Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 25 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 (named day). It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Shared Rural Network: Mid Dorset and North Poole

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what progress he has made on the Shared Rural Network (SRN) since July 2024; and what SRN projects are underway in Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency.

Answer: Since July 2024, we have activated 40 government funded masts under the Shared Rural Network, providing new 4G coverage to rural communities across Great Britain. At the end of 2024 Ofcom confirmed that the programme had also hit its objective of helping to deliver 95% coverage a year ahead of schedule. In Mid Dorset and North Poole, outdoor 4G coverage from all four operators has increased to 92% up from 85% since the programme begun in March 2020. There will not be any further coverage improvements from the Shared Rural Network in Mid Dorset and North Poole.

Secondary information