The Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) has urged the government to give broadband and telecoms clearer political ownership following the decision to scrap the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
As a result, the organisation said broadband and telecoms must receive stronger political focus and clear ministerial ownership under the new government.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to reorganise science and technology responsibilities will see key areas moved to the new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Cabinet Office.
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INCA warned that splitting these responsibilities could create uncertainty over who is accountable for areas such as broadband rollout, digital inclusion, telecoms security and network resilience.
However, according to INCA, dividing these areas could make it unclear who is responsible for the UK’s digital infrastructure, including broadband rollout, digital inclusion, telecoms security and network resilience.
Paddy Paddison, Chief Executive of INCA, said: “While changes in the machinery of government come and go, the question that really matters is whether anyone in government still oversees the whole picture.
“Telecoms cannot be treated as one sectoral issue among many. It is the delivery mechanism for almost everything this government wants to achieve, from introducing AI across public services to strengthening the resilience of our health, energy and water systems.
“Every home, business, school and GP surgery needs access to a fast, reliable and low-latency connection. The slower and less complete our national network is, the slower and less complete our economic progress will be.”
The call comes as gigabit-capable broadband reaches 91% of UK homes, leaving more than three million properties without access. Many of the remaining premises are among the most difficult and costly to connect.
The government aims to expand gigabit coverage to 99% of premises by 2032 through commercial investment and Project Gigabit, its programme for connecting hard-to-reach communities.
Paddison added: “The government must not assume that the broadband rollout is effectively complete or that one dominant operator will finish the job on its own.
“The final part of the rollout will be the most difficult. It includes many of the rural and underserved communities that are already at greatest risk of being excluded from employment, education, healthcare and essential public services.
“Britain only began building full-fibre broadband at scale because independent networks introduced genuine infrastructure competition. Altnets now pass almost 19.7 million premises and have played a fundamental role in accelerating investment, improving services and giving consumers greater choice.
He concluded: “A return to a market dominated by a single network would mean less competition, less innovation and, ultimately, worse outcomes for consumers and businesses.”
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