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Welcome to Our New Minister 

Theresa May has appointed the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP as Minister of State responsible for digital policy at DCMS. Matt replaces Ed Vaizey who leaves government. While we are sad to see Ed’s departure, INCA members will be encouraged that Matt brings a wealth of experience to the role. Regarded as a high flyer, Matt has been MP for west Suffolk since 2010 and was formerly the cabinet office minister promoting digital government. He has also championed the cause of small businesses and is a supporter of mutuals.

INCA looks forward to working with Matt to promote the development of a truly 21st century digital infrastructure. We also extend our best wishes to Ed and wish him well in the future.

Brexit & the Altnets

The fall out from the Referendum vote continues but a straw poll of key INCA members suggests that the future for altnets is still bright. Smaller companies have not reported any loss of appetite from investors, though uncertainty is never good. However there are doubts over future funding from the European Investment Bank, a recent entrant into financing for UK altnets. Another big uncertainty is over ERDF funding, used by many local authorities to part-fund broadband projects. Cornwall in particular has called for its European funding to be protected - or replaced. Emma Hosgood, manager of the Broadband World Series is organising a webinar on 3rd August discussing Post-Brexit Strategy. Contact Emma for details.

Building Gigabit Britain

INCA’s policy paper Building Gigabit Britain is shaping up well. Thanks to all members who have contributed to our short online survey (it’s still not too late if you haven’t done so). Digital infrastructure underpins the economy and we think it is time to set an ambitious target for the UK. Final drafting is happening now with a launch event planned for early September. INCA’s conference in October will provide a focus for discussion and reaction to our proposals.

INCA at the Broadband World Forum

INCA’s conference ‘Building Gigabit Britain' takes place in conjunction with the Broadband World Forum on 19th October at the Excel Centre in London. The minister is scheduled to speak (to be reconfirmed) alongside Chris Townsend of BDUK, Clive Selley, new CEO of Openreach, officials from government and Ofcom, plus leading INCA members. It is shaping up to be a great day - and when you register for the INCA conference you get free access to the exhibition at Broadband World Forum, plus a great discount on the rest of the activities. Contact Gill for more info.

INCA Roadshow - The Rural Challenge - Preston

INCA’s Local Authority roadshow travels to Lancashire on 14th September. Lancashire County Council and BDUK will provide an updates on the rural programme alongside local organisations delivering great services in some of the most challenging areas beyond the reach of the local BDUK/BT project. Register here or contact Gill for more info.

Gigaclear & CityFibre Team Up

Altnets are a co-operative bunch, particularly when it comes to sharing networks for mutual benefit. Gigaclear and CityFibre have won plaudits for a deal that provides access to CityFibre’s 1100 km dark fibre network to help extend Gigaclear’s rural coverage. Matthew Hare, CEO of Gigaclear commented, "This partnership gives us access to more capacity, faster delivery and more flexible bandwidth.” CityFibre acquired KCOM's national fibre and duct assets in a deal worth £180m last December. The partnership with Gigaclear is one of a number announced over the past few months.

Broadband Boost for West Sussex Businesses

Poorly served businesses in West Sussex will soon benefit from a voucher scheme being set up by the Rural West Sussex Partnership. The scheme will use a funding pot of £450,000 to serve businesses outside the local rural broadband programme. More details about the opportunity will be published soon. Meanwhile INCA has been asked to host a list of interested suppliers. Email Gill for more info. 

Join INCA

Welcome to INCA's new members PPC Fiber Broadband, Netadmin Systems and North Skye Broadband. 

INCA's team is working hard to make real change in the UK market for next generation digital infrastructure. Working together means we make a difference. If your organisation is not yet a member of INCA we really want you on board and now is the time to join. If you have any questions please contact Gill or Malcolm. We are happy to help.

David Cullen, Chair and Malcolm Corbett, CEO

Independent Networks Co-operative Association
Tel: 0845 456 2433

info@inca.coop

www.inca.coop