Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of (1) rural, and (2) non-rural, areas have 5G network coverage.

Ofcom is responsible for reporting on 5G coverage in Connected Nations. Ofcom first reported on 5G coverage in 2021 and is refining its measuring and reporting of this. Ofcom does not currently report on 5G availability in rural compared to non-rural areas.

According to Ofcom, (basic) ‘non-standalone’ 5G is available with a high degree of confidence from at least one mobile network operator outside 77% of UK premises.

Our forthcoming Wireless Infrastructure Strategy will articulate a clear vision for how advanced wireless infrastructure can become an integral part of the fabric of the UK's economy and society by 2030. We aim to publish the strategy in early 2023.