Press release
23 July 2026
The Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) calls for clear ministerial responsibility for the digital infrastructure underpinning AI, public services and economic growth following the decision to scrap the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The new government must give broadband and telecoms the political attention and clear ministerial ownership they deserve, the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) has said.
INCA, which represents independent broadband network operators across the UK, issued the call following Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to reorganise science and technology within government.
Responsibilities previously held by the department will now be divided between the new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade; Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; and the Cabinet Office.
INCA warns that separating these closely connected policy areas could create uncertainty over who is ultimately responsible for the country’s digital infrastructure, including broadband delivery, 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.”
Gigabit-capable broadband is available to 91% of UK homes. However, this still leaves more than three million homes without access, many of which are among the most difficult and expensive premises to connect.
The government is aiming to extend gigabit-capable broadband to 99% of premises by 2032 through commercial investment and Project Gigabit, its programme for connecting hard-to-reach communities.
Paddison continued: “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.
“A return to a market dominated by a single network would mean less competition, less innovation and, ultimately, worse outcomes for consumers and businesses.”
INCA is calling on the new government to appoint a minister with clear responsibility for broadband and telecoms and to keep gigabit delivery, digital inclusion, network resilience and competition connected within the government’s wider economic strategy.
It is also urging ministers to complete Project Gigabit and address practical barriers that continue to slow network deployment, including Physical Infrastructure Access, wayleaves and access to multi-dwelling units.
Paddison concluded: “As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham described digital connectivity as a basic human right and set an ambition for the city-region to become fully digitally enabled. Our ask is that he now applies that same standard to the whole country.
“Telecoms are the backbone of the modern economy. The new Prime Minister must not ignore this cornerstone industry and needs to establish clear political accountability and give the sector the attention it deserves.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- The Independent Networks Cooperative Association is the trade association for the UK’s independent broadband networks. It represents operators, suppliers and organisations working across the independent broadband market.
- Independent network operators passed 19.7 million UK premises by the end of 2025, including almost 4.4 million premises in harder-to-reach areas.