21581 - SCTE Broadband August2022 COMPLETE v1

43 Vol. 44 No. 3 - September 2022 Issue from the industry In the recently released PointTopic report from INCA the altnet landscape shows increasing levels of maturity, cementing its place as a key part of the modern vision of a digital United Kingdom for all. Malcolm Corbett had this to say following the release of the PointTopic Report: ‘This continued high level of investment, coupled with commitments fromothers in the private sector like BT and Virgin Media, and the money being put in by government, shows that the UK is on track, for the first time in its history, to have proper broadband infrastructure competition. Independent network operators are a key piece of this connectivity jigsaw which will offer consumers real choice and drive innovation in the broadband services they consume.’ Alex Blowers added: ‘This report shows the increasing maturity of the independent broadband sector. It is now transitioning from fundraising and planning mode to delivery and execution stage and is undeniably a key partner in the delivery of a 21st century digital UK. It is now crucial that the government and Ofcom ensure momentum is maintained, by evolving the underlying policy and regulatory framework in support of the infrastructure competition that has now arrived in the UK.’ INCA is currently working on producing their 2022 Policy Report which is expected for release in the Autumn. With a General Election likely within the next two years, further to a leadership contest in the summer months, thoughts will turn to what the long-term vision is for Digital infrastructure in the UK. INCA continues to engage with key figures during this stage to advocate for high level ambition from political leaders - both for the type of connectivity that UK citizens should have access to and for effective infrastructure competition to underpin its delivery and continued success. Each year INCA hosts their annual conference, which will take place at the historic St George’s Hall, Liverpool on 16th and 17th November. Here at INCA we are working hard to ensure another top quality agenda of expert voices, speaking on subjects that are both topical and valuable to the industry as it navigates this period of expansion. This year the conference will be focusing on delivery and execution. With altnets now having the potential to secure 30% of the market share and the number of premises passed more than doubling year on year (with a projected 11.6 million premises passed by the end of this year), it has never been a better time to focus on how we continue to deliver the mission aim of increased services and market share. In addition to focusing on delivery and execution, the conferences provides an excellent opportunity to network with other organisations who are equally focused and driven to provide consumers with fast, reliable broadband options. During the evening there will also be the highly anticipated awards dinner, celebrating success, growth and innovation within the sector. Whether you are a Network Provider, vendor, distributor, consultant or interested in the sector in a wider capacity, the conference is guaranteed to be filled with interesting and important conversations at a formative time for politics, the economy and the sector as a whole.