Our biggest policy event ISP Summit is taking place next week on Wednesday 13th May and ISPA members get complimentary tickets! Our sessions will tackle Connectivity, Competition, Consolidation, Valuation and M&A Dynamics, Strategic Market Positioning, Future Investment Outlook and Mature Market Funding and more. ISPA members get complimentary tickets and our partners Xantaro will be hosting a summer party following the event on their rooftop. All tickets include access to the party.
The event will also include the ISPA AGM at 3pm.
Find the agenda here.
Book your place here.
ISPA Policy Updates
May this policy news be with you
The end of last month was significant in the world of ISP policy, with two major online safety-related bills reaching ‘Royal Assent’ - the final step in the legislative process. The first is the Crime and Policing Act, which contains provisions on establishing a non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) register, operated by the South West Grid for Learning’s Revenge Porn Hotline. The Act also places obligations on ISPs to block NCII, and potentially fund the register, mirroring the Internet Watch Foundation’s approach to child criminal exploitation (CCE).
Meanwhile, Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill also gained Royal Assent - aka, the legislation that may restrict children’s access to internet services, depending on the outcome of the currently running consultation, ‘Growing Up in the Online World’. The Act sits inside the Online Safety Act enforcement regime, meaning Ofcom could monitor compliance and impose sanctions for breaches - and that ISPs will need to invoke Access Restriction Orders (AROs) for repeated noncompliance. ISPA understands that platforms and user-to-user services are the targets of this Act and its amendments; however, we still believe it is important to ensure that ISPs aren't inadvertently impacted, given that the legislation refers to ‘specified internet service providers’.
Moving on from content to infrastructure, DSIT has published an evaluation of the flexi-permit trials delivered between February and July 2025, which tested whether consolidating multiple permits under a “flexi-permit” could reduce administrative burden and improve delivery efficiency. The evaluation concluded that it was not possible make a definitive recommendation either in favour of or against proceeding with flexi‑permit legislation.
Finally, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Liz Kendall announced Sir Ian Cheshire as the government’s preferred candidate to be appointed as Chair of Ofcom in succession of Lord Michael Grade, whose term as Chair concludes at the end of April 2026. Sir Ian Cheshire brings experience across the private and public sectors. He was the former Chair of Channel 4 from 2022 to 2025.
ISPA Policy
ISPA is currently drafting its consultation response to ‘Growing Up in the Online World’, which emphasises the need for any restrictions to be the responsibility of platforms, rather than network operators. ISPA is also continuing to work with DSIT and the Home Office on draft guidance on NCII blocking. Members can be involved in both of these issues through our Content Working Group. Related to NCII, ISPA responded to the Mobile Market Review consultation, to explain the implications of amending net neutrality on the blocking of NCII.
ISPA is also drafting a response to a second higher risk building (HRB) consultation by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, on improving the proportionality of the control regime. The ISPA HRB Working Group will be meeting with MHCLG next week.
As always, please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!
ISPA Partners
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Find out more about FRITZ! here
It was great to welcome Ofcom and Community Fibre Limited to the Linksys Signal Studio recently for an engaging discussion on broadband and in-home Wi-Fi performance.
With full-fibre networks accelerating across the UK, the conversation focused on how ISPs, technology providers and regulators can work together to better understand and improve the real-world connectivity experience inside the home.
A big thank you to everyone who joined the discussion and shared insights. Collaboration across the ecosystem is key to ensuring subscribers get the most from gigabit connectivity.
When is a Wi-Fi 6 CPE better than a Wi-Fi 7 CPE ? The Icotera Challenge...
The Icotera i4883 Wi-Fi 6 CPE outperforms entry-to-mid-range Wi-Fi 7 routers by prioritizing superior hardware, such as an 8x8 antenna array, over marketing labels. It offers better range, coverage up to 200m², and ISP-grade stability with dual 2.5Gbps ports compared to budget-focused Wi-Fi 7 devices.
Contact kmeah@icotera.com or awoolhead@icotera.com to take the Challenge
Industry Insights
ISPA Partner Gaiia – A Case Study with LilaConnect
https://www.ispa.org.uk/ispa-partner-gaiia-a-case-study-with-lilaconnect/
ISPA Events
We are delighted to invite ISPA members to the ISPA Parliamentary Drinks Reception, held on the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons on the afternoon of 15th September.
Kindly hosted by Blake Stephenson MP, this premier networking event offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers and leaders from across industry. Guests will enjoy a selection of delicious drinks and canapés, complemented by insightful addresses from our keynote speakers.
While further details will be announced in the coming weeks, you may secure your place now here.
Should you wish to raise your company’s profile and address our audience, a limited number of sponsorship packages are available. Please contact admin@ispa.org.uk for further information.
Registration for this year’s awards have closed, although you can still register for non-technically tested categories including DEI, Sustainability, Connectivity, Security & Customer Protection and Digital Inclusion Champion. If you’d like to register for these, please contact awards@ispa.org.uk
All entrants must submit their written entry forms by end of play on 26th June. Find all categories and the forms on our website here
Early Bird tickets are on sale for the awards ceremony on 26th November at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel with fabulous host Desiree Burch. Book yours today here.
ISPA Members
CloudRAN Networks joined ISPA in April
CloudRAN Networks is a disruptive start-up ISP focused on providing Wi-Fi Offload services to Mobile Networks in the UK, which will enable them to extend coverage/capacity within large buildings, high-traffic hotspots and rural areas.
Partner Events
Women in Telecoms Meeting - 19th May, 8x8, London
ISPA members get a 20% discount for joining the full membership Women in Telecoms Group and community membership of the group is free. Their next in person meeting is on 19th May from 3pm at 8x8 offices in London. Book your tickets here and learn more about the group and meet and network with other women in the telecom industry. Find more about the group here. Book tickets to their event here.
Women Leading Women’s Healthcare - 20th May, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace
As the UK refreshes its Women’s Health Strategy, we’re bringing together female leaders to ask a crucial question: how can women redesign the system from the inside out? From menopause and fertility to diagnostics and prevention, the panel will explore how female leadership is reshaping products, research priorities and services. We’ll explore how the updated Strategy, FemTech challenge fund and new women’s voices partnership will affect patients, providers and policymakers in practice. Tickets are complimentary and include a networking drinks reception, email Bea@ispa.org.uk if you’d like to attend.
Become an ISPA Partner
ISPA Partnership offers organisations the opportunity to connect, develop relationships and grow their visibility with our 150+ ISP member community.
The packages run over a 12 month period and include 4 in-person events (including our prestigious ISPA Awards), online thought leadership, marketing opportunities and various other deliverables that ensures your organisation grows its connections in the UK ISP sector.
Find out what the opportunities are here.
To enquire about an ISPA partnership, please message our Head of Partnerships at krystian@ispa.org.uk.
