Why You Should Join INCA

INCA is not just an association of independent networks. It is a cooperative association. Experience in other countries shows that Independent Access Networks need to cooperate to improve financial viability and accelerate investment.   
 
INCA member networks can cooperate in many ways but the organisation has been designed to support three priority themes:
 
Open network cooperative - aggregating end user connections: many of the members of INCA are open networks, offering wholesale access to competing service providers who want to supply applications and services to end users. Some of these service providers – for example, ISPs in the domestic broadband market – are only interested in using a network if they can connect to it easily and get access to lots of users. Independent open networks need to adopt common technical and business process standards and aggregate their users so that they can make a single offering to these service providers. 
 
Combined purchasing power - aggregating buying-power for products and services: many members of INCA need to procure similar services and could save costs by pooling their purchasing power. Some members – often smaller networks – may act as their own service providers and sell directly to end users. They will need to buy a range of services such as backhaul, internet transit, VoIP and TV content, for resale to users. By aggregating their demand such networks can achieve the purchasing power of larger providers. INCA can also help members construct purchasing frameworks with equipment suppliers, simplifying the process of buying compatible equipment that meets agreed standards.
 
Representing and promoting member interests: by joining together in INCA, members can increase their influence and speak with one voice. INCA represents member interests to government and promotes the important role that independent networks are playing in bringing NGA to the UK. This is important for independent networks to have a chance of competing fairly with incumbent operators.
 
As well as these forms of cooperation, INCA will benefit members in other ways.
 
Facilitating collaboration knowledge-transfer and self-help: INCA members can assist each other directly by collaborating on projects and providing each other with help and advice. INCA aims to help create such partnerships between members through its events programme and information resources.
 
Helping networks to get started: because INCA brings together people with expertise it can help members build the business case for creating new next generation networks and learn about successful projects in other places. INCA will seek funding to help pay for experts to provide detailed advice. There is the potential for INCA to create a development fund to invest directly in new networks.These benefits form the core proposition of INCA to member networks: a unified offer to service providers; pooled purchasing power; speaking with one voice; and exchanging ideas and information.
 
INCA also welcomes into supporting membership other organisations that support the aims of INCA and that can themselves benefit from contact with INCA members through the association and the opportunity to collaborate and trade.
If your organisation is eligible you can apply for membership now: