Written questions by Cane.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 24 March 2026 to question 121001, whether her Department has considered the use of independent, real-terms data when mapping mobile coverage.

Ofcom is responsible for reporting on the availability of telecommunications networks across the UK.Government has restated the importance of Ofcom continuing to improve its reporting of mobile coverage in the draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of spectrum and postal services. This includes building on the launch of Map Your Mobile tool in June 2025, by exploring more use of measured and crowdsourced data to measure network performance.Any use of independent data to support the mapping of mobile coverage and performance of mobile networks needs to be done in a robust way; this is something Ofcom are currently exploring.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has assessed the suitability of incentives to build mobile network infrastructure to meet the needs of rural areas.

Jointly funded by the Government and the UK’s mobile network operators, the Shared Rural Network is utilising Government funding to incentivise mobile network operators to deliver commercial outdoor mobile coverage in rural areas, where there was previously limited or no 4G coverage at all. The programme has successfully delivered its main objective of 95% 4G geographic coverage from at least one operator by the end of 2025 and will continue to deliver coverage improvements until it closes in January 2027.Government is also committed to ensuring the policy and regulatory framework drives investment in widespread high-quality mobile connectivity across the UK, including working to identify and address barriers to deployment of mobile infrastructure where appropriate. To support this, we have recently launched the Mobile Market Review call for evidence, calling on stakeholders to provide detailed evidence on how developments across the sector impact investment in connectivity over the long-term and what more Government can do to support this. The call for evidence is open for responses until 5 May 2026.

Innovation and Technology, what data her Department uses to track progress on 4G and 5G coverage targets.

Through the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom, as the regulator, is responsible for reporting on the availability of electronic communications networks.The Government uses Ofcom’s Connected Nations mobile coverage data to track mobile networks across the UK. This includes assessing progress against the Shared Rural Network’s 95% 4G geographic coverage target and statutory licence obligations, as well as the Government’s ambition for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G coverage by 2030.The Shared Rural Network has already met its objective of delivering outdoor 4G mobile coverage to 95% of UK landmass a year ahead of schedule and the programme continues to deliver new coverage to rural areas that need it the most. Standalone 5G is available outside 83% of UK premises from at least one mobile network operator.

Innovation and Technology, what process Ofcom follows after receiving feedback on mobile coverage maps.

The Government recognises the concerns from members across the House that in some cases, the level of mobile coverage reported by Ofcom does not align with users’ experience. Improving the accuracy of coverage data and improving the information available to consumers on the performance of mobile networks in their area remains a priority for the Government.Government has restated the importance of Ofcom continuing to improve its reporting of mobile coverage in the draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of spectrum and postal services. This includes building on the launch of Map Your Mobile tool in June 2025, by exploring more use of measured and crowdsourced data. It also includes Ofcom keeping under review its definitions of what constitutes “good” 4G and 5G and the signal strength thresholds it uses to measure this, so that these definitions continue to reflect consumer and business expectations as user requirements and behaviours evolve.Ofcom introduced the feedback function in the Map Your Mobile tool to ensure that consumers who are dissatisfied with the results have a way to register concerns or observations about mobile coverage in their area.It provides Ofcom with a qualitative source of consumer experience to complement existing data and monitor broad trends over time, such as recurring locations where issues are raised. This remains under review as the dataset grows, Ofcom continue to assess how it can most effectively support their work.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of Ofcom’s mobile coverage maps.

