INCA 2026 is positioned as a national infrastructure and public policy forum with independent broadband at its centre. It is designed to demonstrate why independent providers matter to the whole country, not only to the telecoms sector, and to bring together the audiences who are shaping Britain’s digital future.
A Pivotal Moment
The sector is moving from a phase dominated by rollout and infrastructure build to one shaped by customer acquisition, take-up, resilience, security and public value. INCA members already represent the part of the market that has driven competition, expanded access in underserved areas and made the case for digital equality, rural growth and consumer choice. INCA 2026 will frame independent broadband as a delivery partner for national growth, resilience and inclusion.
Draft Programme
The conference will be opened and closed by Paddy Paddison, with Katie Crellin proposed as Master of Ceremonies. Keynotes and eight panel discussions will cover:
- A telecoms policy fit for increasing the bandwidth of Digital Britain
- Winning customers in the new broadband market
- De-risking Digital Britain
- When the network is the lifeline – resilience and climate adaptation
- The 3 Rs of supply chain management – resilience, responsibility, reputation
- Connectivity and the UK economy, including agri-tech, food supply chains and rural growth
- The shifting local government landscape and what it means for digital infrastructure
- AI, fraud and the race for trusted connectivity in financial services
- Increasing social value bandwidth from increased connectivity
- How independent providers can win in the next decade
Who the conference is for
INCA 2026 is designed to attract a broader audience than traditional sector events, including:
- The independent broadband sector and its supply chain
- Central and local government, including DSIT, MHCLG, the Local Government Association and County Council Network
- Government agencies including Ofcom, BDUK, Digital Catapult and the National Wealth Fund
- Business trade bodies in farming, manufacturing, creative industries, financial services and the SME community
- Third sector partners active in digital equality, skills and social value
- Investors, community leaders and rural stakeholders
More to come
Full artwork, agenda timings, confirmed keynote speakers and the panel line-up are in development. For sponsor enquiries or to suggest a speaker, contact info@inca.coop.
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