INCA Conference will explore #TheRoadAhead for nationwide fibre rollout
London, UK, 2 October 2019 – The Independent Networks Co-operative Association’s (INCA) Annual Conference promises to shed light on government fibre policy, says INCA CEO Malcolm Corbett, following the government’s pledge this week to invest five billion pounds towards rural gigabit broadband.
The announcement, which was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Monday, outlined the Government’s plans for its new multi-billion-pound investment, which aims to deliver gigabit broadband across the whole of the UK.
The INCA Annual Conference – which will take place on the 16th and 17th October at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel – aims to shed light on the UK Government’s latest broadband infrastructure plans. With a host of speakers from the government and private sector, the Conference will feature discussions aimed at making sense of the #TheRoadAhead for the UK’s fibre infrastructure development.
James Heath, Director of Digital Infrastructure at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), speaking on day two of the conference, will provide an update on the government’s latest policy and funding position. The talk will be immediately followed by a reaction and debate with leaders of the sector, including major operators Openreach and Virgin Media, as well independent operators.
“At what could be a crucial turning point for the future of the UK’s broadband landscape, talking points and questions continue to add-up across the industry following the latest government announcement. A forum to discuss what this means for fibre policy as a whole is a necessity for the industry,” said Malcolm Corbett, CEO of INCA.
“To add the uncertainty, a general election has the potential to completely reshape government policy on full-fibre targets and funding. At the INCA Conference, we aim to provide a platform to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the country’s fibre future and explore the best practices to ensure a robust digital infrastructure is achieved,” said Corbett.
Speakers confirmed for the event also include Carolyn Johnson, Justin Leese and Matt Agar of DCMS, who will provide updates on fibre funding programmes. Chi Onwurah, MP will also provide a perspective from the Opposition on broadband policy.
Attendees at the Conference will also hear from the private sector, including leading independent network operators, alongside the second wave of new entrants as investment in digital infrastructure increases.
Features at the Conference, including the Tech Showcase, Rural Gigabit Futures, and Investor Workshop will explore the issues related to specific areas of fibre rollout.
The INCA Annual Conference, on 16th and 17th October at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, is being held in conjunction with the INCA Golds Award ceremony, which will celebrate the best of the UK’s independent network builders and operators.
For more information about the INCA Annual Conference, please visit: https://www.inca.coop/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=135.
For further information about the INCA Awards, please visit: https://www.inca.coop/awards.