The digital landline switchover program happening now across the UK – moving landline phone services onto digital connections - is presenting both challenges and opportunities for local authorities and other industry stakeholders. Join techUK on March 5th for an event aimed at helping public sector bodies prepare for the impacts of the program. With an update from Minister of State (Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure) and Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries - Julia Lopez MP and Chief Digital Officer for London - Theo Blackwell.

The UK’s traditional landline is getting an upgrade, and most calls will soon be made over a broadband line. The impact of this program extends beyond landlines – healthcare devices, burglar alarms, CCTV, traffic lights, payment systems and lifts are among other services that will need to operate on more modern technology so as to ensure continued functionality. The change that is underway across the UK will present both challenges and opportunities for local authorities.

Hear directly from Communications Providers who will be on hand throughout the morning to show their handsets and Battery Back Up solutions and talk you through the Switchover individually. Representatives from Local Authorities alongside other industry stakeholders will be sharing their experience and recommendations for how to approach the Switchover and making the transition a smooth and successful one.

This event will be held in hybrid and lunch will be provided for those joining in person.

Agenda

Panel 1 – What’s happening with the Switchover

  • Update from Government on the Charter and DSIT activity
    Deputy Director Broadband Regulation and Investment, DSIT - Rebecca Molyneux
  • View from the Greater London Authority
    Chief Digital Officer for London - Theo Blackwell
  • Ofcom’s role in program and expectations of Communications Providers
    Director of Telecoms Consumer Protection Ofcom - Cristina Luna-Esteban
  • Rationale to the program and what is needed from key stakeholders for a successful switchover
    Chief Operations Officer VirginMediaO2 – Rob Orr

Panel Discussion and Questions and answers moderated by Steve Smith, Principal Consultant Farrpoint

 

Panel 2 – Focus on telecare

  • The role of Department of Health and Social Care and activity update
    Head of Digital Infrastructure and Information Access, NHS Transformation Directorate – Claudia Andresco
  • BT update on the Telecare Advisory Board
    IP Migrations Director BT - Lucy Baker MBE
  • Experience from Scotland
    Digital Office Scotland  - Colin McFadyen
  • View from the TSA – the voice of Technology Enabled Care
    TSA Business Strategy and Transformation – Charlotte Dugdale
  • Role of DSIT

Panel Discussion and Questions and answers moderated by Mark Williams LGA

 

Panel 3 – Best Practice and Support available

  • Local Authority approach and lessons learned
    Analogue to Digital Programme Manager, Southwark - Andrew Parsons
  • Salisbury trial and update - Openreach - John Livermore
  • Approach and experience in Greater Manchester
    GMCA – John Steward

Panel Discussion and Questions and answers moderated by Gareth Johns, Managing Consultant at 4C Strategies

 

Lucy Baker MBE

Lucy Baker MBE

All IP Director, BT

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Theo Blackwell

Theo Blackwell

Chief Digital Officer for London, Mayor of London

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Julia Lopez MP

Julia Lopez MP

Minister of State, for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure

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Rob Orr

Chief Operations Officer, VMO2

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The event is open to all and will run from 10.00 until 13.00 at the techUK offices. For more information, please reach out to our team below.

 

Sarah Shepherd

Sarah Shepherd

Head of All-IP Industry Liaison, techUK

Matthew Wild

Programme Assistant - Markets, techUK