Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help improve mobile phone signal in (a) Yeovil constituency and (b) other rural communities.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
In Ofcom’s Connected Nations Spring Update, published on 8 May 2025, it is reported that 4G is available across 96% of the Yeovil constituency from all four mobile network operators (MNOs), while 5G is available outside 97% of premises in the constituency from at least one operator.
Our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural areas, to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Government continues to work closely with the MNOs, ensuring that we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment into mobile networks and competition in the market. This includes removing barriers to deployment where they exist.
We also continue to work with the MNOs to deliver the Shared Rural Network to boost 4G mobile coverage in rural communities.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the digitally excluded have access to (a) groceries, (b) banking, (c) the NHS and (d) other key services in rural areas in Yeovil constituency.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
DSIT is working closely with departments and with partners across the UK to address digital exclusion, making certain no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.
Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers about measures to ensure access to nutritious, safe and affordable food.
On banking, we are working with industry to rollout 350 banking hubs across the UK to provide face-to-face support for critical cash and in-person services. The Government is also developing a Financial Inclusion Strategy which includes a focus on access to banking and digital inclusion.
For NHS England, mitigating the risk of digital exclusion is one of five key priorities asked of Integrated Care Systems to address in their drive to reduce healthcare inequalities.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help tackle digital exclusion in Yeovil constituency.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Digital Inclusion Action Plan sets out the first five actions we are taking over the next year to boost digital inclusion in every corner of the UK, including in Yeovil.
They will be targeted at local initiatives for boosting digital skills and confidence, widening access to devices and connectivity, and getting support to people in their own communities so everyone can reap the benefits of technology.