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Telecommunications Cables

Asked by Mr Alistair CarmichaelLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 4 February 2026UIN 907719

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of plans to replace the copper wire communications network.

Answered by Josh Simons

The modernisation of the UK’s telecoms networks is essential as the older networks are deteriorating and becoming unreliable.

However, it is vital that customers are safely migrated off the old analogue Public Switched Telephone Network to modern digital networks.

To strengthen industry’s plans, in November 2024, this Government secured additional safeguards - including identifying vulnerable people, the provision of free battery back-ups, and free engineer visits if needed.

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