Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Jim Allister (Traditional Unionist Voice) on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Broadband: Rural Areas

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on the impact of Physical Infrastructure Access costs on the deployment of fibre optic broadband in rural areas.

Answer

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.

My officials are regularly engaging with Ofcom to ensure that we have the right regulatory environment in place to promote competition and investment in the fibre roll-out across the UK, including in rural areas.

In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
92710
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Broadband Fees and charges Ofcom Rural areas Optical fibres
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk