Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Telecoms Network Replacement

Wednesday 15 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister has regular meetings with Ofcom and telecommunications providers to discuss the transition from copper to digital networks.
  • Ofcom ensures that vulnerable consumers will have backup communication methods in case of power outages when the copper network is withdrawn.
  • Discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities aim to ensure telecoms providers use existing ducting to avoid unnecessary infrastructure.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from the planned replacement of the copper wire network, impacting telecommunications infrastructure across the UK.

Question

What recent discussions has she had with Ofcom and telecommunications providers on the planned replacement of the copper wire network?

Answer from John Whittingdale

We have regular meetings with Ofcom and telecommunications providers to discuss the migration from analogue to digital, and in due course the retirement of the copper network. Ofcom has set out high-level conditions for the gradual deregulation of BT Group's copper-based network in the future, but it is too early to determine the process that will trigger the complete deregulation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific process triggering the complete deregulation was not addressed.

How: It Is Too Early To Determine

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Context

Some constituents in Shetland faced prolonged electricity outages last year, raising concerns about the resilience of voice over internet after copper network withdrawal.

Question

What assurance can he give me that my constituents will not be left cut off without communications after the copper network is withdrawn?

Answer from John Whittingdale

Ofcom has regular discussions, and I, too, have been meeting Ofcom. The right hon. Gentleman is right that we need to make it certain that vulnerable consumers are protected. Ofcom will ensure that providers give them back-up in the event of a power outage, and it will be their duty to ensure that that is sufficient.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or assurance was given for ensuring communication resilience during power outages.

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Q3 Ranil Jayawardena Con
Science & Technology
Context

There is concern over unnecessary installation of telegraph poles for new telecommunications infrastructure.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on how we can ensure that telecoms providers use any existing ducting?

Answer from John Whittingdale

We are very keen that unnecessary infrastructure should not be built where existing ducts can be used. We have set out regulations on that, and Ofcom oversees it. Local authorities will be able to make reports to Ofcom if existing ducts are not being sufficiently used and it is felt that the infrastructure is not necessary.

Answered
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