Shared Rural Network Implementation

Congratulated Helen Morgan on securing the debate, criticised mobile operators for lack of investment in rural areas over 10 years. Advocated for better indoor signal quality as well as extending emergency services network beyond land to include maritime emergencies. Alistair Carmichael interjected briefly, pointing out that there was a problem in the building, possibly referring to issues with connectivity during the debate. Alistair Carmichael encouraged the Minister to be firm with mobile operators who request extensions on their coverage targets, emphasizing the need for pressure to achieve results.

The hon. Lady is making a good start on her speech but mentions positive developments in Devon where connectivity has improved from about 84% up into the high nineties percentile over the last four years, demonstrating effective public and private sector collaboration.

Stressed the importance of consistent and reliable mobile coverage in rural areas, highlighting the Government's target to ensure 95% 4G coverage by 2025 with £500 million investment. Emphasised that improved connectivity is crucial for economic growth outside cities, addressing regional inequalities and digital exclusion.

Carol Monaghan acknowledged contributions from other MPs and noted concerns about signal coverage within buildings. She mentioned the importance of considering environmental impacts and working closely with local communities for the roll-out of 4G networks in Scotland. Monaghan asked EE to clarify how they verify their network coverage targets and requested more details on specific interventions by the Government for challenging rural areas. Carol Monaghan clarified that broadband roll-out is a reserved issue under Westminster jurisdiction, although the Scottish Government supports efforts to expand connectivity.

Chris Evans highlighted the importance of reliable internet connectivity for rural areas, citing examples such as builders needing to drive long distances to find a signal and farmers facing coverage issues. He noted that half of all rural businesses report negative impacts on profits due to poor connectivity and underlined the mental health benefits of staying connected online.

To speed up the roll-out programme, it would be beneficial if something could be done with planning policy nationally to give a presumption in support of broadband masts being put into church towers where there is a desire for such installation.

Community concerns must be considered when building infrastructure. However, upgrading existing transmission equipment at the top of structures should not face similar issues and should be easier to approve without significant opposition. Asked whether people not connected digitally feel left behind as technology advances without them. David Duguid inquired whether the shared rural network programme could be used to address notspots for both mobile and fixed signals, pointing out the failure of Scotland's R100 programme.

My rural constituency of North Norfolk faces similar challenges with notspots. The fundamental problem seems to be the planning process where applications for completely inappropriate locations are turned down by local communities, preventing necessary infrastructure development.

Constituents in rural areas struggle with mobile signal, impacting daily life and work. The shared rural network needs more support from the government to accelerate progress. Greg Smith raised concerns about the placement of 5G masts, asking if operators are being responsive to demands for more appropriate locations.

Jamie Stone discussed the issue of mobile signal connectivity in remote areas like Borgie. He mentioned an incident where an elderly gentleman could not reach emergency services due to a lack of mobile signals. Stone highlighted that despite a mast being installed in 2019, it remains unconnected due to issues with SSE and the Scottish Government. He requested the Minister to intervene to ensure the mast is connected and suggested adding solar power to masts for better reliability.

I commend the hon. Lady for bringing forward this important debate and highlight the £200 million deal secured through the confidence and supply agreement with Northern Ireland, aimed at enhancing rural broadband provision. I question whether progress needs to match technological advances such as 5G.

Does the hon. Lady recognise that in some rural areas—such as Mordon and Killerby in my Sedgefield constituency—people move away from villages not only because they cannot get broadband, but also due to lack of transport options. They desperately need both.

Discussed the challenges of 4G coverage in rural areas, highlighting safety concerns for farmers and elderly residents with no mobile reception. Proposed measures to incentivise operators for rural roaming.