THE CONNECTED BRITAIN 2025
CONFERENCE AGENDA
All times are listed in BST
Full keynote sessions to be announced in the coming weeks
London, 24 - 25 September 2025
Schedule
Create your personal agenda –check the favourite icon
Sep 248:45
Conference pass
Chair's address
Keynotes
Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
Keynote Theatre
Sep 249:00
Conference pass
CXO interviews
Keynotes
09:00 Allison Kirkby
09:15 Jeanie York
09:30 Paul Alexander
Interviews conducted by Simon Hunt, City Editor at City AM
Interviewer: Simon Hunt, City Editor, City AM
Keynote Theatre
Sep 249:45
Conference pass
Sep 2410:00
Conference pass
Networking break
Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Building the AI-driven city: from digital twins to predictive infrastructure
Smart Britain
- How are AI, digital twins, and real-time data reshaping the way we design and manage urban infrastructure?
- What public-private collaboration models are proving most effective in delivering smart city outcomes across the UK?
- What connectivity, policy, and data strategies are essential to scale AI-driven services in cities and local communities?
Vicky Willett, Director Policy and Transformation, St Helens Council
Robert Franks, Board Member, UKTIN & Managing Director, WM5G
Davina Fell, Digital Connectivity Lead, Central London Forward
Thomas Köhler, Head of Software, TKI
Moderator: Iqbal Bedi, Director & Founder, Intelligens Consulting
Theatre 6
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Closing the gap: Tackling the UK’s digital divide
Connected Society
- What progress has been made in closing the UK’s digital divide over the past year?
- What are the main challenges that still prevent progress in improving digital inclusion?
- What impact will the government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan have in addressing fundamental barriers still hindering digital inclusion?
- How can various stakeholders contribute to reducing digital exclusion?
Moderator: Grace Nelson, Analyst, Assembly Research
Lesley Holt, Acceleration & Adoption Director, WM5G
Rob Benson, Digital Inclusion Lead, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Will Plant, Digital Inclusion Lead, Cambridgeshire County Council
Elizabeth Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Poverty Alliance
Theatre 7
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
From seamless transactions to immersive experiences: Is your tech future-ready for the next generation of customers?
Tech Britain
- How are customer expectations changing?
- What role will immersive technologies play in shaping the future of customer experience?
- What barriers still exist for businesses trying to deliver seamless, integrated digital experiences across channels?
Alex Pell, Technology Editor, Evening Standard
Joanna Hetherington, Head of Customer Experience, CityFibre
Theatre 4
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
How is AI shaping the future of enterprise connectivity?
Connected Enterprise
- How is AI helping enterprises optimise and manage their connectivity networks?
- How is AI driving automation across business operations, and what impact is that having on efficiency?
- How can AI enhance the experience for both employees and customers within the enterprise environment?
Chris Williams, Chief Information Officer, Community Fibre
Mark Horgan, CEO, SkillsBase App Ltd
Moderator: Will Townsend, Vice President & Principal Analyst - Networking & Security Practices, Moor Insights and Strategy
Theatre 2
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Inside the UK's tech startup ecosystem: Trends, challenges & opportunities to come
Innovate Britain
- What is the current state of play in the UK startup tech ecosystem? How is London performing in comparison to regional hubs?
- Discuss the funding landscape shift - Explore areas of growth such asAI, climate tech and HealthTech?
- How is government helping the continued growth of the UK's startup tech ecosystem?
Jonny Clark, CEO, Capital Enterprise
Dominic McGregor, Founding Partner, Fearless Adventures
Moderator: Simon Bond, Director Bath Riverside Innovation District, University of Bath
Theatre 5
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Introduction to the Recruitment and Training Zone
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- We're kicking off with a powerful vision for workforce development, exploring why digital skills, radical inclusion, and strategic talent purpose driven initiatives are no longer optional, but the critical engines propelling growth and innovation across the UK.
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Laying the digital foundations: How councils can drive connectivity forward
Local Authority Showcase
- What are the biggest challenges councils currently face in accelerating digital infrastructure projects?
- How can local authorities partner with industry and government to unlock investment opportunities?
- What role does digital connectivity play in promoting economic and social growth?
Theresa Searle, Economic Development Manager - Telecoms Unit Manager, Glasgow City Council
John Duncan, Connected Places Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Chris Founds, Director & Founding Partner, CJ Founds Associates
Dija Oliver, Digital Project Manager, Swansea Bay City Deal
Moderator: Nick Wiggin, Partnerships Director, Wireless Infrastructure Group
Theatre 8
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Monetising your networks for a better tomorrow
Connected Networks
- How can telcos unlock new revenue beyond traditional connectivity?
- What technologies are enabling smarter, more profitable network services?
- How can strategic partnerships enhance monetisation and long-term ROI?
Ronan Kelly, Managing Director, AllPoints Fibre
Stefan Stanislawski, Chief Executive Officer, Connect Fibre & Lightning Fibre
Carlos Bock, Chairman, F&W Networks Ltd
Dan Bloch, Senior Vice President, Global Solutions, Calix
Theatre 1
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Powering the next industrial revolution: How advanced connectivity and private networks are reshaping UK businesses
Connected Industries
- How are private networks and advanced connectivity solutions transforming operational models for UK industries?
- What sectors are seeing immediate value and why?
- What are the biggest challenges UK businesses currently face in deploying private networks, and how can they be overcome?
David Crawford, 5G Projects Director, University of Strathclyde
Neil McRae, Chief Network Strategist, Juniper Networks
Luke Sullivan, Presales - Telecommunications, VertiGIS GmbH
Moderator: Phil Reid, Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Theatre 3
Sep 2410:35
Conference pass
Rural and the very-hard-to-reach; closing the connectivity gap
Gigabit Britain
- What are the most effective strategies for overcoming challenges in rural deployment?
- What support and funding models are available for less commercially viable areas?
- Is enough being done to prioritise rural connectivity, and how does it align with national economic ambitions?
- What role should regulation and government policy play in connecting rural and hard-to-reach areas?
Lucie Smith, Director of Programmes, Mova
Shane Haslem, COO, Fibrus
Clément Lesur, Managing Director, Telenco UK
Nathan Rundle, CEO, Gigaclear
Kris Roberts, Global Connectivity Product Development Manager, Prysmian Group
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2410:55
Conference pass
Connected Leadership - How big business is using LinkedIn to attract future talent
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- This panel insights from interveiws with C suite and Senior Leaders from FTSE 50 to 500 about how they are using LinkedIN to engage employees and attract future talent. This includes what future talent is looking to see what companies are talking about online.
Sep 2411:20
Conference pass
Aginet Mesh & TAUC: Future-Proof Wi-Fi 7 Solutions for ISPs
Smart Britain
Discover TP-Link’s next-generation Aginet Mesh Wi-Fi 7 portfolio and the TAUC management system—designed to deliver seamless connectivity and operational efficiency for ISPs and enterprise networks. With advanced VoiP routers, whole-home mesh coverage, and TAUC’s centralized control platform, operators can deploy, manage, and troubleshoot networks effortlessly. Benefit from zero-touch provisioning, real-time diagnostics, and powerful analytics to enhance customer satisfaction and scale with confidence. Hear from Connect Fibre's Mark Rebholz, Head of Programme Management Office, on how Aginet works for them to deliver effortless management and keep customer satisfaction levels high.
Paul Howard, ISP Pre-Sales Director, TP-Link UK & Ireland
Mark Rebholz, Head of PMO, Connect Fibre
Theatre 6
Sep 2411:20
Conference pass
Doubling down on the North: How newly merged PXN will change regional venture capital
Innovate Britain
- Insights into the largest VC merger in the North of the UK between Praetura Ventures and Par Equity (PXN is the fastest growing VC outside of the South East, with both VCs tripling AUM since 2021).
- A breakdown of how the start-up and scale-up funding landscape has changed in recent years.
- Advice for fundraising founders on what VCs won’t tell you and how to best position your business for investment.
Ben Davies, Marketing Director, Praetura Ventures
Theatre 5
Sep 2411:20
Conference pass
Evolving Wholesale Connectivity: How do we keep the momentum going?
