National Audit Office report reveals slow rural rollout of network coverage – Carmichael responds

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today responded to the release of a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) into the rollout of rural network coverage, which suggested that it is “unclear” whether the government will meet its targets.

The report found that demand for mobile data access is expected to grow as greater use is made of data-intensive services. Alongside a similar-sized commitment by the private sector, the UK government has committed around £500 million to the Shared Rural Network programme to boost mobile connectivity.

The NAO has found that delays in building new masts mean that it is currently unclear if the programme will meet its target of increasing 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by December 2025, and there are concerns about the programme’s affordability. It also finds that the UK government has not fully articulated the outcomes it is seeking to achieve from improving connectivity in remote areas, who will benefit, and the quality of connectivity needed.

The NAO also finds that the greatest increases in network coverage to date under the government programmes have been in Scotland and Wales, but coverage in these nations remains significantly below the December 2025 national targets.

Commenting on the report, Mr Carmichael said:

“I’m disappointed, but not altogether surprised, to see that the Shared Rural Network is running behind schedule. Mobile signal is still a lottery across much of the Northern Isles. There are still far too many places where you cannot get a signal at all.

“When put in the context of the imminent phasing out of copper wire landlines, this risks a serious crunch moment for essential communication needs. The government cannot keep letting down rural and island communities when it comes to connectivity.

“The Government must act to end total “not-spots” as planned. If the telecoms firms do not play their part to end the partial not-spots, ministers must consider legal changes to bring in “rural roaming” so that signal is shared. They have to be willing to get tough if necessary or we will see rural areas left further and further behind.”

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said:

“Demand for mobile data access is expected to increase as data-intensive services become more popular and new technologies enable new uses, and government has set out a clear ambition for improved connectivity.

“It is unclear whether the Shared Rural Network programme will achieve its coverage target on time; costs are higher than anticipated; and government has not clearly articulated the benefits of aspects of the programme, including increased connectivity in sparsely populated areas. 

“As government develops its 5G strategy, it will need to more clearly define what it is aiming to achieve in different parts of the UK and economic sectors, so that limited resources can be targeted where they deliver most value.”