Today, the BSG published an independent review into the UK’s industry led approach to the Open Internet. The report, produced by consultancy WIK, found that the UK Open Internet and Traffic Management Codes of Practice have been effective when measured against the principles of an Open Internet. WIK also found that the Codes could continue to add value “over and above the requirements laid out in the Regulation???.
The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) were very pleased to support NextGen2015 latest annual event Costs Down, Value Up: Reviewing Connectivity Infrastructure Investment in the UK that took place last week.
Our Chairman, Richard Hooper, joined an extensive list of speakers including Anna Krzyżanowska – Head of the Broadband Unit at DG CONNECT, Edgar Aker – President FTTH Council Europe, Barney Lane -Director of Regulatory Affairs – Colt Technology Services and Mike Locke – Managing Director Satellite Internet. Richard’s speech, Is the UK on track to meet its digital needs, is replicated in full below.
Getting as many people online and enjoying the benefits of that the internet can bring is an incredibly complex task involving digital skills, attitude and awareness among others. But in many ways the first step is ensuring that the underlying connectivity is available to them. In this light the Government’s desire to “make sure that every home and business can have access to fast broadband by the end of this Parliament??? is to be welcomed.
The BSG would like to invite you to the launch event of an independent review, undertaken by WIK, of the UK’s approach to the Open Internet (known as net neutrality) on Tuesday 17 November 1100-1300 at techUK.
In August 2015, we announced the review of the Open Internet and Traffic Management Codes of Practice following the adoption of a political agreement on the EU Connected Continent Regulation.
The Broadband Stakeholder Group and techUK are delighted to invite you to our conference “Britain’s Digital Infrastructure: boosting our growth and productivity”.
A crucial part of fulfilling the UK’s ambition to remain one of the leading digital economies in the world rests in the delivery of the right infrastructure; one fit for the future and capable of meeting user demands on coverage, capacity and quality.
In partnership with the Mayor of London, WiredScore launched yesterday the Connectivity Rating Scheme, designed to award commercial office buildings with a certification matching their connectivity capabilities. 4 awards can be attributed to the building, from meeting minimum standards (Certified), to meeting the needs of most commercial tenants (Silver), providing diverse internet connectivity (Gold) and providing best-class connectivity (Platinum).
On Tuesday 20 October 2015, BSG Chair Richard Hooper presented to the Broadband World Forum the UK’s approach to the Open Internet.
Preceding Richard’s speech, Fight for the Future campaigner Evan Greer outlined the key events leading to a fierce public debate and adoption of strong net neutrality rules in the US.
The UK’s approach to the Open Internet was less controversial and lead to positive outcomes for both the industry and the consumer. Richard Hooper, in his speech, presented the success of the Open Internet Code which complemented the earlier Traffic Management Code. Statutory regulation has not been required in the UK to realise an Open Internet. The UK’s approach relies on self-regulation, a competitive landscape and transparency for the consumer.
Read the full speech here.
The BSG are delighted to invite you to our free conference “Competition in a converged world???, on 24 November.
The conference will explore the major competition issues surrounding the future of the UK telecoms market: What are the benefits and challenges of converging networks? Which competition models are viable and beneficial for the end-user? How to balance innovation and regulation? How does bundling affect the consumer? Where and what can we deregulate?
Every year the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, a body set up by the ITU and UNESCO in 2010, sets out its annual report on the state of the global broadband industry. The headline from this year’s was that outside of some pockets such as mobile broadband, overall growth in internet take-up and usage is slowing; a concern when by the end of this year just 43.4% of the global population will be online.
The Broadband Stakeholder Group is pleased to continue its partnership with the Broadband World Forum, which will take place in London this October. This year, Richard Hooper, Chair of the BSG and Matthew Evans, CEO of the BSG will be speaking at the event.
The Broadband World Forum is one of the world’s largest telecoms, media & technology events with over 300 cross-industry speakers and 35 conference sessions to attend.
With attendees including the who’s who of global C-suite fixed, wireless and cable operators, OTTs and genuine market disruptors, national and international governments and the world’s leading solution providers, BBWF is an entire ecosystem event that excites and identifies how the latest technologies and trends from across our industry will impact the future of global communications.
Over 300 visionary speakers create one of the world’s most comprehensive and operator led conference programs, 100′s of which together with interactive exhibitions showcasing 250+ solutions providers, new product launches, live inter-operability demonstrations, NFV proof of concepts and facilitated networking zones makes BBWF a yearly must-attend event that provides unrivalled connections.
More information is available here: http://broadbandworldforum.com/
Analysys Mason today published a report comparing the UK’s fixed telecoms market to the five major European countries and several other leading digital countries. It found that the UK is currently ahead of its European competitors on measures such as average speed*, superfast broadband coverage and take-up and will soon be outperforming countries such as Japan and the USA.
The European Commission opened its review of the regulatory framework for telecoms and published a consultation on internet speed and quality post 2020 today. The review was expected as it comprises the 2nd Pillar of the Digital Single Market package announced in May.
BSG calls for continued focus on reducing costs to allow superfast connectivity to be made available to all business premises as quickly as possible
2nd September 2015. The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the Government’s leading advisory group on broadband, today published a report on the current and future connectivity requirements of small businesses. The research found that whilst median downstream demand for small business premises will rise from 5Mbit/s in 2015 to 8.1Mbit/s in 2025 demand for the 95th percentile will rise from 12.9 Mbit/s to 41.1 Mbit/s.
Broadband Stakeholder Group commissions independent consultancy to assess effectiveness and recommend future developments
The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the Government’s leading advisory group on broadband, is launching a review into the UK’s industry led approach to the Open Internet. The review aims to assess the current structure’s effectiveness, its future under the EU’s Connected Continent Regulation and what improvements can be made to the benefit of consumers and content and service providers.
Ofcom this week released a report on Traffic Management Detection Methods and Tools undertaken for it by Predictable Network Solutions. This technical study is a timely addition to the debate around the Open Internet and the role of traffic management.
