Public investment in telecoms companies leaves a duty to cooperate for rural coverage – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has this week in Parliament called on telecommunications companies receiving public investment to have a stronger duty to cooperate for wider rural mobile coverage. Intervening in a debate on rural mobile connectivity on Thursday afternoon, Mr Carmichael highlighted the “significant public investment” received by EE due to government contracts for the emergency services network, in highlighting the need for a stronger obligation on companies to collaborate.

Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“It would be wrong to let this moment pass without reflecting on the fact that EE has its network of masts as a result of significant public investment, because it got the contract for the emergency services network. Does that not impose a duty on it to do more than merely commercial negotiation in relation to other companies?”

Responding, Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan said:

“My right hon. Friend makes a good point about the use of public money and how we develop infrastructure fit for the modern age as part of a public and private operation.

“Rural roaming measures have been opposed by the industry, but they were recommended by the Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in its 2019 report. I am convinced that if the Government are serious about enabling economic growth in rural areas, they should explore that option. My constituent Rob Paul, a consultant with vast experience of rural telecoms projects, suggests that robustly enforced financial penalties are the only thing that operators will respond to. After years of being let down, I cannot disagree.”

Reacting after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“When the government has taken improving connectivity in rural areas seriously we have seen significant progress over the years, but that is no cause for complacency. The behaviour of mobile and internet providers should make it clear that if left to their own devices they will defend their own interests – to the detriment of our communities. Public money for telecoms companies must come with strong regulation to protect and enhance the rights of rural communities, just as much as towns and cities.”