Major Labour Party goal threatened as payments ‘to slump by 90%’ | Politics | News

Britain’s nationwide 5G plans will fall short unless ministers fix weak regulations, a cross-party group of MPs has warned. Representatives also want to see the Government aim to better scrutinize coverage data and tackle the lack of competition in the mobile market. The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Digital Communities said in a new report that ministers “must commission an urgent, independent review of the UK’s digital connectivity framework and warn that current policy is driven by incomplete data and weak accountability.”

The group added that reliable mobile connectivity is essential for economic growth, public services and productivity, and highlighted that despite official claims of increased coverage, many communities remain stuck with poor signal. Serious concerns have been raised about the accuracy of telecommunications regulator Ofcom’s coverage reporting.

MPs also warn that the system relies too heavily on modeling provided by mobile operators themselves, which risks masking real-world problems experienced by households, businesses and emergency services.

APPG Head of Digital Communities Helen Morgan said: “Without reliable access to high-speed services, the UK cannot deliver on its economic ambitions or deliver inclusive growth. An urgent, independent review of the country’s digital landscape is essential to rebuild trust, ensure transparency and unlock the full potential of our economy.”

Alasdair Irvine, Director at Inglis Howie Property Consultants, said: “We represent site providers across the UK and continually see the same pattern emerge. Current telecommunications legislation has significantly tipped the balance of power in favor of operators, leaving site providers hosting vital mobile infrastructure facing huge rent reductions and falling asset values ​​through no fault of their own.”

“This is not an isolated problem, it is becoming more widespread and unless the legislation is reviewed more landowners will be subjected to the same unfair treatment.”

The publication of the document comes as epxerts are concerned about rents paid to hospitals, farmers and schools hosting 5G masts being cut by up to 90% in some cases.

Critics say the rules will be extended to around 15,000 sites across the UK from April 2026 and payments to landowners hosting mobile infrastructure will be reduced.

Landowners and property experts have warned that the reforms are already damaging trust and leading to a rise in legal disputes.

According to The Express, more than 1,000 court cases have been filed since 2017; in the previous three decades the number was only 33.

A DSIT spokesperson previously told The Express: “Our priority is to continue delivering high-quality 5G networks, which are critical to driving growth across the UK and improving public services for the British public.