Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he plans to take to ensure that the planned switch from the Public Switched Telephone Network to Voice over Internet Protocol does not compromise (a) national security and (b) critical communications during emergencies.

Since the general election I have worked with other departments and industry in an effort to ensure that the industry’s necessary retirement of the Public Switched Telephone Network does not compromise national security, and that vulnerable people and others retain connectivity during emergencies. The Department holds quarterly cross-Government engagement groups to discuss switchover risks, to which all Government departments and Devolved Administrations are invited. I intend to hold a further meeting soon with all operators and stakeholders to ensure risks are minimised.

Ofcom ensures that companies identify, prepare for, and reduce the risk of anything that compromises the availability, performance, or functionality of their network or service, including during emergencies, as required by the Communications Act 2003 and the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021.