Advanced Connectivity Tech Forum

Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) represent the next wave of innovations enabling fast, resilient and intelligent data transmission across our increasingly digital society. These technologies connect people, devices and infrastructure, forming the backbone of future communications. 

Defined by the UK Government, ACT spans a wide spectrum of emerging capabilities, including: 

• Next‑generation wireless systems such as advanced 5G and the evolution toward 6G 

• Non‑terrestrial networks (e.g., satellite and high‑altitude platforms) 

• High‑performance optical and photonic networks 

• Radio‑frequency (RF) systems powering new connectivity solutions 

• AI‑enhanced communications, paving the way for smarter, adaptive networks 

• Quantum communication technologies, set to provide unprecedented security and performance 

• Cutting‑edge research areas expected to form part of the future 6G ecosystem 

Together, these technologies are shaping the communications infrastructure of tomorrow; enabling faster, more secure, and more intelligent connectivity across the UK and beyond.  

As we work with our members to build a stronger, more resilient, and diverse UK telecoms landscape, we are now focusing on pinpointing the areas where targeted investment and long‑term development can have the greatest impact. 

Networks of networks policy brief

Connectivity is no longer a single-layer proposition. The future of UK connectivity lies in the intelligent integration of these capabilities into a resilient, adaptive, and secure infrastructure that is greater than the sum of its parts.

This position paper sets out techUK's definition of network of networks and makes the case for why this framing matters — for policymakers, investors, and the sectors that depend on connectivity to deliver their most critical services. From healthcare and energy to transport and defence, the potential of a truly integrated connectivity ecosystem is transformative. But realising it requires deliberate policy, targeted investment, and a shared understanding of what we are building toward.

Agenda 

Time | Topic | Speakers

13:00 | Welcome and introductions | Sophie Greaves, Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure, techUK

13:10 | Keynote speech | Tom Eland, Deputy Director, Technology, Spectrum and Strategy, Digital Infrastructure, DSIT

13:25 | Industry keynote | Rishi Kalra, VP of Technology & Innovation, Telespazio UK

13:40 | Panel: Frontier technologies - solving for a secure and resilient connectivity ecosystem | Caroline Gabriel, Partner, Analysys Mason

Richard Bowden, Division Head, Assured and Resilient PNT, GMV

Yasrine Ibnyahya, Vice President, Innovation Venture, Viasat 

Thierry Berisot, Director Standards and Spectrum, Novamint

14:30 | Coffee break

15:00 | In Conversation: Ofcom’s approach to advanced connectivity | Sophie Greaves, Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure, techUK

Andy Sutton MBE, Director of Technology and Mobile, Ofcom.

15:40 | Panel: Advancing connectivity - the foundations of sustainable and energy-efficient networks | Josh Turpin, Programma Manager, Telecoms and NetZero, techUK

Evie Ioannidi, Senior Regulatory Manager, Mobile Regulation, VodafoneThree

Mark Grayson, Distinguished Engineer, Cisco

Maurice Delauney, Account CTIO, Ericsson

Joe Gannicliffe, Head of Technology, CSA Catapult

16:30 | Close and networking drinks

Why attend this event? 

As the UK moves beyond the model, and perception, of telecoms as a basic utility, this event spotlights the transformative potential of ACT where network operators, innovators, and enterprises can create, deploy, and sell new value‑driven services. ACT represents an inflection point: not just enabling other sectors, but empowering telecoms to innovate from within and commercialise new capabilities. 

Through insights gathered from national stakeholders and aligned with major international developments, this event is designed to help shape the UK’s leadership in next‑generation connectivity. Attendees will gain early visibility of priority research, policy, and market opportunities across the emerging ACT landscape. 

What you will gain 

• Dive into developments across XR, AI‑native systems, ambient IoT, integrated sensing, and other 6G-era applications that will redefine how networks interact with users and the environment. 

• Learn how low-, mid‑ and high‑band spectrum will evolve to support uplink-heavy use cases, high‑density deployments, and indoor performance—along with the policy and technical implications. 

• Participate in cross‑sector dialogue with industry leaders, researchers, regulators, and government on topics such as spectrum sharing models, migration pathways, and future deployment strategies. 

• Gain clarity on the UK’s engagement with 3GPP timelines, ITU‑R IMT‑2030 studies, and WRC activity, ensuring your organisation is positioned to influence and anticipate international decisions. 

Contact us 

Get in touch if you’d like to speak or sponsor this event.