Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of current digital infrastructure in supporting online (a) healthcare, (b) education and (c) banking services in rural villages.

Digital infrastructure underpins all aspects of modern life, including access to GP, educational and banking services.

Through Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network, we are continuing to deliver improvements in broadband and mobile connectivity to areas with limited coverage, including in rural villages.

The Government remains committed to ensuring at least 99% of UK premises receive gigabit coverage by 2032. Over 88% of UK premises can already access gigabit capable broadband.

4G coverage from at least one mobile operator has now reached over 95% of the UK landmass as a result of the Shared Rural Network, while 4G is also available inside almost 100% of UK premises from one operator. Our ambition is to go further and for all populated areas to benefit from higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030.