Gigabit Britain
Diego Tedesco, Executive Director – Fixed Wholesale, Virgin Media O2
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2411:20
Conference pass
Sustainable Excellence: Advancing Quality & Reliability
Connected Networks
Nathan Paddick, Business Development Manager, Prysmian Cables and Systems Ltd
Theatre 1
Sep 2411:20
Conference pass
The merger myth: where the real value lies in altnet M&A
Connected Society
Summary
- Do mergers create real value – or just value on paper? This interactive Q&A will bring together expert voices from across the industry to unpack what truly drives successful altnet M&A. From assets and contracts to customers, culture, and execution, panellists will explore how the right combinations can unlock long-term advantage and where the risks of duplication or missed opportunity lie.
What to expect
- A candid discussion on what makes or breaks M&A in the alt-net sector.
- Insight into how value is measured differently by networks, ISPs, and investors.
- A closer look at the power of combining wholesale and retail models to strengthen market position.
Christian Maher, Managing Director, Co-Head of Digital Infrastructure, Europe, Houlihan Lokey
Moderator: James Barford, Head of Telecoms Research, Enders Analysis
Theatre 7
Sep 2411:25
Conference pass
Reimagining redundancy: Crafting win-win-win career journeys
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- Redundancy is more than just a job loss; it's a profound life shift that can leave individuals feeling adrift. But within this challenge lies a unique opportunity for reinvention and the discovery of deeper purpose. This panel will guide employers and leaders on how to help transform the impact of redundancy.
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Fireside chat with Connected North 2025 Startup Award winner (Thinking Machine)
Innovate Britain
Interviewer: Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
Theatre 5
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Maximizing Edge Efficiency: Taking PON to Multi-Service Convergence
Smart Britain
Theatre 6
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Practical AI Implementation in Business: From Automation to Intelligence
Connected Enterprise
Drawing on Strategic Imperatives’ track record of telecoms innovation, this session explores how AI is reshaping the industry. From automation to advanced machine learning, we’ll show how AI accelerates development, reveals insights and enables smarter decisions in real time. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways to identify and apply AI opportunities within their own organisations.
Theatre 2
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Simplify Your FTTH Projects: Partnering with Emtelle for Your Complete Network Delivery
Connected Networks
In today’s fast-paced rollout environment, success in FTTH deployment demands more than just quality components — it requires a reliable partner who understands the full picture. Join us to discover how Emtelle is redefining supply chain simplicity, offering a complete, end-to-end portfolio of ducts, microducts, fiber cables, closures, and essential sundry items — all designed and engineered for seamless compatibility.
Scott Modha, Head of Product Line Management, Emtelle
Theatre 1
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Sunderland City Council and Boldyn Networks: creating a blueprint for a smart city
Local Authority Showcase
Claire Venners, Director of Delivery, Boldyn Networks
Naomi Hutchinson, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Sunderland City Council
Theatre 8
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Sustainable Networking, From Hardware to Network as a Service
Tech Britain
Cisco and Colt co-develop platforms and solutions such as Intent Based Networking (IBN) to deliver Colt market edge though OPEX reductions (Power/Space), develop cutting edge technology and provide market leading outcomes to differentiate Colt achieve wider market traction including achieving sustainability goals.
Cisco SP customers such as in CNAB event, Tier 1 SP’s in APJC/US/EMEAR see Colt as an innovator in Platform, architecture, orchestration/assurance platform and consider Colt as one of the most innovative SP with market leading solutions for Enterprise/financial and wholesale customers.
Joan Espin Garcia, Director of Network Platforms & Solutions Architecture, Colt Technology Services
Theatre 4
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Unlocking Productivity and Sustainability through Private 5G
Connected Industries
Damian Cross, Head of Technology and Automation, Peel Ports Group
Theatre 3
Sep 2411:40
Conference pass
Why AI is the Key to Unlocking Broadband’s Next Growth Chapter
Gigabit Britain
Dan Bloch, Senior Vice President, Global Solutions, Calix
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2412:00
Conference pass
CXO interviews
Keynotes
12:00:Simon Holden, CEO CityFibre
12.10: Katie Milligan, Deputy CEO, Openreach
12:20: Rajiv Datta, CEO, Nexfibre
12:30: Daren Baythorpe, CEO, ITS
12:40: Jeremy Chelot, Group CEO, Netomnia, YouFibre and brsk
Jeremy Chelot, Group CEO, Netomnia, YouFibre and Brsk
Simon Holden, Chief Executive Officer, CityFibre
Katie Milligan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Openreach
Interviewer: Lindsey Fussell, Chair, Digital Connectivity Forum
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2412:50
Conference pass
CXO Keynote panel: The future of UK fibre
Keynotes
- Strategic insight from the leading stars of the UK fibre market
- Perspectives on regulatory stability, competition, and policy support
- How investor confidence is shaping long-term rollout and consolidation
Jeremy Chelot, Group CEO, Netomnia, YouFibre and Brsk
Simon Holden, Chief Executive Officer, CityFibre
Katie Milligan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Openreach
Moderator: Lindsey Fussell, Chair, Digital Connectivity Forum
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2413:30
Conference pass
From barriers to breakthroughs: Funding, future proofing and the role of councils in digital infrastructure delivery
Local Authority Showcase
- With changes on budgets, what funding models and partnerships can help unlock the delivery of critical digital infrastructure, including small cells and rural networks?
- How can local authorities align with 5G innovation regions and other initiatives to scale connectivity projects and trial future technologies?
- In what ways can digital infrastructure be embedded into local growth strategies to unlock social inclusion, economic development and smarter public services?
Craig Bower, Programme Director, Oxfordshire County Council
Dugald Lockhart, Service Manager, Digital Place, Dorset Council
Theatre 8
Sep 2413:30
Conference pass
Networking break
Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Sep 2413:35
Conference pass
A look at how we enable future technology through smart city infrastructure that meets the needs of public and private stake holders
Connected Networks
What does the digital future look like? How can we plan today to ensure we build the correct network that will support a constant evolution of technology and digitisation in the UK.
Hexatronic are invested in understanding these needs and innovating solutions to support smarter cities globally.
Mark Nightingale, Business Development Manager, Hexatronic UK
Theatre 1
Sep 2413:35
Conference pass
Adtran and Netomnia - Discussing the UK's First 50G PON!
Gigabit Britain
With demand for multigigabit broadband accelerating, a small but growing number of UK operators are moving beyond 10Gbit/s passive optical networking technologies to prepare for what’s next. 50G PON is emerging as a key enabler, offering the scale, efficiency and performance needed to support AI workloads, business-critical services and the long-term growth of the UK’s digital economy.In this fireside chat, Adtran’s Eric Joyce and Netomnia CEO Jeremy Chelot will reveal how Netomnia became the first UK provider to introduce 50G PON, what benefits the network is already delivering and how this first step lays the groundwork for future expansion. They will also share lessons learned from deploying Adtran’s next-gen optical line terminals in a live network.
Eric Joyce, Director Global Business Development, Adtran
Jeremy Chelot, Group CEO, Netomnia, YouFibre and Brsk
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2413:35
Conference pass
Career reinvention stories - How to disrupt your career & conquer tech
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- Ever wondered how to make the leap into tech, no matter your background? Join us to hear candid stories from individuals who've successfully navigated career changes, from re-entry and complete retraining to radical pivots. Learn their secrets to building impactful tech careers.
Jonathan Ley, CEO, Make Time Count
Nzinga Gardner, Founder, MediaTechWomen
Sep 2413:35
Conference pass
Designing Networks for a 30-Year Lifespan: Rethinking Reliability and Maintenance
Tech Britain
- Fibre networks must last for decades, not just a few years.
- The industry often prioritises speed over long-term reliability.
- Innovative design and smarter maintenance can cut failures and costs.
- A “design for decades” mindset is key to building a resilient digital Britain.
Theatre 4
Sep 2413:35
Conference pass
Efficient Capturing of Network Data for Planning, Design & Operation
Smart Britain
Detecting Buried Network Assets? Digitising Fiber Networks? Gain comprehensive visibility, better collaboration and greater control from planning through operation with Hexagon solutions. Jean-Francois Allard, Senior Manager Industry Consulting, Hexagon's Asset Life Intelligence Division, and Shane Gwilt, GPR Business Development, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon
JEAN-FRANCOIS ALLARD, Director Utilities & Communications EMIA, Hexagon
SHANE GWILT, GPR Business Development, Hexagon
Track 6
Sep 2413:35
Conference pass
From speed to impact: redefining the value of connectivity
Connected Enterprise
Connectivity has long been measured in megabits and gigabits per second. But in a digital society where every application, service and interaction depends on the network, speed alone is no longer enough. In this keynote, Pete England, Product Director at ITS, explores how the UK is moving from “fibre build-out” to “fibre utility”, and how product innovation is redefining connectivity to deliver resilience, equity and real-world impact. From modular service design to new approaches like DDoS protection, Pete will show how smarter networks are creating outcomes that matter for businesses, public services, and communities alike.
Pete England, Product Director, ITS
Theatre 2
Sep 2413:35
Conference pass
Meet the judges
Innovate Britain
Dominic McGregor, Founding Partner, Fearless Adventures
Theatre 5
Sep 2413:55
Conference pass
AI and NPS: An Intersection with Business Implications
Tech Britain
The C-suite is acutely aware of the financial implications NPS has on their business. In a world where competition is as high as demand, customer satisfaction is critical. Operators often trust AI to optimize their network, but performance is just one area affecting NPS. Join this session to explore new AI techniques leaders can use to forecast the impact of various initiatives on their NPS and, ultimately, improve their scores and bottom line.
Abhishek Sandhir, Managing Director, Telecom, Sand Technologies
Theatre 4
Sep 2413:55
Conference pass
How effective are non-generative AI in operating optical cyber network for an ISP and a Netcos – Altice France Case
Smart Britain
Stephane Guindolet, Head of AI & Software Factory, ALTICE FRANCE
Ahmed Ghorbal, Chief Executive Officer - Inveniam & Senior VP of AI, ServicePower, Inveniam, A ServicePower Company
Theatre 6
Sep 2413:55
Conference pass
Platinum Sponsor Presentation from Telenco Ltd.
Connected Networks
Gold sponsor presentation given by a senior speaker at Telenco.
Chris Pollock, CEO, Telenco UK
Theatre 1
Sep 2413:55
Conference pass
Slaying the process debt dragon on the road to network transformation
Connected Enterprise
In digital transformation projects, the cost of technical debt often gets all the airtime, but it’s not always the biggest roadblock. Beneath the surface lurks process debt: the outdated, inherited ways of working that hold back the ambitions of today’s telecom network operators.Kerry Casey Faulkes, Director of Transformation Enablement at Virgin Media O2, andRaf Meersman, SVP EMEA at IQGeo, reveal why true transformation starts with rethinking the processes that govern how people, data and decisions move through the business.
In large-scale operations, process debt creates delays in capturing and sharing as-built data, inconsistent field workflows and gaps between planning and execution. Drawing on VMO2’s fibre network transformation journey, this session explores how redesigning core processes is helping to consolidate systems, accelerate decision-making, strengthen data integrity and deliver more agile, scalable operations.
Kerry Casey-Foulkes, Director of Transformation Enablement, Virgin Media O2
Raf Meersman, Senior Vice President EMEA, IQGeo
Theatre 2
Sep 2413:55
Conference pass
The Future is Dense: Solving High-Volume Connectivity from a Single Source
Gigabit Britain
Henson Toland, General Manager, HFCL Group
SHANTH KUMAR S P, AVP HEAD R&D NPD OPTICAL CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS, HFCL
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2414:05
Conference pass
Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition - 1) HallyX
Innovate Britain
Join us on the Innovate Britain Stage to see HallyX be the first startup to pitch in the 'Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition'.
Theatre 5
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Advancing wireless network deployment across the UK
Connected Networks
- How can national public-private partnerships drive more efficient mobile rollout across urban, rural, and coastal regions?
- What new strategies and technologies are helping overcome deployment challenges in hard-to-reach areas?
- Which innovations are enabling faster, more resilient, and scalable coverage across the UK?
Chris Hudson, Director, Scottish Futures Trust
Andreas Skliros, Channel Sales Director – NW Europe, INTRACOM TELECOM
Moderator: Sophie Greaves, Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK
Theatre 1
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Building smart: embedding sustainability in smart place strategy
Smart Britain
- How are smart place strategies enabling measurable progress on carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and circularity?
- What role can data, AI, and connectivity play in building more sustainable public services, transport systems, and buildings?
- How can local and national government, telcos, and technology partners collaborate to fund and scale sustainable smart infrastructure?
Naomi Hutchinson, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Sunderland City Council
Paul Smyth, EMEA Sales Director, Dura-Line
Smart Britain
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition - 2) Net AI
Innovate Britain
Join us on the Innovate Britain Stage to see Net AI pitch in the 'Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition'.
Theatre 5
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Connected travel: Keeping Britain moving
Connected Industries
- How critical is digital infrastructure in ensuring seamless, reliable journeys for passengers across the UK’s transport network?
- What role will 5G and private networks play in transforming connectivity within airports, stations and onboard transportation?
- What are the biggest barriers and how do we overcome them?
- How are smart transport hubs supporting the UK’s future plans for travel?
Dave Happy MBE, Non-Exec Chair Transport for Wales Fibre & UKTIN Chair Security EWG, Transport for Wales Fibre
James Heaphy, Head Of Programme Delivery - Technology, GSMA
Robert Price, Programme Manager, techUK
Robert Gardner, Technical Solutions Manager, Hitachi Rail GTS UK
Moderator: Guy Middleton, Director, Spirit Public Sector Ltd
Theatre 3
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Measuring what matters: Social value, innovation and the role of digital champions
Local Authority Showcase
- What partnerships or collaborations are proving most effective for maximising local social value outcomes?
- What examples of digital initiatives have we seen and how can others learn from them?
- What role do digital champions play in driving innovation within councils and communities?
Gareth Thomas, Digital Project Manager, Swansea Bay City Deal Digital Infrastructure Programme (Carmarthenshire County Council)
Theatre 8
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Redefining enterprise messaging: How verified channels, AI and trusted networks are transforming customer experiences
Connected Enterprise
- How are verified channels and AI reshaping how enterprises engage with their customers?
- What impact do networks have on customer trust, brand and reputation?
- What are the biggest risks and opportunities in this era of enterprise messaging?
- How do you see this evolving in the next 3 – 5 years?
Claudine Bell, Partner Business Manager - Wholesale Mobile; Messaging and Payments, Virgin Media O2
Anna Smith, Senior Product Manager for Messaging, BT
Peter Najm, AI Product Manager, AWTG
Theatre 2
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Regulation
Gigabit Britain
- What you need to know about the “Telecoms Access Review” (TAR) and why it matters
- How is the “Physical Infrastructure Access” (PIA) plan progressing and what work still needs to be done?
Alex Blowers, Director of Regulatory Affairs, CityFibre
Moderator: James Robinson, Senior Analyst, Assembly Research
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
Tech without limits: Bridging disability and digital access
Connected Society
- How can accessible technology help to improve the specific needs of people with disabilities and learning impairments? What is the social and economic impact of this?
- Discuss the role of public private partnerships in scaling accessible solutions.
- How can key stakeholders such as government and enterprises improve digital access for those with disabilities and learning impairments?
- What is the future of accessible technology?
Karen Blake, Head of Inclusive Workforce Strategy & Advisory, Powered by Diversity
Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion, AbilityNet
Moderator: Will Townsend, Vice President & Principal Analyst - Networking & Security Practices, Moor Insights and Strategy
Theatre 7
Sep 2414:15
Conference pass
The UK’s satellite surge: Why space is the next big tech frontier
Tech Britain
- What’s driving the UK’s rapid growth and investment in satellite technology right now?
- How will satellite networks complement infrastructure to support nationwide connectivity?
- Which industries stand to benefit most from the surge?
- What does the next wave of space and satellite innovation look like?
Paul Febvre, Chair of the Space East Regional Cluster and Professor of Space Systems, Cranfield University
Tiree Macleod Nolan, Business Development Manager, Space Systems, CGI
Theatre 4
Sep 2414:25
Conference pass
AI and the job hunt - How to stand out in automated hiring
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- Learn how AI impacts job searching, hiring decisions, and ATS filters and how you can adapt to stand out.
Liz Kingston, Senior Manager for Enabling Functions, BT Group
Sep 2414:25
Conference pass
Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition - 3) nodeQ
Innovate Britain
Join us on the Innovate Britain Stage to see nodeQ pitch in the 'Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition'.
Theatre 5
Sep 2414:35
Conference pass
Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition - 4) Qualoo
Innovate Britain
Join us on the Innovate Britain Stage to see Qualoo pitch in the 'Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition'.
Eduardo Tapia, Co-Founder, CTO, CSOO, Qualoo
Theatre 5
Sep 2414:45
Conference pass
Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition - 5) Sitehop
Innovate Britain
Join us on the Innovate Britain Stage to see Sitehop pitch in the 'Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition'.
Theatre 5
Sep 2414:55
Conference pass
Break
Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Sep 2414:55
Conference pass
Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition - 6) Unified Telecoms Supplier Ltd
Innovate Britain
Join us on the Innovate Britain Stage to see Unifed Telecoms Supplier Ltd pitch in the 'Connected Britain 2025 Startup Pitching Competition'.
Ross Howard, Director, Unified Telecoms Supplier Ltd
Theatre 5
Sep 2415:00
Conference pass
Addressing the MDU conundrum
Connected Society
Dean Checkley, CEO, Teleste Network Services Limited
Carl Tomkins, Business Development Director, Teleste UK
Marie Bush, Wayleave Manager, 4Fibre
Theatre 7
Sep 2415:00
Conference pass
From North America to the UK: Real AI Success in Telecoms
Tech Britain
- How ISPs have driven 25% higher ARPUs and 15% lower churn with AI.
- Real-world implementations across: retention, call centre, ecommerce, field sales.
- What’s next and how UK & European providers can capture the same gains.
Vasa Babic, Head of EMEA, Actifai
Theatre 4
Sep 2415:00
Conference pass
Growth of Data Centres - Optical Fibre can be a constraint
Gigabit Britain
The availability of land and power often dominates discussions around data centre investments.
AI data centre workloads need at least 10 times more fibre than legacy data centre builds. Supply lead times of fibre cables and connectors have increased and prices are soaring too.
Furthermore, AI data centres balance workloads across data centres, thereby needing interconnects across campuses, metropolitan areas, and submarine cable access. Securing Data Centre Interconnect capacities – both lit and dark – and keeping network latencies in check are now critical to attracting AI computing tenants. Yet, existing interconnects are getting crowded, while building new ones can take years of planning, budget approvals, and permitting, with costs rising sharply.
Therefore, Data Centre investments need long-term control over interconnect bandwidths and latencies and deep supply chain arrangements with fibre and cable manufacturers to remain viable. Industry innovations such as Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) and high-density Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) cable are redefining what’s possible in Data Centre Interconnects, greatly enhancing their scalability and capacity.
Sitaramaiah Alamuri, Practice Director - Data Centre Portfolio, STL
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2415:00
Conference pass
Pain relievers for successful subscriber connections
Connected Networks
Willy Pelhate, UK Marketing Manager, ACOME Group
Stephen Morris, UK Business developer, ACOME Group
Connected Networks
Sep 2415:00
Conference pass
Smarter WiFi for a Smarter Britain
Smart Britain
Daniel Fearon, Senior Director Sales, Europe, Aprecomm
Theatre 6
Sep 2415:05
Conference pass
Skills for a digital nation
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- Telecom and Digital leaders, educators, and public partners discuss how we can better identify, grow, and deploy essential digital skills across regions and age groups.
Jemma Waters, Head of Customer-First Delivery, Lloyds Banking Group
Amy Low, CEO, AbilityNet
Gori Yahaya, Chief Executive Officer, UpSkill Universe
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
Connected and conscious: How enterprises can build a greener digital ecosystem
Connected Enterprise
- How can enterprises align their digital infrastructure strategies with their wider sustainability and net zero goals?
- What steps can businesses take to reduce their environmental impact of data centres, networks and devices?
- What are some of the most innovative green tech partnerships or projects reshaping this industry today?
Dave Williams, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, Reconome
Tom Boswell, Head of Pre-Sales for Europe, STL
Professor Julie McCann, Co-Director for Federated Telecoms Hubs & Vice Dean Research in the Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London
Moderator: Simon Evans, Principal, Cartesian
Theatre 2
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
Consolidation and competition – the future shape of the UK telecoms market
Gigabit Britain
- How is consolidation reshaping the UK telecoms landscape, and what does it mean for infrastructure investment and innovation?
- What are the regulatory and competitive implications of market mergers among altnets, ISPs, and major operators?
- Can consolidation unlock efficiency and scale while maintaining customer choice, regional access, and fair pricing?
Jeremy Chelot, Group CEO, Netomnia, YouFibre and Brsk
Richard Cameron, CEO, Grain Connect Limited
Dominic Kearns, Founder & Chief Executive, Fibrus
Moderator: Alexander Ohlsson, Principal, Analysys Mason
Rahul Puri, CEO, STL
Rob Hamlin, Chief Strategy Officer, CityFibre
Gigabit Britain
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
Digital inclusion for vulnerable populations
Connected Society
- Discuss the importance of connectivity and digital inclusion for vulnerable groups (as defined in the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan)
- What are the challenges in trying to provide connectivity and devices to vulnerable communities?
- What is innovative in terms of solutions in this space?
Gail Harvey, Digital Inclusion Programme Manager, Norfolk County Council
Chris Northen, Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator, Manchester City Council
Theatre 7
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
From the streets to the control room: How police forces and special ops rely on next-gen connectivity
Tech Britain
- How are police forces adapting to the challenges of policing crimes that exist purely in a digital world?
- With encrypted messaging apps and the dark web limiting visibility, what technologies are available to forces for interception?
- What future threats do policing and intelligence agencies foresee from the Metaverse, deepfakes and AI-generated content? How do we establish control?
Adrian Searle, Senior Advisor and Senior Associate Fellow RUSI, ACSearle Advisory
Matt Warman, Former Broadband Minister, UKAI
Theatre 4
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
Funding innovation: navigating the funding journey for UK tech startups
Innovate Britain
- Examine the current funding landscape for UK tech and telecom startups from pre-seed to Series A.
- Identify key barriers faced by digital startups in securing early-stage investment.
- Explore available funding programmes and support schemes for tech and telco ventures in the UK.
- Discuss what drives investor confidence when backing early-stage startups
Jonny Clark, CEO, Capital Enterprise
Tommy Breen, Senior Advisor, The Growth Stage
Susanne Coles, Deputy Director - Investment Ecosystem, Innovate UK
Ed Prior, Head of Investor Services, SFC Capital
Joanna Jensen, Chair, Enterprise Investment Scheme Association
Moderator: Ben Davies, Marketing Director, Praetura Ventures
Theatre 5
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
In-home connectivity and experience
Connected Networks
- How is Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are transforming in-home performance, speed, and device capacity?
- Are we prepared for the connectivity demands of modern households — from gaming and streaming to smart home ecosystems?
- How can ISPs utilise consumer hardware deliver seamless, high-quality home experiences?
Kim Esben Jørgensen, Chief Technical Officer, ICOTERA A/S
Justin Leese, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Ogi
Steve Wallage, Product and Propositions Director, TalkTalk
Paul Howard, ISP Pre-Sales Director, TP-Link UK & Ireland
Theatre 1
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
People strategy: driving high performance teams in evolving organisations
Smart Britain
Lisa Hand, Senior Director, People Experience, Ogi
Rebecca Dobson, Chief People Officer, MS3 Networks Ltd
Helen Datlen, People Director for Telecoms, Independent
Rachel Woolf, Chief People Officer, Telecom Infrastructure Partners
Theatre 6
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
The future of mobile coverage: Expanding into rural counties
Local Authority Showcase
- How viable is shared infrastructure and small cell deployment as a long term business model for expanding rural mobile coverage?
- What barriers still exist in the rural planning process, and does it now require an overhaul to meet connectivity targets?
- How effective have recent government initiatives and funding programmes been in closing the rural coverage gap, and what should be next in the policy agenda?
- Are rural counties 6G ready – what challenges lie ahead?
Geoff Connell, Director of Digital Services, Norfolk County Council
Moderator: Alan Nichols, Chief Executive Officer, Tekton Limited
Theatre 8
Sep 2415:20
Conference pass
Transforming Healthcare: How Can the Shift to Digital Be Achieved?
Connected Industries
- What are the biggest digital transformation priorities for UK healthcare in light of government policy and NHS reorganisation?
- Technology’s Impact: How can advanced connectivity, AI, and data sharing improve patient outcomes and drive greater efficiency?
- What will a truly connected and digitally enabled healthcare system look like in 5–10 years, and how do we achieve it?
Michael Watts, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Blum Health
Gita Sorensen, Investor and Founder Director at Digostics, INCA TAR Advisor, MD, GOS Consulting
Tom Boyle, Head of Digital Communications, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Theatre 3
Sep 2415:45
Conference pass
Connect and Lead : Unleashing your LinkedIn power for impactful leadership
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- Explanation of why LinkedIn is important and importance of Connected Leadership, includes a live profile audit and 5 things you can do differently tomorrow!
Sep 2416:00
Conference pass
Best in Class Fiber is Ahead of Other Markets
Connected Networks
Fiber subcontractors already using construction management software are best positioned to break into other markets as the demand shifts from fiber to utilities and infrastructure. Learn how AI is being used to build further, faster, and smarter.
Neil Hart, Head of Customer Success, EMEA, Vitruvi
Lauryn Fisher, Package Manager, Pod-Trak
Theatre 1
Sep 2416:00
Conference pass
Cracking America: your fast track to U.S. broadband success
Smart Britain
Join Kim McKinley, former network operator and now Chief of Staff at TAK Broadband, one of the U.S.’ top broadband construction and fulfillment firms, and Bob Knight, CEO of Harry Marketing, one of the leading U.S. broadband marketing and strategy agencies, for an honest and practical fireside chat on how to break into and win in the American broadband market.
You’ll learn:
- How the U.S. political system influences everything—from grant funding to permitting and local opposition
- How to find the right partners for go-to-market, deployment, and compliance
- Creative financing strategies that go beyond traditional investors
- A blunt overview of the competitive landscape, including national players, regional ISPs, and the growing role of private equity
Bob Knight, CEO, Harry Marketing
Kimberly McKinley, Chief of Staff, TAK Broadband
Theatre 6
Sep 2416:00
Conference pass
Infrastructure sharing for altnets
Tech Britain
Ashley Griffiths, Director of Major Business, ITS
Guy Miller, Chair of INCA Infrastructure Sharing Special Interest Group, INCA
Rob Leenderts, CEO of AssetHUB and Board Member for, I.N.C.A.
Theatre 4
Sep 2416:00
Conference pass
One Touch Switch Turns One: One Year On — and the Road to Business Switching
Connected Society
- Opening remarks from Ofcom
- Opening key message from TOTSCo
- Panel discssion and Q&A
OTS: A year of switching
- What worked well? The industry has successfully enabled over 1.6 million residential customers to switch their landline or broadband provider in the first year of One Touch Switch (OTS).
- What proved more challenging? The session will explore the "sticking points" of the OTS journey, reflecting on the obstacles and challenges that arose during implementation.
- What have we learned? The discussion will focus on key takeaways related to collaboration, customer experience, and operational delivery, with an eye toward using these lessons to shape the future of business switching.
Paul Bradbury, CEO, The One Touch Switching Company Ltd.
Richard Fletcher, Chief Information Officer, Grain Connect
Andrew Sayle, Portfolio Manager, Zen Internet Ltd
Neena Rupani, Principal, Regulatory Affairs, BT Active Intelligence
Theatre 7
Sep 2416:00
Conference pass
Unlocking Enterprise Growth and Opportunity with AI Agents
Connected Enterprise
SVV (Sure Valley Ventures), the specialist AI VC, is launching an open-sourceAI Agent Projecttoautomate key processes in venture capital- from sourcing and selectinginvestment opportunities to supporting and adding value, to reporting and stakeholder engagement. In this presentation, SVV Managing PartnerBarryDowneswill share the lessons learned from building and deploying these AI agents, and how the same principles can be applied to drive new opportunities across any business or enterprise:
Attendees will gain a practical understanding of:
- How to plan and execute an AI Agent roll out
- What the benefits are: including operational efficiency,cost reduction and faster decision making.
- How AI agents create new opportunitiesto do more, gain a competitive edge and promote strategicagility.
- How to mitigate risks with governance and control.
- How to benefit and learn from SVV's Agentic VC opensource project.
Theatre 2
Sep 2416:00
Conference pass
Worcestershire’s Connectivity Journey – From Filling the gaps and pushing the boundaries
Local Authority Showcase
Theatre 8
Sep 2416:20
Conference pass
Break
Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Sep 2416:25
Conference pass
Navigating the choppy seas: Real world delivery in a local authority
Local Authority Showcase
Theatre 8
Sep 2416:25
Conference pass
Platinum sponsor presentation: eero
Gigabit Britain
Pete Beynon, Sr Solutions Architect, eero, an Amazon company
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
5G Advanced and the road to 6G: what’s next for UK networks?
Connected Networks
- What are the biggest technical and regulatory challenges to large-scale 5G Advanced and 6G rollout?
- How far are we from practical 6G deployment, and what transformative technologies might it introduce?
- What new services and industry use cases could 5G Advanced and 6G unlock across the UK economy?
Muhammad Ali Imran, Professor of Communication Systems / Dean Transnational Engineering Education, University of Glasgow
Iain Milligan, Network Development and Infrastructure Director, VodafoneThree
Anthony Magee, Representative from ADTRAN, Lab for the North
Moderator: Tales Gaspar, Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK
Theatre 1
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
Accelerating growth: Scaling the UK’s tech startup ecosystem
Innovate Britain
- Explore funding opportunities available to scaleups in the UK, from Series A to Series C.
- Examine strategies for tech and digitally enabled scaleups to expand into both domestic and international markets.
- Highlight the value of collaborating with scaleups and SMEs, and the contributions they bring to the market and local governments
Munder Shuhumi, CEO, Pearls Capital
Ben Leslie, Growth Investor, Puma Growth Partners
Christine Hockley, Managing Director & Co-Head of Funds Venture Capital Investments, British Business Bank
Moderator: James MacEwan, Principal Consultant, Cartesian
Theatre 5
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
Britain’s cyber underground: How hacktivism and cybercrime are testing national resilience
Tech Britain
- Inside the UK’s cyber underworld – who are they and what do they want?
- How serious is the growing threat to national digital infrastructure and how exposed are we?
- Is Britain prepared for the next major security attack?
Moderator: Dave Happy MBE, Non-Exec Chair Transport for Wales Fibre & UKTIN Chair Security EWG, Transport for Wales Fibre
Bridgette Bigmore, CTO, UKTL - UK Telecoms Lab
Mark Fermor, Founder, Firevault Ltd
Tech Britain
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
Connected manufacturing
Connected Industries
- How is advanced connectivity transforming UK manufacturing operations?
- What is the role of private networks, AI and edge computing in modern manufacturing?
- What technologies are set to have the biggest impact on UK manufacturing?
- What’s next for digital manufacturing in Britain?
Jessica Pyett-Ellis, Programme Director 5G Innovation Regions, WM5G
Biplab Sah, Director – Enterprise Architecture, Smart Factory, mars
Darren Joint, MD, Viking Signs
Theatre 3
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
Driving customer take-up, upgrades and loyalty as the UK enters the multi-gig era
Gigabit Britain
- How can multigigabit services help reposition connectivity from a basic utility to a premium, value-driven offering?
- How can connectivity service providers innovate to their offering to grow in today’s market?
- How can the UK drive full fibre take up?
Sally-Anne Skinner, Chief Revenue Officer, Ogi
George Wareing, Chief Sales Officer, CityFibre
Sonya Goodanetz, Product Marketing Manager, Incognito Software Systems Inc
Neil Smith, Chief Operating Officer, TalkTalk
Moderator: Krystian Heald, Head of Partnerships, ISPA UK
Gigabit Britain
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
Smart communities beyond cities: unlocking rural and town innovation
Smart Britain
- How can connectivity and technology support regeneration outside of cities?
- What are the barriers to smart tech adoption in non-urban environments — and how can they be overcome?
- Which partnerships and funding models are most effective in driving rural digital transformation?
Colin Wood, Innovation Lead, Dorset Council
Sarah Eynon, Broadband Programme Director, Scottish Government, Digital Connectivity
Gavin Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer, Highland Broadband
Moderator: Alex Mather, Head, Digital Connectivity Forum
Theatre 6
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
Smart places & connected communities: What’s next?
Local Authority Showcase
- What lessons have we learned from smart city projects and infrastructure rollouts?
- How can we accelerate the process and scale?
- How is data-driven decision making transforming urban planning and community services?
- Public sector adoption – what’s working, and what’s not? Why?
Ste Sharples, Head of Digital Services, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Simon Bond, Director Bath Riverside Innovation District, University of Bath
Theatre 8
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
The digital revolution: How SMEs can win in cloud networking & edge computing
Connected Enterprise
- What does success look like for SMEs in a digital first world?
- Share real world SME use cases that help drive innovation and growth
- How does the role of AI also play a part in this?
Gori Yahaya, Chief Executive Officer, UpSkill Universe
Stuart Birchall, Head of Service Development, Zen Internet
Theatre 2
Sep 2416:45
Conference pass
The Power of Diversity & Wellbeing in Telecoms: Everyone’s Role in Change
Connected Society
- How do we tangibly improve diversity with organisation?
- Why is Health & Wellbeing within workforce important?
- How are men part of the solution not part of the problem?
- How to we support men feel more comfortable having these conversations
Moderator: Natalie Strange, Managing Director, RPS Telecom
Lauren Knight, Account Director, Vorboss
Will Goodall, Elevate Wholesale Director, Elevate Wholesale
Debbie Casey, Key Account Manager, Calix
Theatre 7
Sep 2417:30
Conference pass
Closing keynote panel: Standalone viability - progress and priorities
Keynotes
- What is the key focus in driving profitabilty from here - have the 'get rights' evolved? Is wholesaling part of the equation or a false-friend?
- Can aggregators help?What other sources of growth might there be?
- Expanding footprint through wholesale? Product extension?
Conal Henry, Founder & Chair, Fibrus
Dana Tobak CBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hyperoptic
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2418:15
Conference pass
Connected After Hours: The Official Afterparty
Exhibition
Here's your sneak peek at this year’s four epic bar themes:
“Best of British” – Pub (Sponsored byITS)
“Mix & Mingle Bar” – App Networking Zone (Sponsored byYOFC)
“The Bubbly Bar” – Sponsor Networking Zone (Dell and WWT)
“Wine Down Corner” - Chill & Charge Zone
Exhibition Hall
Sep 2418:30
Conference pass
Connected Britain Awards
Keynotes
The awards ceremony is open to all attendees of Connected Britain. Please join us to find out the winners, celebrate success in the industry and network duringour welcome drinks reception.
Host: Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
Keynote Theatre
Create your personal agenda –check the favourite icon
Sep 259:00
Conference pass
Keynote Panel: Local leaders driving change through connectivity and innovation
Keynotes
- What role are local authorities playing in establishing the UK as a global tech leader?
- How can public-private sector collaboration drive long-term connectivity strategies across UK regions?
- How is digital infrastructure helping regional leaders deliver economic growth, inclusion, and public service transformation?
Trevor Dorling, Director Digital Greenwich & CEO DG Cities Ltd, Royal Borough of Greenwich
Sherelle Fairweather, Digital Strategy Lead - Local Authority, Manchester City Council
Moderator: Sophie Greaves, Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK
Keynote Theatre
Sep 259:40
Conference pass
Keynote CXO interview
Keynotes
Interviewee: Susie Buckridge, Chief Executive Officer, TalkTalk
Keynote Theatre
Sep 259:55
Conference pass
The future of the altnet model: expansion, investment, and impact
Keynotes
- How are altnets navigating current market conditions and securing long-term investment?
- What role do build density and take-up play in determining the long-term viability of fibre and FWA rollouts?
- How can fibre and fixed wireless access be scaled to ensure full national coverage?
- What’s the right balance between ambition and pragmatism?
Mike Surrey, Chair, Alncom
Sean Royce, Chief Executive Officer, Quickline Communications Limited
Moderator: Raj Kalia, MD, Arkal Limited
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2511:20
Conference pass
AI Agentification: The Next Leap in Telecom Network Intelligence
Connected Enterprise
- Can humans realistically keep pace with the speed of today’s network changes?
- What if your digital twin could think and act on its own leveraging third party data?
- What would it mean to operate in real time, all the time?
Vincent Delaitre, CTO, Deepomatic
Theatre 2
Sep 2511:20
Conference pass
Alncom & Corning Engineering Excellence: Quality Rural FTTH Networks and Customer Satisfaction
Connected Networks
Interviewer: Evan Rogers, Network Architect, Carrier EMEA, Corning Optical Communications
Interviewee: Lawrie Stevenson, Director of Operations, Alncom
Theatre 1
Sep 2511:20
Conference pass
Building the future workforce - Early careers in digital
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- Discover how employers, training providers and industry bodies are developing structured career entry points and evidence, personality-based tools and through apprenticeships, schools outreach, and early talent programmes.
Puja Patel, Head of Sustainable Finance and Universities, Santander
Polly Morgan, CEO, iDEA Foundation
Zahra Shah, Co-Founder, Non-Executive Director (NED) & Investor, Seers
Sep 2511:20
Conference pass
Devices, Devices, Devices
Connected Society
In a world of ever-increasing connectivity, millions of people remain excluded - not because of coverage or connectivity options, but because they lack the most fundamental tool: a device.
Without it, there’s no point talking about skills, confidence, or affordability; you’re not even on the first rung of the digital ladder. We estimate that in the UK alone, 3 million people are digitally excluded for this reason. To tackle this, we are leading a tech sector consortium with a dual mission: to reduce e-waste and substantially increase device access for those who need it most. Officially launching shortly, The NextPath Device Consortium is building a collaborative ecosystem driven by industry partners, with the goal of turning corporate End-of-Life (EOL) devices into new opportunities for digital participation.
This session will highlight why devices must be recognised as essential digital infrastructure and how collective action from across the sector can put the right tools in the right hands, closing the gap for those currently locked out of the digital world.
Theatre 7
Sep 2511:20
Conference pass
Full Fibre Wacky Races 6 – Clash of the Titans
Connected Infrastructure
CityFibre has landed £2.3bn in new funding, Netomnia/BRSK is building fast and closing the gap to CityFibre, nexfibre is looking to deploy its acquisition war chest, and Openreach’s build programme continues to go like a bullet train. But which of these “Titans” will reign supreme when the Full Fibre Wacky Races are over? And how can we all make the most of this period of change, whilst we have the best free market infrastructure competition that I’ve seen in 30 years? What are the retail and channel ISPs (including Zen) doing about it? I’ll share my thoughts and insight, as well as the latest commentary from our industry movers and shakers. Look forward to seeing you there!
Track 6
Sep 2511:20
Conference pass
Interview with Kyiv City Council
Connected Industries
Interviewer: Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
Theatre 3
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
5G innovation regions: Scaling digital infrastructure for regional growth
Local Authority Showcase
- What best practices have emerged from regional 5G innovation projects, and how can they be replicated?
- How can effective public-private collaboration unlock new opportunities to drive connectivity in underserved regions?
- What funding opportunities currently exist for local authorities?
- How is Project Gigabit contributing to improved digital access?
Naomi Hutchinson, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Sunderland City Council
Moderator: Chris Founds, Director & Founding Partner, CJ Founds Associates
Theatre 8
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
Barrier busting; overcoming network deployment challenges
Connected Networks
- How can the industry collaborate with one another to address rollout challenges?
- What are the biggest challenges hampering fixed and mobile network rollouts?
- How can the government continue to assist with barrier busting strategies to facilitate network rollout?
Craig Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Broadband Forum
Laura Jenkins, Digital Connectivity Relationship Manager, City and County of Swansea Council
Sakshi Singh, Regional Sales Manager - UK, 3-GIS
Moderator: Till Sommer, Internet Policy Expert, Independent
Theatre 1
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
Connected logistics & smart ports: Building a seamless, secure and data-driven supply chain
Connected Industries
Elaine Scott, Innovation Partnerships Manager, Port of Tyne
Theatre 3
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
Connected transport
Connected Infrastructure
- What impact is the latest communications infrastructure having on the future of transport?
- How can telecoms, transport operators, and policymakers collaborate to deliver integrated, future-ready infrastructure?
- What key projects are/have taken place that exemplify the synergy of connectivity and transport?
Richard Adams, Head of Digital Architecture, LNER
Jonathan Eaton, Chair Transport and Logistics Working Group, UKTIN
Anna Malone, Operations Manager Transport Franchising, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Guy Reiffer, Managing Director, Transport for Wales Fibre
Lee Hargadon, Head of Enterprise - NOKIA, Nokia
Moderator: Mark Mulcahey, Vice President, Cartesian
Track 6
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
Digital switchover: How do we make sure no one is left out?
Connected Society
- What is the current state of play on the digital switchover in the UK?
- How might the digital switchover affect residents and local communities
- How can telecom providers recognise and assist vulnerable customers throughout the transition?
- What measures are necessary to ensure a seamless transition while upholding universal service obligations including critical services (e.g., emergency alarms, telecare systems)?
Lucie Smith, Director of Programmes, Mova
Sarah Shepherd, Head of Digital Phone Switchover, techUK
Moderator: Clive Quantrill, Senior Partner, Cambridge Management Consulting
Griff Jones, Head of Telecommunications Modernisation, DSIT
Theatre 7
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
Empowering the workforce in the age of new and emerging technologies
Digital Britain
- Discuss the key strategies and resources required to prepare the workforce for the adoption of new technologies.
- What challenges are businesses facing in upskilling their workforce?
- Discuss the role of government in supporting businesses in upskilling their workforce.
- How can businesses evaluate the ROI of upskilling initiatives?
Theatre 5
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
Machines that learn, robots that think: The next phase of AI in Britain
Tech Britain
- What does the next generation of AI and robotics look like for the UK economy?
- How do we ensure Britain’s networks are AI ready?
- What does responsible AI look like in practice, especially in public sector or consumer facing industries?
- Is the UK building the right talent pipeline to support AI innovation?
- What does the next 5 – 10 years look like with the convergence of AI and robotics?
Simeon Yates, Professor of Digital Culture, University of Liverpool
Sean Musch, Chief Executive Officer, Ai & Partners
Moderator: Arun Dehiri, Vice President, Cartesian
Theatre 4
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
The role of data centres in a digital first economy
Connected Enterprise
- How has the growth in computing power, particularly through data centres, contributed to the increasing role of digital services in the broader economy?
- Carrier-neutral vs carrier-integrated facilities — what are the pros and cons for enterprises?
- Discuss the role of data centres in enabling seamless, high-performance enterprise connectivity.
Ian Inglis, Programme Manager - Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Elena Parsons, Strategic Business Development Manager, National Physical Laboratory
Mark Bjornsgaard, CEO, Deep Green Technologies
Cian Cantwell, UK & Ire sales & Business Development, Dura-Line
Alex Williamson, Sales Engineer, ITS
Moderator: Ignacio Gomez, Managing Partner, Fide Partners
Theatre 2
Sep 2511:40
Conference pass
What’s next for the UK’s mobile industry
Gigabit Britain
- How is the recent work from Ofcom on mobile coverage going to impact the industry?
- What are the key priorities for mobile network investment, innovation, and coverage in the coming years?
- How will new technology, spectrum policy, and infrastructure sharing shape the next phase of mobile growth?
Brian Potterill, Policy Director, Ofcom
Ian Newbury, Head of Product, CityFibre
Moderator: Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications, Mobile UK
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2512:00
Conference pass
AI trailblazers: Women forging new digital paths
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- Join inspiring women leading the charge in AI and digital careers as they share what propelled them forward and the barriers they overcame in technical roles. Discover practical insights for navigating the digital landscape and learn what systemic changes are needed to create more inclusive pathways for the next generation of women reshaping our technological future.
Lucy Rawles, Senior Product Manager, Lloyds Banking Group
Karen Blake, Head of Inclusive Workforce Strategy & Advisory, Powered by Diversity
Mandie Beitner, Founder Director, SorTTed Ltd
Sep 2512:20
Conference pass
Digital Inclusion & the Circular Economy
Local Authority Showcase
Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer, Virgin Media O2
Emily Carr, Policy advisor, Green Alliance
Theatre 8
Sep 2512:20
Conference pass
FWA Demystified: Real-World Lessons from the Frontlines
Gigabit Britain
As the UK accelerates toward full-fiber ambitions, a quiet revolution is underway - led by service providers delivering gigabit broadband without digging a single trench. Join Tarana and a panel of pioneering operators as they share real-world experiences deploying Gigabit 1, a next-generation Fixed Wireless Platform (ngFWA) that outperforms traditional Wi-Fi, mobile-based FWA, and even FTTP in cost, speed of deployment, and customer satisfaction. This session will unpack myths, compare economics, and highlight where and why modern FWA is winning in Britain’s digital rollout. A must-attend for ISPs, policymakers, and anyone rethinking the last-mile broadband equation.
Neil McRae, Chief Network Strategist, Juniper Networks
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2512:20
Conference pass
Roundtable: bridging the gaps: tackling not spots in Manchester's mobile connectivity
Tech Britain
- Welcome & Context Setting (5 mins)
- Joint Presentation: Manchester City Council (15 mins) – Megan Lawless, Senior Digital Strategy Officer & Philip Maguire, MCC Mobile Connectivity Consultant
- Facilitated Discussion: Industry Collaboration to Address Notspots (20 mins)
- Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Megan Lawless, Senior Digital Strategy Officer, Manchester City Council
Theatre 4
Sep 2512:20
Conference pass
Telecoms Access Review Workshop
Connected Infrastructure
- Should Ofcom define an ‘Area 3’ and, if so, how should it be regulated?
- What will the Telecoms Access Review mean for consumers in practice — from service quality and choice to protections during copper switch-off?
- Has Ofcom underestimated the potential for competition in the leased lines market?
- When should Openreach be allowed to put its copper prices up as part of the copper retirement process?
- Are the proposed PIA charges fair?
Alex Blowers, Director of Regulatory Affairs, CityFibre
Kevin McNulty, Strategy Director, ITS
Colin Scott, Senior Regulatory Economist, VodafoneThree
James Tickel, Director, Regulatory Policy & Strategy, Openreach
Moderator: Gita Sorensen, Investor and Founder Director at Digostics, INCA TAR Advisor, MD, GOS Consulting
Track 6
Sep 2512:20
Conference pass
Unlocking fibre for all: Overcoming MDU and wayleave barriers
Connected Society
- Tackling MDU roadblocks: Real‑world issues with landlord access, wayleaves, and in‑building fibre delivery.
- Collaboration in action: How operators, councils, and infrastructure teams are working together to unblock stalled builds.
- Lessons from the front line: Practical insights on accelerating fibre deployment in towns, suburbs, and smaller communities.
Zoltan Kovacs, Managing Director, Netomnia Ltd.
Georgia Peterson, Project Manager, Liverpool City Region CA
Moderator: Paddy Paddison, CEO, INCA
Theatre 7
Sep 2512:40
Conference pass
Gold Sponsor presentation: Vyntelligence
Connected Networks
Presentation given by a senior speaker at Vyntelligence.
Theatre 1
Sep 2512:40
Conference pass
Growing Sussex 5G Innovation Region: Data driven decision making in food, wine and plant production
Local Authority Showcase
Using 5G-enabled technologies to tackle local, national and global challenges with smarter, greener growing
Theatre 8
Sep 2512:40
Conference pass
Unlock tech: Pathways for underrepresented talent
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- How do we make digital roles more accessible to underserved and underrepresented communities? Lessons from youth programmes, coding schools, and social enterprises.
Germán Bencci, Founder & CEO, Code Your Future
Julie Quist-Therson, Director of Community Engagement, The 10,000 Interns Foundation
Sep 2513:00
Conference pass
Networking break
Exhibition
Networking break
Exhibition Hall
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
Connected retail
Connected Enterprise
- How are retailers adapting their digital strategies to meet the current demands and expectations of today’s customers?
- How do retailers benefit from 5G, private networks and high-speed connectivity? How does this directly impact omnichannel experiences?
- What challenges are arising for online only and hybrid retailers?
Alexander Troughton, Regional General Manager of Grocery & Retail, EMEA & UK, Uber
Theatre 2
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
Connectivity in social housing
Connected Society
- Explore barriers to reliable internet access and connected devices in social housing including within multi dwelling units.
- Examine the impact of poor connectivity on residents' access to services, employment and education.
- How can government, councils, housing associations, and developers use technology to meet residents’ needs—and embed it in future social housing plans?
Martin Kemp, Commercial Director - Government, CityFibre
Andy Wells, CEO, Complete Fibre
Theatre 7
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
Diversity and digital Britain
Tech Britain
- How can tech and telecom organisations attract and retain diverse talent — including underrepresented groups — in a competitive hiring environment with record-low recruitment levels?
- Moving beyond performative DEI: What practical strategies are working?
- What more can government, industry, and leadership do to enable diverse talent to not only enter but thrive and lead in tech careers — particularly through life transitions and structural barriers?
Surinder Khatter, FTTP, Strategy And Transformation Director, Openreach
Beena Puri, Innovation and Partnerships Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Moderator: Catherine Colloms, NED for Gigaclear & Industrial Development Advisory Board & Board Advisor for Labour Digital,, Independent
Theatre 4
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
From connectivity to commercialisation: How local authorities can innovate and monetise their networks
Local Authority Showcase
- What are some real examples of councils turning connectivity into new services or revenue streams?
- What commercial models or partnerships proving successful in this space?
- What are the risks and challenges associated with this?
Theatre 8
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
Indoor connectivity
Connected Infrastructure
- What technologies and deployment models are most effective for improving indoor mobile and wireless performance?
- How is the neutral host model unlocking scalable solutions for complex buildings and shared spaces?
- What’s needed from regulators, landlords, and network providers to prioritise indoor connectivity in future planning?
Robert Franks, Board Member, UKTIN & Managing Director, WM5G
Luke Kehoe, Industry Analyst, Ookla
Alessandro Raschella, Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University
Simon Fletcher, Chief Strategy Officer, Small Cell Forum
Moderator: Peter Griffiths, UKI lead / Urban futurist, BABLE Smart Cities
Track 6
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
Post-consolidation integration
Connected Networks
- What are the key challenges telecoms face after merging?
- How can operators navigate the complexity of integrating diverse network architectures and platforms?
- What are the best practices for aligning operational, technical and cultural strategies post-merger?
Paul Doyle, Operating Partner, Basalt Infrastructure Partners
Steve Leighton, Ambassador at Zapgo, Chairman at Jenson Ventures, Advisor for Voneus Broadband and Chair of, ISPA UK
Ryan McCowan, VP, Technical Sales, Adtran
Chris Gilmour, CTO, Axians
Theatre 1
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
Sustainability in telecoms
Gigabit Britain
- How can the sector align sustainability goals with commercial and regulatory pressures?
- What role does responsible supply chain management play in making rollout and operations more sustainable?
- How can telecoms operators reduce energy use and emissions across their networks?
Nicholas Falkowski, CEO, Meaningful Planet Ltd
Damien O’Sullivan, Sr. Director, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, CommScope EMEA Limited
Neil Atack, Associate Vice President, HFCL Ltd
Rob Hamlin, Chief Strategy Officer, CityFibre
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
The new cyber battleground: Protecting Britain's critical infrastructure
Connected Industries
- Which sectors are most vulnerable to cyber threats and why?
- How can industries better collaborate to protect digital infrastructure?
- What lessons have been learned from recent cyber attacks?
- Are existing regulations and policies fit for purpose or do they need evolving?
Greig Paul, Telecoms Security Technical Advisor, UKTL - UK Telecoms Lab
Andrew Kernahan, Strategic Advisor, Cybersecurity Business Network
Áine MacDermot, Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Liverpool John Moores University
Manoj Bhatt, Director, Cyberhash
Moderator: Mark Fermor, Founder, Firevault Ltd
Theatre 3
Sep 2513:30
Conference pass
The rising stars in connectivity
Digital Britain
- This session will highlight the journeys of some our finalists of the 'Rising Star' category in the Connected Britain 2025 Awards. It will explore how they entered the industry, the challenges they've overcome, and what the connectivity still industry still needs in order to continue to innovate and thrive.
Matthew Izatt-Lowry, Principal Consultant, FarrPoint
Will Plant, Digital Inclusion Lead, Cambridgeshire County Council
Shuja Ansari, Senior Lecturer, University of Glasgow
Franck Courbon, Chief Executive Officer, Ethicronics
Laura Jenkins, Digital Connectivity Relationship Manager, City and County of Swansea Council
Moderator: Bradford Randall, Editor, Total Telecom
Theatre 5
Sep 2513:40
Conference pass
Hiring for inclusion and impact
Recruitment & Training Zone Stage
- What inclusive hiring actually looks like in practice from inclusive job descriptions to onboarding neurodiverse talent. Come to learn or share what’s worked in your own organisation.
Ian Tomney-Bell, DE&I Lead, giffgaff
Disha Mehta, Director, Global HR Change and Enablement Lead, Standard Chartered Bank
Sep 2514:10
Conference pass
Connected utilities
Connected Infrastructure
- How are utilities using digital connectivity and smart metering to improve efficiency, resilience, and service delivery?
- What infrastructure, data, and technology partnerships are enabling integrated, intelligent utility systems?
- How can cross-sector collaboration (e.g. utilities, telecoms & tech, local authorities) help unlock the full potential of connected utilities?
Jon Chappell, Head of Water Resources and Planning, Water UK
Chris Barlow, Director of Innovation, Smart DCC
Track 6
Sep 2514:10
Conference pass
Gold Sponsor presentation: Flomatik Network Services
Connected Infrastructure
Preesentation given by a senior speaker atFlomatik Network Services.
Connected Infrastructure
Sep 2514:10
Conference pass
Navigating a digital world: What skills are needed in workplaces?
Digital Britain
- Where are the key gaps in digital skills across today’s workplaces?
- What support is needed from government and key stakeholders to close the digital skills gap?
- How can businesses drive digital transformation while ensuring digital inclusion in businesses?
Polly Morgan, CEO, iDEA Foundation
Catherine Colloms, NED for Gigaclear & Industrial Development Advisory Board & Board Advisor for Labour Digital,, Independent
Gori Yahaya, Chief Executive Officer, UpSkill Universe
Theatre 5
Sep 2514:10
Conference pass
oxio’s journey to $100m exit in 3 years
Connected Networks
Marc-Andre Campagna, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, gaiia
Theatre 1
Sep 2514:10
Conference pass
Urban not spots
Gigabit Britain
- What is being done to address connectivity gaps in urban areas?
- How should the public and private sector collaborate to tackle this issue?
John Kavanagh, Programme Director, Infrastructure, BusinessLDN
Claire Hughes, Broadband Engagement Officer, City & County of Swansea
Neerad Swaroop, Digital Infrastructure Project Manager, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Dave Ferry, CSO, ITS
Moderator: Gita Sorensen, Investor and Founder Director at Digostics, INCA TAR Advisor, MD, GOS Consulting
Keynote Theatre
Sep 2514:10
Conference pass
When connectivity goes rogue: The darker side of a hyperconnected Britain
Tech Britain
- As Britain becomes more connected, what dangers are emerging?
- Explore the idea of Netflix’s black mirror - are we creating a tech monster?
- What role do telcos or tech providers play in mitigating risks and regulating digital content?
- Connected Britain, disconnected humanity?
Sean Musch, Chief Executive Officer, Ai & Partners
Carolyn Bunting, General Manager, Internet Matters
Diego Hidalgo Demeusois, Founder & Author, The OFF Movement
Moderator: Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
Theatre 4
Sep 2514:30
Conference pass
Connected MDUs: Delivering Next‑Generation Connectivity for Multi‑Dwelling Units
Connected Society
- What are the most cost‑effective strategies for providing high‑speed connectivity in MDUs?
- How can operators mitigate investment risk? E.g. overinvesting in under-utilised infrastructure, low occupancy rates
- How can landlords and service providers collaborate to deliver future-proof digital infrastructure?
Moderator: Alejandro Cardenas, Principal, Fide Partners
Mariko Newell, Senior Legal Counsel, Virgin Media O2
Dave Axam, Chief Executive Officer, Giggle
Ben Allwright, Chief Executive Officer, Ogi
Charles Trotman, Senior Economist, C.L.A.
Theatre 7
Sep 2514:30
Conference pass
Future proofing and network resilience
Connected Networks
- What role should data play in network deployment and management?
- How are telecoms operators designing fixed and mobile networks to meet future demand and services?
- What are the key risks to UK network resilience, and how can providers mitigate outages, faults, and security threats?
Leon Lobo, Head of the National Timing Centre, National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
George Robinson, Head of Government affairs, VodafoneThree
Jo Cutting, Head of Distribution and Application Services, Ordnance Survey
Theatre 1
Sep 2515:10
Conference pass
Close of conference
Exhibition
Conference tracks are closed.
Exhibition Hall
last published: 17/Sep/25 09:15 GMT
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