Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Sir ): The Government is committed
to unlocking the barriers to telecoms deployment across the
United Kingdom, as outlined in the recently published 10 Year
Infrastructure Strategy by HM Treasury. This strategy underscores
the vital role that modern infrastructure plays in fostering
economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and driving innovation
in all regions of the country.
Digital infrastructure underpins growth right across the economy,
and is also a powerful contributor to the economy in its own
right, with the sector worth an estimated £50 billion to the UK.
It supports the adoption of new and emerging technologies
including Artificial Intelligence and enables citizens to
participate in modern life. In an increasingly online world,
growth in data consumption and increased demands on the UK's
digital infrastructure mean there is an urgent need to support
the sector in delivering greater connectivity for local
communities and businesses.
We are committed to the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and
5G networks, with the ultimate goal of enabling businesses,
residents, and institutions to access seamless and reliable
connectivity. These efforts are essential to building a more
competitive, equitable, and digitally connected nation.
To overcome barriers to deployment of gigabit-capable
infrastructure in blocks of flats, we will consult on measures by
the autumn to create a new right for leaseholders to request a
gigabit broadband connection and a duty for freeholders not to
unreasonably refuse the request. Working closely with the
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, we would
seek to legislate for any resulting measures when parliamentary
time allows.
Work is underway to ensure that delays arising from the higher
risk building safety regime are addressed as soon as possible. We
are working closely with the telecoms sector to understand the
scale of the impact on telecoms deployment specifically,
alongside developing appropriate remedies which will support the
continued investment and rollout of 5G and gigabit broadband
while upholding the government's commitment to building safety.
We will accelerate the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband by
tackling barriers to the deployment of underground broadband
infrastructure. We have trialed the use of flexi-permits for
street works and will see the results of the evaluation in
October. Should that demonstrate positive results, we will
promptly consult on the necessary legislative changes.
We will consider areas where planning laws and guidance might be
changed to facilitate the deployment of mobile masts. To that
end, we will publish a call for evidence on Permitted Development
Rights as soon as possible. Subject to feedback received, any
resulting measures designed to enable faster deployment of
telecommunications infrastructure will be implemented as quickly
as possible.
We will implement the remaining provisions of the Product
Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 to make
it easier and cheaper for digital infrastructure to be deployed.
Subject to considering the consultation responses, we intend to
finalise s61-64 of the Act, relating to renewal agreements, by
the end of the year.
The 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy represents a bold and
ambitious step toward a more connected and thriving United
Kingdom. By removing obstacles to telecoms deployment, we are
creating the foundations for a brighter future, where digital
connectivity transforms lives, drives economic progress, and
strengthens communities across the country. We will continue to
work closely with the telecoms sector to drive forward
infrastructure build.
