Banquet at Parliament on Broadband Barriers
Last few tickets remaining for our Parliamentary dinner, taking place on 2nd May. We will bring together industry and parliamentarians in the joint-pursuit of busting broadband barriers, including addressing multiple issues with wayleaves and infrastructure access. ISPA members can book their tickets here.
The night will include a three-course dinner in the House of Commons, with opportunities to hear from a diverse range of people from industry and politics. There will be plenty of opportunities to network and take in the magnificent surroundings of the historic venue.
ISPA Awards
Thank you to all who entered the 20th anniversary ISPAs. The finalists will be revealed on 1st May and winners will be announced at the gala on 12th July. The venue this year is magnificent The Midland hotel in Manchester and the evening include an extended networking reception, a three-course meal with wine, entertainment from famous comedian, award ceremony and live band at the end of proceedings.
ISPAs are the industry event of the year, with 300 industry experts in attendance so don’t miss out and book your tickets today.
Book your tickets for ISPA Awards here
This year's ISPA Awards sponsors
A perfect way to promote your company is to become sponsor of ISPA Awards. We can tailor make your package. Whether you wish to sponsor the whole event or just a single category, we are happy to make the package fit your needs and give you the best exposure. Call us on 020 3397 3304 or email awards@ispa.org.uk for more details.
Broadband Subgroup Meets
The Broadband Subgroup met at the beginning of March to discuss a range of infrastructure and consumer issues. The meeting focused on barriers to broadband roll-out including updates from recent meetings with DMCS officials responsible for the ‘barrier busting task force’. This involved discussion of members’ views and experiences regarding Lane Rental schemes, wayleaves, business rates and the implications of the new Planning Policy Framework published by Government. Further topics of discussion included the Ofcom Broadband Speeds Codes of Practice, the Local Full Fibre Networks Scheme and the USO with further updates from ISPA following recent engagement with officials.
ISPA brings members together on age verification and liability
A busy policy period is bringing ISPA members together on some key industry issues, with a recent workshop held in March on age verification with the BBFC and an upcoming cyber security workshop with the NCSC. The launch of age verification system has been delayed from April until the end of the year, with a consultation launched by the regulator, the BBFC. An upcoming liability members’ meeting will be discussing this and other important topics, including intermediary liability, developments in Europe and the Internet Safety Strategy.
ISPA NIS Directive
ISPA has continued to support members on implementation of the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive, which becomes law on May 9. Following last year’s public consultation, Government published its response last month with updated thresholds for the digital infrastructure sectors, including DNS providers, that ISPA assisted in updating.
Final Ofcom Annual Plan published
Ofcom published its Final Annual Plan 2018-19 which includes Ofcom's response to points raised by ISPA in the original consultation found here. The plan covers 3 main areas - promoting competition, securing standards and protecting consumers. ISPA will continue to engage with Ofcom in the coming year to ensure the industries voice is heard, whilst we stand ready to organise regular member bilateral meetings with Ofcom to address what we believe are key priorities for the industry in addition to those already set out in the annual plan.
ISPA Awards entries are in!
The end of March brought with it the deadline for ISPA Awards submissions, in what has been another year of bumper entries. The written entry forms and case studies, in addition to the months of technical testing, mean we move ever closer to the finalist shortlist at the start of May.
NIS thresholds updated and clarified
ISPA has continued to support members on implementation of the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive, which becomes law on May 9. Following last year’s public consultation, Government published its response last month with updated thresholds for the digital infrastructure sectors, including DNS providers, that ISPA assisted in updating.
In Memory of Mark Wynn
With a heavy heart we said goodbye to ISPA Council member Mark Wynn who passed away suddenly last month. His family has set up a giving page in his memory to support two charities; Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY); and Education for All (Morocco). If you wish to make a donation please visit this page.
Partner Events
ISPA is media partner of the following London events: IoT Tech Expo Global 2018 and AI Expo Global - both taking place on 18th and 19th April; and 7th Edition Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting on 25th-27th April.
ISPA in the News
This month ISPA commented on government extending the Gigabit broadband voucher scheme which was picked up by ISPreview, Telecompaper, thinkbroadband, and also commented on Chancellor's Spring statement in choose, Commsdealer, ISPreview, thinkbroadband, Computer Weekly and com.