November 2021
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference discussed progress, key issues, and next steps for meeting the Government’s targets for delivering gigabit-capable broadband.
We were pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with David Clarkson, Director, Competition Policy, Ofcom; James Heath, Chief Executive Officer, National Infrastructure Commission; Paul Norris, Executive Chair, Building Digital UK (BDUK), DCMS; and Dr Matt Yardley, Managing Partner, Analysys Mason.
It took place in the context of Project Gigabit, which is aiming to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to at least 85% of UK premises by 2025.
Delegates discussed progress and priorities for the future delivery of Project Gigabit, as well as Ofcom’s decisions on the regulatory framework relating to competition and investment in fibre networks, and the work of the DCMS Gigabit Take-up Advisory Group (GigaTAG).
Overall, the agenda brought out latest thinking on:
- regulation - the future framework for the wholesale telecoms market and what it means for broadband delivery across the UK
- rollout - progress and key issues for meeting the Government’s 2025 target for gigabit broadband coverage, with discussion on investment, infrastructure, planning, and practical challenges
- competition - looking at the impact of the 2025 target on the market, the supply chain, and associated retail services
- wider impact - unlocking the broader benefits of gigabit broadband and the potential role of ultrafast connectivity in supporting economic development, regional growth, and decarbonisation
- uptake - key issues and priorities for broadband customers, including improving reliability, coverage, reducing not-spots, and enabling simple switching
Attendees
Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places were reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Cabinet Office; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for Education; the Department for International Trade; the Department for the Economy, NI; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the National Audit Office; the National Infrastructure Commission; Ofcom; the Office for National Statistics; The Scottish Government; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government. Representatives from BT; Cartesian; Community Fibre; DMSL; Fibrus Networks; Glide; Jacobs UK; Kelly Group; Marketing; National Farmers' Union; Openreach; Operis; Plum Consulting London; Prism Business Consulting; PwC; Scottish Futures Trust; University of Leeds; VX Fiber; and Which? also attended.
Press passes were reserved by representatives from Advanced Television; Computer Weekly; Satellite Evolution Group; TelcoTitans; Total Telecom; and ZDNet.
