SCTE Announces 2023 Spring Lecture

The SCTE® (Society for Broadband Professionals) today announced that its annual Spring Lecture will be taking place on Thursday March 30 at the National Motorcycle Museum for the cable, fibre, and telecoms industries. Featuring an impressive lineup of speakers offering insight in the areas of altnet expansion, investment, consolidation, training and network software and implementation, featuring experts from Virgin Media 02, Real World Networks and PMP Strategy.

The SCTE Spring Lecture, entitled ‘Networks and Networking’, will feature presentations by well-renowned experts in the broadband community, on a variety of important topics, including:

The Fibre Revolution and the Challenges of Building Out as an Altnet in the UK, by Graham Sargood, founder and ex-CEO of Box Broadband
Consolidation strategy from a game theory perspective in the UK FTTP market by Shivani Saxena, PMP Strategy
Are you sending the right signals to retain and upskill your workforce? by Paul Higgins, Head of Sales and Operations, Inmisceo
Upgrading Virgin MediaO2 to FTTP by Matt Tully, Matt Tully – Director of Fixed Infrastructure, Engineering and Delivery, Virgin Media 02
Planning for Change in FTTx Network Rollouts by Dr Gillian Kendrick, CEO of Real World Systems

Anthony Basham, recently appointed CEO of DKT A/S and President of the SCTE® said, “This is the first time we have explored network planning, government and industry regulators, consolidation and training, and we are delighted to hear from Virgin Media 02 about their FTTP upgrade. It’s going to be a great day.”

“The SCTE® Lecture Series is one of the initiatives we are most proud of,” said Costas Kyriacou, Chair of the Lecture Committee. “We have a long history of delivering thought-provoking, intelligent presentations to our members. They know these events bring out the best of what we offer the industry – expertise, learning, networking, all for the community of professionals we cater for.”

The Spring Lecture forms part of a series of events provided by the SCTE and will be followed by the Summer Lecture and Autumn Lecture, in July and October, respectively. Designed to raise and maintain standards across the cable, fibre and telecoms sectors, the SCTE has been providing accreditation, training courses, publications, networking opportunities, and a close-knit community of engineers and technicians since 1945. At the Spring Lecture, there will be two sessions in the morning and three in the afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to network during coffee breaks in the morning and afternoon, plus a 90-minute networking lunch in the bar area.

The Spring Lecture is free of charge to attend for SCTE members, and costs £50+ VAT for non-members.

Graham Sargood

Founder and ex-CEO, Box Broadband

The fibre revolution and the challenges of building out as an Alt net in the U.K.

A highly driven and experienced CEO and Board Director, Graham has had a very successful track record of building technology companies from inception, as well as holding a number of successful senior level roles in a range of blue chip companies in the telecoms and media space spanning a 30 year career.

Graham has a track record of delivery across many aspects of business including technology, strategy, financial modelling, sales and marketing, and operational efficiency program delivery. Graham has also worked with the UK government for over 25 years on UK Telecoms policy.

Shivani Saxena

PMP Strategy, Manager

Consolidation strategy from a game theory perspective in the UK FTTP market

Bio: Shivani Saxena has over 7 years’ experience advising stakeholders on their varied business concerns. Shivani is a manager and experienced management consultant at the PMP Strategy, London office with exposure to tier-1 private equity players and operators in Telecom, Media, and Technology industry.

Shivani advises leading infrastructure funds on their TMT investment strategy and optimising their portfolio performance in Europe. In addition, Shivani has worked closely with telecom operators on wide range of topics including inter alia developing long-term business plan, improving market share, cost optimisation, go-to market strategy.

Shivani has an MBA from London Business School and is able to provide 360 degree perspective on commercial issues by leveraging her past professional experience in business journalism and corporate law. Shivani has strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering impactful solutions to clients, including both private equity firms and corporate organizations. She is adept at client relationship management and able to effectively communicate and implement strategies to drive business growth

Dr Gillian Kendrick

CEO, Real World Systems

Planning for Change in FTTx Network Rollouts

Bio: Dr Gillian Kendrick is the CEO of Realworld UK. Realworld work with Telecoms Operators in the UK and the rest of the world, providing services to implement Inventory solutions and integrate these in to their OSS and BSS. Gillian has recently worked with the Irish Regulator, Comreg, to provide a Technical Feasibility Study for their Physical Access Register Market Review, and has also been a participant in the International Standards body – the Open GIS Consortium. Gillian moved into IT after gaining her doctorate in Theoretical Physics.

Matt Tully

Director of Fixed Infrastructure, Engineering and Delivery

Upgrading Virgin Media O2 to FTTP

Bio: After finding his initial inspiration in the industry from his engineering father Howard Tully, Matt has now worked for Virgin Media O2 for over 25 years across a range of roles, building his knowledge and expertise. Matt has predominantly focused on the HFC network, and how to effectively manage and upgrade large scale network upgrades. He is currently responsible for the upgrade of all Virgin Media O2’s Technical Sites, HFC networks, Fibre Upgrade programme and its Access Network Engineering department, ensuring that the network is fit for the needs of the customer of the future.

Paul Higgins

Head of Sales and Operations, Inmisceo

Are you sending the right communication to your network to retain and upskill your workforce?

Paul Higgins is a recognised authority in the training marketplace adviser to training providers and associations addressing the skills agenda. Establishing Blended technologies and techniques leading professional education. Extensive knowledge and experience working with National Infrastructure programmes, energy, power generation, communications, UK securities including the Royal Household at Windsor Castle.