experience. A copy of my letter and their letter has been deposited in the libraries of both houses.