As we approach our Annual Conference, we have great pleasure in announcing the names of the people and organisations that have been shortlisted for an INCA Gold Award this year.
As with last year, we received a high number of excellent entries. Our judging panel were impressed with the quality of submissions, which only served to make their task harder. However, they have reached a decision on the shortlist, which is as follows. The organisations shortlisted are:
- 5GRIT
- Airband
- Blu Wireless
- B4YS
- Cameron Barney
- Connecting Cambridgeshire
- EMS
- Herefordshire & Gloucestershire – Fastershire
- ITS Technology Group
- Gaist
- MLL Telecom
- Truespeed
- Stirling Council
- Welsh Government
Recognising a number of joint initiatives to improve connectivity across the UK, Stormontfield Community Association has been shortlisted for an award for its project with Broadway Partners and Perth and Kinross Council to connect the community of Stormontfield. Superfast Dorset and Wessex Internet have also been nominated for two awards for their collaborative work on two different projects.
Individuals who have been shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution Award are:
- Andrew Ferguson of Thinkbroadband
- Dana Tobak of Hyperoptic
- Tom Rigg of B4RN
Launched in 2018 to celebrate the progress being made by the UK independent network builders and operators, the INCA Golds winners will be announced at a special ceremony at the INCA Conference and Awards 2019, held in Manchester, on October 16/17.
“We are delighted to have had such a high volume of entries for the second year running,” said Malcolm Corbett, CEO. “What has been especially interesting is the variety of entries we have received. There has been a real shift towards a wider participation than before, with entries coming not only from those providing crucial services to rural and underserved communities through fibre, but also from those now providing networks via some fascinating and innovative new means.
“What’s also striking, is that despite so much change taking place right now within the industry and a certain level of uncertainty still present with Brexit and political unknowns, there still seems to be a great deal of activity in terms of new and emerging networks coming into the arena,” added Corbett.
The 2019 awards follow the introduction of our Gold Standard Quality Mark. The INCA Gold Standard Quality Mark not only highlights best practices in performance, design and operations, it also provides assurance to consumers, helping them to buy with confidence when choosing internet packages.