As well as news from INCA itself we are keen to include relevant news items from INCA members. Please send relevant items of news, ideally including a photo where relevant, to news@inca.coop. We'll publish news from members that we feel is of interest.
We are delighted to confirm that the SCTE and INCA have concluded a joint membership agreement, entitling INCA members to a 10% discount on SCTE membership. And as the SCTE provides both individual and corporate memberhip, employees of INCA members can also take advantage of this offer to join SCTE – and claim the 10% discount.
The BBC (Politics Live, 17 June 2020) has highlighted the challenge we face getting gigabit broadband services to the whole country by 2025.
The New INCA and Point Topic survey finds industry has achieved a 50% growth from the previous year and expects the number to rise to 2.4 million in 2020
Compiled for INCA by Point Topic using data provided by independent network operators, the report – ‘Metrics for the UK independent network sector’ – shows strong growth in investment – up by £936m – and in network deployment by altnets. Rural fixed wireless connections remain stable.
INCA welcomes the measures announced on Sunday March 29 by the Government in agreement with the telecommunications industry to protect consumers during the COVID-19 international health crisis.
As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic we've set up a Members' Helpline to assist any of our member organisations who may be seeking guidance, information, or simply a friendly voice in these difficult days.
We can't promise to have instant answers to all of your questions, but we'll normally be able to signpost you to someone who does.
We're aiming to keep the phone line staffed from 10am through to 3pm every weekday. You can call on 0330 113 2070. You can also send email 24/7 to helpline@inca.coop
We are circulating the following information from DCMS to assist INCA members and other organisations in the sector in respect of the current guidance from Government:
The DCMS telecoms COVID hub has received several queries about the PM's statement. We have managed to get a few clarifications from Cabinet Office on a few points, which are set out below.
As the situation with the pandemic continues to develop at pace, the INCA team is keeping every aspect of our activities under review.
We are now moving all of our planned events online, and we're gearing up to deliver our usual high quality event programme using a webinar format. This approach better meets everyone's needs currently, especially for those of us who are self-isolating. In line with this we're signicantly reducing the price of participating in our events. Many thanks to our speakers and event sponsors for their continued support during this period.
Running events for the people in our industry has always been an important element of our work at INCA. In light of the current situation regarding the coronavirus epidemic we have developed the following policy statement which we hope will provide some clarity for our members and everyone involved with our events programme.
As you know the Coronavirus (Covid-19) disease is causing serious concern around the world. INCA has a series of events planned during the Spring and Summer, through to our Autumn Conference and we see these as an important part of our operation in supporting our members' interests.
Our 2020 Events programme is well underway, with four main themes:
The Government’s ambition for rapid deployment of gigabit digital infrastructure focuses even greater attention on delivery. However, the challenges of streetworks management, wayleaves and planning are still seen by many as critical barriers to deployment and progress. Our first event in this series, highlighting issues around streetworks, was a great success with a sell-out audience in London on February 3. Subsequent events looking at the other key aspects of practical network deployment – namely Wayleaves and Planning are scheduled for May in Birmingham and July in Manchester. More details will be released as soon as we have dates and venues confirmed.
As government gets to grips with its promises on gigabit connectivity it will unleash a flood of policy initiatives and consultations in our industry. Indeed it has already started – previously log-jammed policies such as legislation on wayleaves, and new build gigabit connectivity have been joined by Ofcom’s Market Review – ‘Promoting investment and competition in fibre networks’ - plus other consultations, with a lot more to come.
