Broadband: West Dorset

Our ambition is for all populated areas to have access to high quality standalone 5G by 2030. This includes harder to reach rural communities, as well as towns and cities. 4G connectivity also remains important for many, with the help of Government’s Shared Rural Network programme, 4G coverage is now available to 96% of UK landmass; the programme will continue to help deliver 4G connectivity to some of the hardest to reach areas of the UK. The programme is expected to conclude in January 2027.

According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations Spring update, published on 13 May 2026, as of January 2026, 93% of the West Dorset constituency has 4G geographic coverage from all four mobile network operators (MNO). Standalone 5G is available outside 56% of premises across the constituency from at least one MNO.

The rollout of higher quality standalone 5G is commercially led by the network operators. All three have committed significant investment plans which align with this Government’s ambition. Government is currently undertaking a Mobile Market Review with the aim of determining how Government can go further in supporting the sector to invest in high-quality connectivity right across the UK. A call for evidence supporting the review closed on 5 May, and Government will provide next steps later this year.

As the first country in Europe to launch a direct-to-device satellite service, the UK is leading the way in pioneering innovative solutions to enable calls and messaging in our most isolated areas.

Alongside this, we are committed to unlocking the barriers to telecoms deployment, including supporting mobile network rollout through our recent call for evidence on planning reform in England. We are considering responses and will determine next steps in due course.