New Labour Government Priorities
Following a near-historic election win, the new Labour government has set out its priorities and agenda:
- On 17th July 2024, King Charles laid out new legislation, including a Planning and Infrastructure Bill; Digital Information and Smart Data Bill; and Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
- Further, on 29th July, the Chancellor gave a speech in the House of Commons during which she declared the Conservatives left a £22bn “hole” in the country’s finances, and proceeded to announce a number of areas where the government intends to save money – including on infrastructure projects, transport and departmental budgets. She later revealed that she will raise taxes in the Autumn Budget, planned for 30th October.
- Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister (and Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government) Angela Rayner launched a consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), seeking views on a series of wider policy proposals in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
ISPA policy work
Telecoms Poles Working Group
Following public and Ministerial concern around the siting of telecoms poles, ISPA convened a Telecoms Poles Working Group, which is working to develop further guidance relating to the relevant code of practice. The new government has retained this interest, and ISPA is actively engaging with officials.
National Underground Asset Register (NUAR)
ISPA is currently engaging with members and officials on government proposals in the new Digital Information and Smart Data (DISD) Bill to introduce a statutory requirement for asset owners to comply with the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR). We are working with government officials and members to ensure the requirements are proportionate and workable.
Adaptation Reporting Power
ISPA has been invited by the government (Defra) to take part in the fourth round of the Adaptation Reporting Powers (ARP4), which looks at potential risks and vulnerabilities for infrastructure in the event of significant climate events. The policy team will be in touch with members with next steps, and is welcoming feedback from members as we develop next steps for this project.
Please reach out to policy@ispa.org.uk if you have any questions on political developments or our policy work.
ISPA Events
2024 ISPA Awards
Digital Inclusion Awards, Sustainability, Communications Campaign and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion categories open until 1st September
Digital Inclusion Awards are open for entries until 1st September. This year we are showcasing the efforts of digital inclusion initiatives in not only one, but two categories dedicated to celebrating some fantastic achievements over the past 12 months. The category is being split to focus on two important parts of the discussion. The first will centre on the initiatives led by community driven & charity organisations, who have gone above and beyond, using limited resources to deliver access and skills to those most in need. The second award will be specifically focused on the UK’s internet sector, and those organisations that have prioritised digital inclusion initiatives as a core part of what they do.
We have also extended the written entry deadline until 1st September for the following categories:
- Best Sustainability
- Best Communications Campaign
- Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
To enter these categories, please fill out the written entry form (to be found on our website) and submit to awards@ispa.org.uk by the deadline of 1st September 2024.
The ISPA Awards are the largest celebration of ISPs, fibre infrastructure builders and providers of digital telephony, hosting and cloud services in the UK. By sponsoring the ISPAs, you could put your company in front of over 475 senior figures from across the UK internet industry!
Sponsor today to:
- Promote your company to scores of service providers
- Network with hundreds of senior decision makers
- Gain high profile brand exposure
- Advertise to your target audience before, during and after the ceremony
- Nurture clients’ relationships and reward staff
- Generate PR opportunities and new business leads
- Get up to several months of promotional benefits, including newsletter editorials and press releases
- Be part of the most sought after awards show in UK internet
HeightsTelecom, IQGeo, Linksys, Magrathea, Netgem, Netskrt, Nexfibre, PSI,
TP-Link, Vetro and VIAVI Solutions.
If you would like to become part of the 26th ISPA Awards, sponsor a category and build your organisation’s brand at the event then please contact krystian@ispa.org.uk.
The ISPA Awards ceremony will take place at the Raffles London at The OWO on 21st November, you can book your Early bird tickets now.
Buy Tickets Here
ISPA Partners
DrayTek Exclusive: Feature firsts for upcoming Vigor 3912S
Business enterprise routers have an ever-widening weight of responsibility regarding cybersecurity. DrayTek’s new router features recognise how security at the edge of a network is a crucial element for a business to consider when wanting to implement layers of security across digital systems, networks, and devices. Their upcoming router helps enable businesses’ plight for protection and also to maintain customer trust.
Learn more on DrayTek’s live webinar 22nd August about the 3912S features that support security and help to eliminate unnecessary time cost with options to install Docker-compatible applications.
EPS: Building a Zero Enterprise Network with Open Networking
How did EPS Global bring together a zero-touch enterprise solution for an industry giant? The solution is made up of OpenWiFi access points from IO by HFCL, pre-configured switches and a fully automated lifecycle using BE Network's Verity. EPS Global's approach minimizes the need for on-site technical expertise, enables easy installation across multiple sites and ensures robust and future-proof systems, even in harsh industrial environments. Discover the practical applications and real-world benefits of open networking, from streamlined operations to enhanced reliability and scalability.
nexfibre releases 'Platform for Progress' report.
The reality is that the market is at a crossroads. Take the wrong turn and the UK is stuck with a single, dominant provider. Choose the right path - by prioritising competition, investment and innovation – and the stage is set for the development of a dynamic, consumer-centric telecoms market that will power the UK's digital future.
All of us with a stake in the market have a role to play in helping to shape the future for our industry.
Ciena: The path to better broadband: How to unlock the value of your access networks
Operators are facing a critical decision when it comes to deploying their broadband access networks. Ciena's Joe Marsella explains how you can get on a better path to unlocking the value of your fiber and ensuring long-term success in an evolving digital landscape.
Industry Insights
Draytek ISP Performance and Perceptions Survey Report 2024
A call to all women in telecoms to join our sister organisation's Comms Council UK Women in Telecoms Group
We encourage all ISPA Members to join the Women in Telecoms Group that was set up by CCUK in 2022 and opened to all women in telecoms this year. The group offers women in industry a safe space to discuss any issues - from personal to career development and technical or regulatory questions - that they might have. There is a Directory where members offer their advice, as well as regular online and in person meetings with guest speakers. The group is often participating in panel sessions at events around the UK - including Channel Live, Connected Britain, Cavell Summit, Connected North and more...
It's a great way to support your female colleagues with their career goals as well as giving them a voice on the key issues impacting our industry.
You can find more information on their website here, join their LinkedIn Group here and join their group by emailing Michaela@commscouncil.uk
Due to LinkedIn security updates, ISPA has now had to move all our activity, updates and announcements from the ISPA LinkedIn team page to our ISPA UK company page.
Many of you already follow this page but we would ask everyone to please check and if you are not, please sign up to follow ISPA UK on LinkedIn.
This is an important step to ensure you never miss any of our updates, event invites and more...
Partner Events
ISPA offers its members a variety of discounts for events that we partner with:
Connected Britain - 11th and 12th September - Find out more and register with 15% discount here.
Comms Council UK Awards - 26th September at The IET in London - ISPA members can purchase CCUK member rate tickets here.
Intelligent Automation Conference Global - 5th and 6th February 2025 - Find out more and register here.
Unified Communications Conference Global -5th and 6th February 2025 - Find out more and register here.
Partners of ISPA
New Partner Announcement
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.