Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

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.

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.