Guest blog: Collaborating to encourage world class network infrastructure for all
Nick Wiggin is the new Chair of techUK’s Telecoms Infrastructure Working Group. In this blog he shares a little about his background and how he’s excited to work with people across the telecoms ecosystem and local authorities to enable the delivery of the right infrastructure for future telecoms requirements.
The UK’s connectivity ambitions
The publication of the Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy in April gave a clear indication of the scale of ambition for the UK’s connectivity landscape. Analysis it commissioned found that with high levels of adoption, 5G applications within smart cities and public services could account for £100 billion in additional GVA between now and 2035.
It also committed to helping regions and local authorities (LAs) build the case for adopting new technology, attracting investment and removing practical barriers to the deployment of advanced wireless networks. So it’s a pivotal time to be appointed as the Chair of the Telecoms Infrastructure Working Group to collaborate with the telecoms industry and LAs as we come together to help deliver connectivity for the good of the country.
The key is moving forward together
Having worked in telecoms for a couple of decades now I’ve seen a lot of changes, both technological and in the way we approach deploying digital infrastructure in general. In the past few years there’s been a real groundswell in providing practical support to LAs as they move along their digital journeys.
In my role at Freshwave as Head of Partnerships I’m responsible for helping LAs around the country work with mobile network operators (MNOs), to enhance digital networks for communities and local businesses. I’m a passionate believer in the power of partnerships in advancing connectivity and so spend a lot of time talking to local and regional councils, as well as the MNOs, about the challenges and opportunities they see.
Central resources and best practice
Prior to joining Freshwave I was at what is now known as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology where I was responsible for stakeholder management for the Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) programme. This initiative looked to address some of the issues faced with using publicly owned infrastructure assets to support the roll out of advanced wireless connectivity.
We had a real focus on sharing best practice and resources that would help LAs with their digital connectivity. For example, the Digital Connectivity Portal is home to a wide range of guidance for local authorities and network providers on improving connectivity in local areas. Standardisation can help speed up connectivity, especially as LAs are always looking to achieve as much as possible with limited resources. The portal includes links to recommended contract templates that have been used in various locations. This includes a standard open access agreement, which is an excellent first step for LAs looking to advance their digital connectivity as open access is a non-exclusive approach which makes it easier for the MNOs to access, deploy and share council-owned street furniture for their digital infrastructure.
Something else which can be very helpful to LAs is for them to appoint a “digital champion”. This is someone who acts as the go-to for digital infrastructure and development coordination and decision-making. Research from Cluttons, which surveyed councillors, MPs IT decision makers and citizens for their Connecting the UK report, recommended the government explores the opportunity to fund a digital champion in each authority. But ultimately LAs are empowered to lead the charge in their communities and are best placed to help make a real impact in their communities.
Our aims
The Telecoms Infrastructure and Working Group is focused on the uptake of the deployment of fibre and radio, including 5G, networks through engagement and collaboration with local authorities. We’re looking to be a forum for everyone involved with telecoms infrastructure to come together and share best practice. With LAs at different stages in their connectivity journeys it’s important that no one is left behind and that we learn from each other so everyone can achieve their goals together.
Details of the Telecoms Infrastructure Working Group Plenary can be seen here. It would be great to see you there!
Authors
Nick Wiggin
Nick Wiggin, Head of Partnerships at connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave.