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Written question asked by Charlotte Cane (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 16 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Mobile Broadband: Standards

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what data her Department uses to track progress on 4G and 5G coverage targets.

Answer

Through the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom, as the regulator, is responsible for reporting on the availability of electronic communications networks.

The Government uses Ofcom’s Connected Nations mobile coverage data to track mobile networks across the UK. This includes assessing progress against the Shared Rural Network’s 95% 4G geographic coverage target and statutory licence obligations, as well as the Government’s ambition for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G coverage by 2030.

The Shared Rural Network has already met its objective of delivering outdoor 4G mobile coverage to 95% of UK landmass a year ahead of schedule and the programme continues to deliver new coverage to rural areas that need it the most. Standalone 5G is available outside 83% of UK premises from at least one mobile network operator.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
121002
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Standards 4G 5G
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk