The government’s decision in July 2020 to reduce its dependency on technology originating from certain high-risk vendors could introduce delays and additional expense to nationwide roll-out.61 The Department estimated that the removal of high-risk vendors’ 52 DRB0004 DCMS recall (Broadband), Internet Service Providers’ Association, 4 November, p. 2 and DRB0009 DCMS recall (Broadband), The Independent Networks Co-operative Association, 4 November, p. 4 53 DRB0005 DCMS recall (Broadband), Hertfordshire County Council, 4 November, p, 1,3 and DRB0011 DCMS recall (Broadband), Octopus Group, 4 November, para 4.6 54 Guidance on access agreements – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 55 DRB0009 DCMS recall (Broadband), The Independent Networks Co-operative Association, 4 November, p. 4 56 Q 51, DRB0007 DCMS recall (Broadband), Openreach, November 4, para 23 57 Q 42 58 Qq 43–45 59 Qq 46–49 60 Letter from Sarah Healey to PAC Chair Dame Meg Hillier Re: Improving Broadband, 23 November 2021 61 C&AG’s Report, para 15 Delivering gigabit-capable broadband 15 equipment from the network will have caused a delay in the full fibre roll-out of up to a year, and for 5G by two to three years.62 The Department told us that EE and BT have announced they are going to get 5G coverage to 90% of the population by 2028. However, the Department told us that it remained confident it will achieve its target of 85% gigabit- capable coverage by 2025, because of the pace at which commercial suppliers were working.63 62 Q63 63 Q64, 65–66 16 Delivering gigabit-capable broadband 3 Addressing digital inequality Connecting rural areas – the ‘Outside-In approach’