Written question asked by Aphra Brandreth (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Blair McDougall (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

5G: Infrastructure

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has undertaken an analysis of the mobile connectivity and 5G network infrastructure requirements of the eight sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy.

Answer: The government’s approach to 5G and mobile connectivity is set out in the ‘UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Plan’ on GOV.UK. The government’s ambition is for all populated areas to have standalone 5G by 2030, delivered through commercial investment. The Digital & Technologies Sector Plan (GOV.UK) outlines the Industrial Strategy’s approach to 5G and Advanced Connectivity Technologies. We have already begun to invest in ACT, with over £300 million spent since 2022 to promote R&D through the Open Networks Programme and Technology Missions Fund.

Secondary information