September Newsletter

The ISPA broadband demand workshop is taking place on the 9^th October at the Manchester Science Park. This free workshop, held alongside BDUK and kindly hosted by Metronet(UK), will examine how ISPs can help drive take up of superfast broadband as the programme moves to delivery. Over thirty representatives from local authority broadband projects and thirty representatives will be in attendance, and this event is a good way to learn from councils, ISPA, marketing experts and others about demand stimulation. The free workshop includes a networking lunch and drinks reception. More information is here and please email admin@ispa.org.uk to register.   Where: Atrium, Greenheys Building, Manchester Science Park, Pencroft Way Manchester, M15 6JJ When: Thursday 9^th October, 13:00-16:00   A full agenda is here and please email admin@ispa.org.uk to RSVP.

ISPA is holding another free workshop, for those with an interest in the hosting and data centre industries. The workshop will be held at the Digital Realty data centre in Chessington on 21^st October, and will feature two panels. The first labelled ‘The Future Data Centre’ will look at the future developments of the hosting industry, considering issues like cost, energy and security. The second panel will look at the legal and liability regimes for those hosting content. A full agenda is here and please email admin@ispa.org.uk to register.

The 17^th ISPA Awards will be taking place next summer with details of categories and how to enter published shortly. Following a sell-out 2014 ceremony keep your eyes peeled for a new venue. There are a number of excellent ways to engage with over 300 high profile internet industry figures by sponsoring the ISPA Awards.  This ranges from the welcome drinks reception to individual categories and table decorations. Further information can be found on the ISPA website here.

ISPA will once again be holding a session at the 9^th annual Parliament & Internet conference at Portcullis House, Westminster on October 30. The panel session will be taking place on communications data in the context of the Anderson Review into the use of communications data and the cross party commitment for a thorough review of the balance between security and privacy. Further information about the conference can be found here.

As part of the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act (DRIPA), the Government committed to a review led by David Anderson QC into the communications data and interception landscape. ISPA has been working with members to formulate its response and we will publish our views shortly. Meanwhile, ISPA read with interest the Home Secretary’s views on the need to reintroduce the Communications Data Bill at Conservative Party Conference.

ISPA members receive free membership of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme through CISAS when they join the association. We have started a new workstream to facilitate practical discussions between CSPs and CISAS on the ADR process. ADR is a legal requirement for all telecommunications providers, and whilst ISPA is supportive of ADR, we have expressed concerns that the system is weighted too far against ISPs with ADR administration fees often far greater than the costs of settling complaints.

ISPA secures a range of free and discounted places for members at key industry events. To see the calendar for these events, please click here.