Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has considered introducing minimum quality standards for 5G coverage from mobile providers.
Minister for the Economy: I recognise and understand the importance of good quality mobile connectivity and remain committed to encouraging improvement of these services.
The provision of mobile connectivity is currently provided on a wholly commercial basis in the North. I do not have the vires to direct or influence how the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) locate their infrastructure or dictate the quality of service that they provide.
My Department is however leading on several initiatives, such as the Mobile Action Plan (MAP) and City and Growth Deals digital projects, that should help improve mobile connectivity here.
The work of Barrier Busting Taskforce (BBT), the delivery vehicle for MAP, will help to secure the fast and efficient roll out of mobile connectivity infrastructure. By removing the barriers identified in the MAP, it should make the North a more commercially attractive place for telecommunication companies to invest in their infrastructure roll out and therefore improve coverage levels and quality of service.
The BBT has established digital champions in every council area as a single point of contact on mobile connectivity related issues, provided information/ education sessions to decision makers and enabled relationships between key stakeholders. The work of the group also highlighted areas of planning legislation which are now under consideration by the appropriate department for amendment. All these things will help to deliver better mobile connectivity.
ENDS
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