The Government recognises the concerns from members across the House that in some cases, the level of mobile coverage reported by Ofcom does not align with users’ experience. Improving the accuracy of coverage data and improving the information available to consumers on the performance of mobile networks in their area remains a priority for the Government.Government has restated the importance of Ofcom continuing to improve its reporting of mobile coverage in the draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of spectrum and postal services. This includes building on the launch of Map Your Mobile tool in June 2025, by exploring more use of measured and crowdsourced data. It also includes Ofcom keeping under review its definitions of what constitutes “good” 4G and 5G and the signal strength thresholds it uses to measure this, so that these definitions continue to reflect consumer and business expectations as user requirements and behaviours evolve.Ofcom introduced the feedback function in the Map Your Mobile tool to ensure that consumers who are dissatisfied with the results have a way to register concerns or observations about mobile coverage in their area.It provides Ofcom with a qualitative source of consumer experience to complement existing data and monitor broad trends over time, such as recurring locations where issues are raised. This remains under review as the dataset grows, Ofcom continue to assess how it can most effectively support their work.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 80133 on Science: Research, when she plans to take steps with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on a coordinated approach for science centres.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 October 2025 to Question UIN 80133. The Government recognises the important role science and discovery centres play in engaging the public with science and inspiring young people. Minister Vallance has written to DCMS to explore a coordinated approach.

Innovation and Technology, what comparative assessment she has made of the level of broadband coverage in (a) the UK and (b) Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.

The Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency has good broadband coverage that is comparable to UK wide coverage.According to the independent website ThinkBroadband.com, approximately 89% of UK premises have access to gigabit-capable broadband (of 1000 Mbps or faster) and 98% superfast (30 Mbps or faster), this is compared to around 89% and 98% respectively for premises in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she plans to take to support science centres with energy costs.

Science and Discovery Centres have an important role in engaging the public, with science and in inspiring young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to consider STEM studies and related careers. While some centres do carry out some research in addition to their informal science learning activities their primary role is as visitor centres focused on science as a part of the UK’s culture.The department and partners such as UKRI have previously provided support for programmes managed by science centres that met the department’s goals but as institutions, their support does not fall within DSIT’s remit.We want to work with DCMS on a coordinated approach around recognition of science centres as an important part of the UK’s cultural and science engagement ecosystem.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department is responsible for science centres; and whether she plans to allocate responsibility for science centres to a specific Minister.

Science and Discovery Centres have an important role in engaging the public, with science and in inspiring young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to consider STEM studies and related careers. While some centres do carry out some research in addition to their informal science learning activities their primary role is as visitor centres focused on science as a part of the UK’s culture.The department and partners such as UKRI have previously provided support for programmes managed by science centres that met the department’s goals but as institutions, their support does not fall within DSIT’s remit.We want to work with DCMS on a coordinated approach around recognition of science centres as an important part of the UK’s cultural and science engagement ecosystem.

Innovation and Technology, if the Government will allocate Ministerial responsibility for science centres to a specific Department.

The UK’s Science and Discovery Centres have an important role in engaging the public with science and technology and in inspiring young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, their primary role is as visitor centres focussed on the role of science in the UK’s culture. DSIT will engage with DCMS to discuss how government’s relationship with these important institutions can best be supported going forward.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes to immigration laws on the level of recruitment of skilled science professionals from abroad.

The Government remains committed to attracting the best talent from around the world to the UK.The Immigration White Paper makes clear the valuable contribution that high-skilled workers make to our science and technology sectors. It also set-out our ambition to increase the number of very high skilled individuals coming here through high-talent routes like the Global Talent and High Potential Individual visas, alongside faster routes for bringing people to the UK who have the right skills and experience to supercharge UK growth in strategic industries.DSIT is working closely with the Home Office to implement these commitments.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing spending on research and development.

Research and development (R&D) is key to our agenda to boost growth and improve lives by maximising the potential of science and technology. Investment in R&D underpins the innovations that help the UK boost productivity and create high-paid jobs. UK public R&D has been estimated to have an average rate of return of 40% 6 years after the investment is made. Each pound invested also leverages on average £2 of private investment in the long run.DSIT's R&D budget has risen to £13.9bn in 2025/26, an increase of 8.5% in real terms compared to its 2024/25 budget. R&D funding beyond 2025/26 is subject to the next phase of the Spending Review, which will conclude in June.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure sustainable energy use in AI growth zones.

The Government recognises the importance of continued innovation and efficiency of AI infrastructure as we deliver AI Growth Zones (AIGZs).AIGZs will seek to shift energy demand to areas with greater capacity, reducing pressure on congested parts of the grid. DSIT is working closely with DESNZ and the NESO to align AI energy demand with future energy planning and long-term sustainability.The AI Energy Council, co-chaired by the Secretaries of State for DSIT and DESNZ, will explore clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure, including small modular reactors and next-gen renewables, to ensure our AI ambitions align with the UK’s net zero goals.

