§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to promote an improvement in the cellular telephone network coverage of the mainline rail network. [147530]
§ Ms HewittI have been asked to reply.
Government policy is to promote competition in the cellular radiocommunications market. The UK has licensed four cellular operators—BT Cellnet, Vodafone, One-2-One and Orange. The operators have coverage obligations in their licences to serve 90 per cent. of the UK population. Competitive pressure between the operators has resulted in coverage levels of 98–99 per cent. The Government have introduced further competition into the market by the award of a 3G licence to a new entrant—Hutchison 3G. This competition drives coverage and capacity improvements which will benefit travellers using the mainline rail network.
24WOftel is participating to produce quality of service measurements for mobile phone networks to assist customers in making an informed choice. Details are available on the Oftel website at www.oftel.gov.uk.