The Government’s programme for expanding 4G mobile connectivity across 95% of the UK by 2025 is behind schedule and is costing more than anticipated.
A report by the National Audit Office on the Government's Shared Rural Network programme says that delays in building new masts mean that it is unclear if the programme will meet its target.
It also warned that the costs are ‘higher than anticipated’ and that the Government ‘has not clearly articulated the benefits of aspects of the programme’.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: ‘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.’
A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesperson said: 'This is premature. The programme remains on track to deliver 95% UK 4G coverage by the end of 2025, with coverage already available across 93% of UK landmass.'