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that workforce skills adapt to the role of AI in the economy.

Lifelong learning and adaptability are key to ensuring everyone can prosper in an increasingly technology-driven world. The AI Opportunities Action Plan outlines the steps the UK will take to build a strong, diverse talent pipeline, realising AI benefits across the economy. Working with DSIT and the Industrial Strategy Council, Skills England will bring together businesses, training partners, and unions with national and local government to assess the country’s skills need – including AI and digital skills – and map pathways to fill them.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that smaller platforms are adequately regulated to protect children from online harms.

Government’s priority is the effective implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023 so that children can benefit from its wide-reaching protections. The Act’s illegal content duties and, where relevant, child safety duties, will apply to services of all sizes. All companies in scope of the Act, regardless of their size, will have duties to prevent users from encountering illegal content and activity. Additionally, all services which are likely to be accessed by children are required to protect children from harmful content. This includes content such as pornography, or content that promote, encourages or provides instructions for self-harm, eating disorders or suicide.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department taking to promote the sustainable development of AI capacity.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for growth, driving adoption and building UK capabilities. We recognise that data centres face sustainability challenges, from energy demands to water use. Through the AI Energy Council, we will be exploring bold, clean energy solutions from next-generation renewables to small modular reactors to ensure our AI ambitions align with the UK’s net zero goals. This builds on DSIT’s contribution to make Britain a clean energy superpower by investing in relevant research on clean energy and climate change. Additionally, we recently signed agreements on sustainability at the French AI Action Summit and joined the Coalition for Sustainable AI.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of rural broadband coverage.

According to Ofcom’s December 2024 Connected Nations report, just 0.1% of properties are unable to get decent broadband coverage (defined as at least 10 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed), with 89% of rural UK residential properties having superfast broadband coverage (>=30 Mbps). Clearly this still leaves a significant number of rural properties with inadequate broadband coverage.Through Project Gigabit, more than £2 billion of contracts have been signed to connect over a million more premises with gigabit-capable broadband (>1000 Mbps). These premises predominantly fall in rural areas.For those premises still unable to get a decent broadband connection, the Broadband USO provides consumers the right to request a decent broadband connection.

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help SMEs adopt digital technology.

The SME Digital Adoption Taskforce led by Phil Smith and reporting to DBT is looking specifically at SMEs adopting technology. They are working towards their interim report. The National Technology Adviser and Government Chief Scientific Adviser are running an official Government review reporting to the Chancellor, DBT SoS and DSIT SoS that identifies barriers that businesses within the Industrial Strategy’s 8 growth sectors face when adopting established and novel technologies. This is then related to productivity and growth of the economy. It is building on existing analysis, industry insights and other government reviews and workstreams. Recommendations will feed directly into Industrial Strategy work.

Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual property rights.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is central to the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth. The AI Opportunities Action Plan sets out how we will lay the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability.The Intellectual Property Office identified copyright, digital replicas, and computer-generated works as potential high-impact areas. The Government is consulting to gather evidence of the impact of AI to inform future policy development.We are looking at the broader IP system to ensure it supports the AI sector, while continuing to protect the UK’s strengths in traditional innovation and creativity.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of visa restrictions on the research sector.

The UK’s immigration offer enables talented scientists, researchers and innovators to come to the UK through a number of visa routes such as the Global Talent visa, the High Potential Individual visa and the Skilled Worker visa, and we continually keep our policies under review.The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has regular discussions with the Home Office, and with other Government Departments, to ensure that the UK’s world-class science, research, technology and innovation sectors are supported.UKRI allows researchers coming to the UK who are working at least 50% of their time on a UKRI grant to claim the cost of their visa from the grant. Many other research funders operate a similar policy. Researchers in receipt of Horizon Europe grants are also allowed to claim the cost of their visa from their grant.