Inauguration of the UK’s First Fibre Optic Connectivity Forum
London (PRWEB UK) 13 September 2017 -- Today marks the inaugural meeting of the UK’s first Fibre Optic Connectivity Forum (UKFOCF).
UKFOCF has garnered interest from all corners of the UK’s fibre optic marketplace. Members include providers, manufacturers, operators and consultants - from global operations to UK SMEs whose voices are rarely heard. Senior representatives will gather in central London on Wednesday for the Forum launch. They will hit the ground running with a full agenda of pressing issues at the forefront of the industry up for debate. Discussion topics include: business rates and fibre tax, dark fibre access, the UK’s digital landscape and the broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO).
The Forum will be a vocal grassroots lobbying group, influencing and educating policy makers as to the most fair and efficient way to put an end to the digital divide. This campaign for affordable, high-speed, full-fibre connectivity extends to all parts of the UK in all commercial and residential buildings and demands a level playing field for all stakeholders.
The campaign’s roots were set in the Houses of Parliament earlier in 2017, at an evening reception entitled ‘Can Fibre Technology Revolutionise the UK Economy?’. The March 15th event, sponsored by data transport solutions provider Sorrento Networks, hosted 200 senior stakeholders from across the industry, in addition to several key members of the Commons and the Lords. Attendees here unanimously agreed that the industry has entered an historic revolutionary period and this is a timely opportunity to create a dedicated and inclusive forum.
Founder and Sorrento Networks’ (Comtek Group) CEO Askar Sheibani remarks, “I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and drive within the industry to help to address this essential requisite to the UK’s digital economy.”
“The UK’s fibre optic infrastructure is drastically and embarrassingly well behind that of many European nations such as Romania, Bulgaria and Sweden. In order for us to catch up, we as the stakeholders need to work together to support and advise the government to deliver policies that can create a fertile and encouraging environment for the rapid growth of the country’s digital economy.”
UKFOCF welcomes the government’s growing recognition of the key significance of fibre optic connectivity for UK business. Recently well-received decisions made by the chancellor include zero rating of the business tax on new fibre optic cable installations for the next five years and the £400m Autumn Statement allocation for digital infrastructure. However, much more needs to be done promptly and effectively for UK business to remain competitive in keeping with bandwidth demands.
Ian Lucas MP, key member of the DCMS Select Committee, and long-standing campaigner for ultra-fast fibre optic connectivity is Chair of the UKFOCF. Mr Lucas comments, “Fibre broadband has shot up the political agenda in recent weeks. The forum is timely and essential to inform policy makers in this crucial area.”
UKFOCF will hold quarterly meetings in addition to the next parliamentary reception taking place on March 21st 2018. Its remit will be to support the government in introducing sound and innovative digital policies relevant to present global economic conditions. The forum will relentlessly pursue its vision of high quality, fast connectivity across the UK.
Steph Roberts, The Comtek Group, http://www.comtek.co.uk, +44 +44 7852973327, [email protected]
Share this article