Summer Newsletter
27 August 2026
Updates from July & August
ISPA Policy Updates
Summer has not been quiet, with a range of changes and policy developments.
First, a new Prime Minister in Andy Burnham, has replaced Keir Starmer. One of the biggest changes he enacted soon after becoming leader, at least optically, was the closure of the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology – the home department of telecoms. DSIT’s portfolio has been broken up, with telecoms now moving back to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
Moreover, the Government confirmed dispensations from Building Safety Regulator approval processes for telecoms work in high-rise buildings, addressing delays that have stalled fibre deployments in homes across the UK. This follows ISPA leading an industry working group that brought together stakeholders to find a proportionate and workable solution. We outlined the scale of the impact the regulator’s regime was having on minor, standardised, low-risk telecoms installation work and demonstrated the high standards ISPs follow in the rollout and maintenance of connectivity.
The Government has confirmed that it will seek to introduce regulations to restrict access young people’s overnight access to social media platforms to parliament by the end of the year. The measures are expected to come into force by spring 2027, “alongside robust implementation and enforcement”. The announcement comes after the results of a pilot study exploring various types of restrictions was published – from a complete ban, to overnight curfews or a maximum access time.
Finally, the Government has published a the Media Green Paper on the future of UK media, which explores, amongst other things, whether there should be a managed migration from digital terrestrial television (DTT) to IPTV in either 2034, or 2044. It had previously been reported in the press that the green paper, which is led by DCMS, would include considerations of levies on telecoms consumer bills to fund broadband access for those who cannot afford social tariffs. Reports also suggested that the paper would explicitly explore further obligations on broadcasters and broadband providers to support those during the transition.
ISPA Policy
ISPA is currently preparing its response to the Media Green Paper. Titled “Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media”, the Green Paper is a consultation document published by the government on 23 June 2026, setting out potential policy changes to reform broadcasting, tackle online misinformation, and prepare UK media for the digital future.
The Communications and Digital Committee has also launched a Call for Evidence as part of its inquiry into the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act (OSA) in improving online safety for UK users, which ISPA will be responding to.
On the cyber front, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill has moved to the House of Lords, and the Committee Stage begins on 1 September. ISPA’s priority for the Bill remains ensuring that it delivers on its central aim of modernising and strengthening the UK’s cyber defences, without avoiding duplicative regulation, and ensuring the regime is proportionate, consistent and properly scrutinised. At second reading on 14 July, while there was broad cross-party support, many felt the Bill lacks ambition and leaves too much to secondary legislation.
Finally, MHCLG has published the outcome of its consultation on proportionality in building control for telecoms work, which ISPA was closely involved in. From 1 September, new dispensations will remove the need for BSR approval to drill small holes (under 25mm) for fibre cabling in both HRBs and non-HRBs, subject to conditions. MHCLG has also opened a further consultation on emergency repairs under the higher-risk building regime, closing on 3 September, which the HRB working group discussed and ISPA will be responding to.
As always, please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!
Genexis strengthens long-term shareholder support for next phase of growth
Genexis has secured strengthened long-term shareholder backing, reinforcing confidence in the company’s strategy, innovation, and future potential. This enhanced financial foundation enables continued investment in advanced fiber and Wi-Fi solutions, a strong product portfolio, and in-house software development. As demand for secure, high-performance connectivity continues to grow, Genexis is well positioned to support operators with trusted broadband solutions developed in Europe. The renewed support highlights confidence in Genexis’ vision, expertise, and commitment to delivering the best connectivity experience for homes and businesses.
Find out more
ISPA Partner Updates
Calix is extending the Calix One platform to support standards‑based 50G‑PON, giving service providers a clear path to scale capacity without rebuilding their networks.
This enables providers to run all services on a single, reliable network, supporting the next era of fiber innovation across residential, business, and MDU markets as demand for performance accelerates.
Calix 50G‑PON on Calix One enables service providers to:
– Increase network capacity and unify services
– Add new services, improve efficiency, and drive revenue
– Deploy 50G‑PON alongside existing AXOS services
– Unlock business, wholesale, and multi‑tenant opportunities
– Gain cloud‑based visibility and automated lifecycle management
Read the press release
Our partnerships with ISPs go beyond short-term problem solving with a view to building long term strategic relationships that adopt ISPs’ feedback and challenges.
ISPs seeking partnership with Icotera are broadly looking to reduce support costs (contact centre & truck rolls) as well as reducing churn through adoption of market leading technologies to exemplify the customer experience through reliable and stable wired & wireless connectivity.
Icotera provide ISPs with the flexibility to offer incremental services to consumers through our partnerships with the likes of prpl Foundation, Qualcomm and Airties that enable ISPs to maximise ARPU and offer true differentiation vs their competitors.
Learn more about our Alliances and Partnerships
Why AI is changing the DDoS threat landscape for UK Service Providers
AI is changing the economics of DDoS attacks. Attack tools are becoming easier to use, campaigns are becoming more automated, and service providers are seeing increasingly complex attack patterns including carpet bombing, multi-vector attacks, and rapid target switching.
As threats evolve, traditional approaches based solely on centralised scrubbing capacity are no longer enough. Service providers need automated, always-on protection that can detect and mitigate attacks in real time while providing clear customer-facing visibility and reporting.
Read our latest insights in the Corero 2026 Threat Intelligence Report
Contact us
Across the broadband industry, the conversation is evolving. The question is no longer, “How fast is the network?” Increasingly, it is, “How good is the customer experience?” As expectations rise, service providers are looking beyond speed alone to deliver reliable connectivity, simplified support, and seamless digital experiences.
TP-Link’s Aginet End-to-End Solution has been designed with this shift in mind. Its router portfolio helps ISPs support stable in-home Wi-Fi and built-in VoIP services, while Aginet Config streamlines and standardises device provisioning and deployment. Through TAUC, service providers gain a single platform for device management, diagnostics, firmware control, and network visibility, helping to identify and resolve issues before they impact the end user.
By combining devices, Wi-Fi stability, management, and cloud intelligence, Aginet gives ISPs greater control, clearer visibility, and the tools to support a more consistent customer experience at scale.
Genexis strengthens long-term shareholder support for next phase of growth
Genexis has secured strengthened long-term shareholder backing, reinforcing confidence in the company’s strategy, innovation, and future potential. This enhanced financial foundation enables continued investment in advanced fiber and Wi-Fi solutions, a strong product portfolio, and in-house software development. As demand for secure, high-performance connectivity continues to grow, Genexis is well positioned to support operators with trusted broadband solutions developed in Europe. The renewed support highlights confidence in Genexis’ vision, expertise, and commitment to delivering the best connectivity experience for homes and businesses. Find more here.
ISPA Events
Parliamentary Drinks Reception | 15th September
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.
This event is kindly sponsored by nexfibre.
Register for your place here
ISPA Awards | 26th November
The shortlists have been finalised, and winners will be announced at the gala ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane on 26th November — an evening of celebration and recognition attended by over 300 industry leaders in the heart of London.
With a champagne reception, a three course dinner with drinks, awards ceremony hosted by a compere and a DJ, the ISPA Awards are a wonderful night to celebrate your team’s success over the year, as well as a great event to invite your clients along to.
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available – to find out more, get in touch with admin@ispa.org.uk.
Book your tickets
Partner Events
Women in Telecoms Meeting – 15th October, Vorboss, London
ISPA offers its members a 20% discount on the full membership of Women in Telecoms Group. Their next meeting is on the 15th October and everyone is welcome to join. The meeting will be an afternoon event t Vorboss’ offices, featuring guest speakers, drinks and nibbles.
Book your tickets here
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
Our Partners