To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for her assessment of the preparedness of networks and providers to ensure internet provision in circumstances of increased demand due to the delay phase in response to COVID-19; (ii) how she is engaging with providers to ensure they are supporting consumers, in particular those who will be required to work from home during this phase.

(i) Telecoms is a reserved matter led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in Westminster. DCMS is responsible for responding to concerns about the security and resilience of UK networks, incident management and preparedness for the continuity of service for the telecoms sector.

DCMS advises that the telecoms industry is well experienced in managing surges in internet usage, and expects to be able to do so in the event of an increase in home working.

(ii) The Department for the Economy is a member of the UK’s Electronic Communications Resilience and Response Group (ECRRG). This group is comprised of representatives from all the major UK telecoms providers, DCMS, Ofcom, Cabinet Office, the wider UK Government, and the Devolved Administrations.

All networks are operating as expected. DCMS and ECRRG monitor the networks’ operations closely and continuously and will update DfE as and when necessary.