Purpose
INCA is a membership trade association, not a supplier. Membership does not involve the provision of commercial services, access to member systems, or processing of operational data. All INCA members join under a single, standard set of Membership Terms and Conditions. These terms apply equally to all members and are not varied on a per-member basis. Membership is governed by INCA’s cooperative model, governance arrangements, and Code of Practice
INCA Membership Terms and Conditions
About INCA
The Independent Networks Cooperative Association Ltd (INCA) is a cooperative association operating on a one-member-one-vote basis. INCA exists to represent and support the interests of independent digital network providers and the wider Altnet ecosystem in the United Kingdom. INCA’s activities include policy and regulatory engagement, industry coordination, events, working groups, research, and member communications.
Founding Purpose
INCA was founded by organisations supporting, planning, building and operating sustainable, independent and interconnected digital networks. Members share a commitment to advancing the economic and social development of the communities they serve, enabling the provision of applications and services through open competition, innovation and diversity. INCA exists to foster cooperation between independent networks and to support the development of cohesive, interconnected next-generation digital infrastructure.
Nature of Membership
Membership of INCA is not a commercial services arrangement. INCA does not provide consultancy, outsourced services, software, operational support, or deliverables to members. Membership does not create a supplier, customer, agency, partnership, joint venture, or fiduciary relationship between INCA and any member.
Eligibility for Membership
Membership of INCA is open to organisations that support the development of independent digital networks and infrastructure, including: • infrastructure that is shared by different operators and providers; • infrastructure that is open for use by competing operators or service providers and independent of incumbent operators; • infrastructure that is owned or controlled by the communities or businesses that use it. Eligible organisations include, but are not limited to: • network owners; • network operators; • network managers; • access networks; • middle-mile networks; • network hubs and exchanges; • organisations, including public sector bodies, that are developing or promoting • independent networks; • equipment and technology suppliers supporting the independent networks sector. Acceptance of membership is at the discretion of INCA, subject to eligibility, payment of applicable fees, and agreement to these Terms and Conditions
Membership Categories and Benefits
INCA offers multiple categories of membership. Details of current membership categories, benefits and fees are published on the INCA website. INCA reserves the right to amend membership categories, benefits and fees from time to time. Membership benefits are provided on a best-endeavours and non-exclusive basis.
Governance
INCA is governed in accordance with its model rules and the following governance arrangements apply unless amended by a simple majority at a general meeting. INCA is governed by a Board of Management, referred to in the rules as the Committee of Management, comprising at least five elected members and up to twelve members in total, including co-opted and ex officio members. The Board is elected by and accountable to the members of INCA in a general meeting at which each member has one vote. An elected board member is a deputy of a member organisation. Board members act as individuals and not as representatives or delegates of their organisations. The Board shall appoint a Chair from among its members. The Board may co-opt additional members, up to a maximum of five, provided that the number of co-opted members does not exceed the number of elected members. The quorum for Board meetings shall be one half of the elected members, rounded up to the nearest whole number. The Board shall appoint officers including, but not limited to, a Chair, Chief Executive, Finance Officer and Secretary. Board members shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings. Membership of the Board is not remunerated.
Code of Practice and Member Conduct
All members agree to abide by the INCA Code of Practice as a condition of membership. Members shall support the aims of INCA and advocate cooperation between independent, open and community-owned networks. Members shall seek the agreement of INCA and any affected members before disclosing information made available to them through INCA. Members participating in INCA governance bodies shall act in the interests of INCA as a whole and declare any interests that may influence their contribution. Members shall conduct their business in a manner consistent with INCA’s aims and high standards of ethical business practice. Where a member breaches the Code of Practice, the Board may at its sole discretion: • require assurances relating to future behaviour; • suspend the member without reimbursement of membership fees; and or • convene an Extraordinary General Meeting to consider expulsion in accordance with INCA’s rules.
Confidentiality
INCA may share non-public information with members in the course of its activities. Members shall treat such information as confidential unless stated otherwise. Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that is publicly available or independently obtained.
Data Protection
INCA and its members each act as independent data controllers. INCA processes personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation and its Privacy Policy.
Intellectual Property
All INCA publications and materials remain the intellectual property of INCA unless expressly stated otherwise. Members may not reproduce or distribute INCA materials without prior written consent, except for internal use.
Events and Participation
Members and non-members may be invited to INCA events. Event-specific terms, including cancellation policies, may apply and will be communicated separately. INCA reserves the right to amend or cancel events where necessary.
Fees, Payment and Renewal
Membership fees are payable in accordance with invoices issued by INCA. Membership renews annually unless notice of cancellation is provided in writing at least ten working days prior to the renewal date.
Liability
INCA provides information and engagement on a best-endeavours basis and makes no warranties as to completeness or accuracy. INCA shall not be liable for indirect or consequential loss. INCA’s total aggregate liability shall not exceed the membership fees paid by the member in the preceding twelve months. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or for fraud.
Termination
INCA may suspend or terminate membership where continued membership would materially harm INCA or its members, or where these Terms are breached. Either party may terminate membership by written notice. Termination does not affect accrued rights or obligations.
Variation
INCA may vary these Terms by giving members at least fourteen days’ written notice. Members may terminate membership without penalty if they do not accept a variation.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.