Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. It was answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Telecommunications: Infrastructure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of patterns of ownership of electronic communications networks since the introduction of the Electronic Communications Code; and what steps they are taking to ensure that cost savings from reduced land rents benefit end-users.

Answer

This Government has not carried out any formal assessment of electronic communications network ownership patterns. We continue to work closely with industry to understand the evolving market dynamics and, where issues present, will consider what government can do to support investment and competition for the benefit of all end-users.

The 2017 changes to the Electronic Communications Code, which included changes to the valuation regime, were intended to support network deployment and facilitate infrastructure sharing. Based on Ofcom reporting, 4G geographic coverage from at least one operator has increased from 89% in May 2018 to more than 95% in the 2025 Spring Connected Nations Update. In terms of fixed broadband, Thinkbroadband reports that over 87% of UK premises can access a gigabit capable connection, this is up from 3.4% in January 2018.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7637
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Costs Land Infrastructure Telecommunications Rents
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk