Briefing: How will the digital phone switchover impact utilities
2pm – 3pm28 March 2023
Online
techUK is running a briefing session aimed at helping the energy and utilities sector (energy, water, gas) better understand what the digital phone switchover means for the industry.
The current analogue network (the PSTN – public switched telephone network) is fast approaching its end of life and communication providers are moving their customer base onto more future proof telephone services.
Phone lines will be upgraded to broadband lines and voice services using different protocols. This will impact a diverse range of services including traffic management, security and CCTV, and other special services which currently rely on PSTN.
At this session, we will hear from communication service providers and network operators on how best to prepare and understand potential impacts. The powering capabilities of the phone network will also see changes, with the phone line no longer offering a continued powering source - even during power outages.
Agenda
14:00 - Introductions and Session Objective – techUK
Sarah Shepherd, Head of Digital Phone Switchover
Teodora Kaneva, Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems
14:05 - Background and context to PSTN closure; Impact and potential use cases
David Christie, VMO2
Phil Laws, Openreach
14:30 - Role of Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Gillis Holgersson Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Teodora’s rich background varies from working in business development for a renewable energy lobbying association in Brussels to the fast moving technology innovation startup scene in the UK.
She has designed the market strategy for a German renewable energy engineering scale up for the UK, listed on Nasdaq private market, and now one of the fastest growing scale ups in the world. Previous experience also includes managing a renewable energy startup in London, which has built a small-scale biomass CHP power plant. Teodora is passionate about cross-industry collaboration and working together with academia to inform the design of future educational models and skill building.
Most recently Teodora has ran the commercial activities and business development at Future Cities Catapult, focusing on innovation in cities, digital health and wellbeing, mobility, and infrastructure. Teodora is a passionate STEM Ambassador and a vocal advocate for women in tech.
Sarah Shepherd heads up the recently established Digital Phone Switchover function which is housed within techUK.
The Digital Phone Switchover has been set up by Communications Providers and network operators to identify where common challenges to the IP migration program can be best resolved through a collaborative approach – be it enhanced communications and consistency of messages to increased awareness raising.
Prior to this appointment, Sarah managed the regulatory dimension of the PSTN switch off for BT plc and previously worked for the Broadband Stakeholder Group on telecoms policy issues across the broadband value chain.
Sarah has a background in European and UK policy and regulatory affairs.
The techUK Annual Dinner is the established, must-attend business dinner in our calendar. It brings together all the key figures in the tech industry, government and significant stakeholders for an enjoyable and influential evening.
The evening begins with a drinks reception, followed by a fabulous dinner and speeches from the country's leading technology stakeholders. The event allows important networking opportunities throughout the evening, culminating with after dinner drinks.