Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile connectivity
Select Committee
Public Accounts Committee
HC 650
28 May 2024
Government response
Treasury minutes: Government response to the Committee of Public Accounts on the Thirty-fifth report from Session 2023-24 · published 11 Jul 2025
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
8
Conclusion
Mobile operators anticipate missing 2024 4G coverage targets, seeking extension from Ofcom.
Conclusion
We noted that, in late 2023, three of the four mobile network operators had already advised BDUK that they were each unlikely to meet their Ofcom licence obligation to increase their own 4G coverage to 88% of the UK landmass …
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HM Treasury
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12
Conclusion
Not Addressed
BDUK lacked adequate cost information from operators for managing government-funded programme spending.
Conclusion
BDUK told us that costs had been one of three areas where it had wanted improved information from the operators. Although it had previously received information from DMSL on costs, the information DMSL had provided had not allowed BDUK to …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the 95% coverage target is expected to be met ahead of schedule and within budget, with the Shared Rural Network's capped grant fund ensuring the government's financial contribution for Total Not Spots does not exceed £300.7 million. The response focuses on general financial risk management and current progress rather than BDUK's specific amendment for cost information mentioned in the conclusion.
HM Treasury
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31
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Department needs to better integrate and disseminate its extensive 5G research findings
Conclusion
Since 2017, the Department has spent £400 million in developing possible uses for 5G because it is not yet obvious that consumers will need 5G and the commercial case is not yet clear enough to support industry’s investment.59 The Department’s …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response, which is identical to another item, fails to address the specific point about drawing together research findings, instead discussing its 5G ambition and general program evaluations.
HM Treasury
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