In the 21st Century, having a reliable means of communication is essential. The Government has been firmly committed to improving mobile coverage, such as through the Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP), as well as improving the wider mobile telecoms market.
This Government has also ensured that 4G speeds become the norm, and has signed a landmark deal with the four main mobile networks to invest £5 billion in the UK communications network, guaranteeing 90 per cent of the UK's landmass will have mobile reception by 2017. Alongside other programmes, this will ensure that 98 per cent of people will be able to get 4G mobile coverage by 2017.
Going forward, the Government will ensure that Britain seizes the chance to be a world leader in the development of 5G, playing a key role in defining industry standards, as well as continuing investment in mobile infrastructure to ensure that everybody can benefit from good voice and text coverage. The Government's commitment in this area was shown through the announcement of a £1 billion investment in full-fibre broadband and trialling 5G networks as part of the 2016 Autumn Statement.
Through the Digital Economy Bill currently before the House, the Government is reforming the out-dated Electronic Communications Code, to better regulate the relationship between communications operators and landowners. This will deliver better coverage in rural areas through greater investment and faster rollout of mobile and broadband infrastructure.