Written question asked by Alun Michael (Labour) on Thursday, 15 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 March 2012. It was answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Mobile Phones: Rural Areas

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the potential effect on those in rural areas of those areas having a choice of fewer than four mobile operators.

Answer: The Mobile Infrastructure Project is focusing on areas where there is currently no coverage from any mobile network operator. Government and Ofcom do recognise that limited coverage is important and we are working with industry to seek solutions. However, it should be borne in mind that rural customers will have access to the same rates and packages as those in urban areas. So while the choice may be lower in places, this should have no direct impact on the prices people pay.

Secondary information