Agenda item

Ross is the Regulatory Affairs Manager, Telecoms, Consumer and Post Policy at OFCOM Scotland. He gave a presentation on the work of the OFCOM Digital Inclusion team. In December, OFCOM published their annual report “Connected Nations” and there is an interactive dashboard on their website with information on fixed and mobile connectivity at a Local Authority level. Full fibre broadband is now available to 50% of properties in Scotland (1.4M households) with an annual 8% increase of gigabit capable connectivity and an increase in 5G mobile connectivity. 84% of households in Scotland are covered by at least one of the four main network providers for 4G mobile connectivity. In Argyll and Bute, superfast broadband has seen a 4% increase, meaning over 1400 more properties can now access superfast broadband compared to 2022. Harder to reach areas in Scotland are seeing an increase in the uptake of satellite technology to deliver connectivity and the affordability of those services is beginning to improve. There has also been a good increase of 2% to the level of 4G geographic coverage in the area.

Ross is aware of concerns around the resilience of the technology network in more rural parts of Scotland and OFCOM are consulting with providers to provide greater clarity on their need to comply with security duties, such as battery power back ups, and the infrastructure that is required to ensure connectivity remains in the event of power cuts. OFCOM have no control over the switch off of PSTN, but OFCOM can work with providers to ensure that support is provided to support that transition for vulnerable people. OFCOM are looking at what more can be done at network infrastructure level and are looking to start a dialogue and discussion about what sort of aspects should be considered as part of this (e.g. how long is back up needed for?, what are the critical services that locals need to access to in a power cut?, etc), and Ross welcomed input from the CPP on this. The feedback will be included in future OFCOM guidance to providers.

ACTION – CPP members to feed back to Ross on what power backup Mobile Network Operators can and should provide.

Ross advised there has been a significant increase in the number of social tariff take- ups, however he felt there was still a lack of awareness that these tariffs existed. It was highlighted that TalkTalk are the only major operator not providing social tariffs. OFCOM are also taking action on mobile and broadband in-contract price rises and any increase must be noted clearly on sign up in a pounds and pence amount. Consultation on this ends in February 2024 with the hope it will be in place for any potential contract rises in 2025.

Pippa thanked Ross for his presentation and noted that connectivity issues also affect the availability of cheaper smart meter utilities tariffs for Argyll and Bute residents, as smart meters are not able to connect to suppliers. She was glad to see improvements in coverage across the area but felt the progress was still very slow due to the cost and complexity of installing infrastructure to cover existing gaps.

ACTION – Partners are encouraged to share information from OFCOM of social tariff providers across their networks.

Pippa asked how the CPP can highlight these issues more strongly to OFCOM and anyone else who can exert influence on this. Ross responded that service providers had met with the UK Government prior to Christmas and agreed further voluntary commitments to support the transition to VOIP for telecoms, agreeing that there are challenges in the roll-out of technologies to support that and also in providing adequate broadband coverage. He hoped that the Scottish Government would continue to find innovative solutions to those problems for fixed and mobile connectivity. He added that OFCOM are engaging as much as they can to support and advise on the development of delivery programs. He recognised the increased cost of living for those living in rural areas but the market is generally functioning well in terms of competition and affordable options for customers. Ross noted that OFCOM leadership are very attuned to these issues too and that climate change was included for the first time in the December Connected Nations report.

ACTION – CPP to write to OFCOM and OFGEM highlighting concerns around connectivity and cost of living pressures in Argyll and Bute for telecoms, broadband and smart metered utilities provision.

Takki reiterated concerns around network resilience and the link between broadband access, telephone lines and power. A recent 16 hour power cut in his home area led to over 800 households all trying to utilise the existing poor 4G framework at the same time which highlighted the lack of resilience in the system. He added that providers really need to be planning for the rise in extreme adverse weather conditions and associated impacts on networks. Takki also expressed concern that the criteria for social tariffs may not include those who are working but still in poverty and in the reduction of postal services across Argyll and Bute. Ross advised that OFCOM regulate Royal Mail, who have had significant challenges, and they have levied a £5.5 million fine on them for failing to meet delivery targets.

Andy was keen to continue discussions with Ross off table as Argyll and Bute has a lot of isolated communities who will be heavily dependent on resilience but are likely to have the least resilient infrastructure.

ACTION – Andy and Ross to meet offline to discuss how telecoms providers assess risk for vulnerability versus likelihood of outages.

Paul then provided an update on the HMIE Community Learning and Development (CLD) Inspection which took place on 8th and 9th January. The auditors provided a positive response to the inspection and found that the self evaluation was accurate and well structured and advised they would not be returning. Inspectors noted that the team is looking at developing the reporting structure of the CLD Plan and that the new strategic plan for CLD should be available in September 2024. The final HMIE report will be published in 6 – 8 weeks.

Rona reiterated the involvement of the ACPG Chairs and Vice Chairs in the audit in a focus group on Community Voice, which is part of the Community Empowerment priority within CLD. She also noted that that the CLD has been promoting social tariffs as part of its links to digital skills, and it has been included in both CPP and Community Development bulletins. In community planning, and particularly at ACPGs, the discussions that happen are very much a part of community learning and development and in raising digital awareness in communities.

Pippa gave thanks to everyone involved in the audit.

ACTION – Paul to circulate HMIE Inspection report when available.