House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Reporting a contingent liability in relation to the Shared Rural Network
22 June 2022 · Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Proposed by Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Government proposes to enter into an agreement with Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited to indemnify potential costs.
- The Departmental Minute records a proposal to provide an indemnity of up to 15.2 million.
- The funding will cover additional equipment and operating expenses for mobile network operators.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the Government's proposal to enter into an agreement with Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited to indemnify potential costs associated with changes in the Emergency Services Network.
Action requested
I have laid a Departmental Minute recording the government’s proposal to provide an indemnity of up to £15.2 million to cover additional equipment and operating expenses for mobile network operators if future Emergency Services Network contracts cause additional costs under the Shared Rural Network programme. The funding will be managed in line with HM Treasury guidelines.
Key facts
- Government's £1 billion deal with four mobile network operators to deliver 4G coverage to 95% of UK landmass.
- Over £500 million government investment targeted at hard-to-reach areas lacking 4G coverage.
- Proposed indemnity covers costs up to £15.2 million if future Emergency Services Network contracts cause additional expenses for mobile network operators.