The UK’s longest running broadband industry event with deep insights into digital infrastructures is back in London on 5 November at a critical time for the UK’s future

Being delivered at a tense time for the broadband industry, and just one month after the deadline for consultation on Ofcom’s Digital Communications Review, NextGen15 will begin with an Opening Keynote address by Richard Hooper CBE (Chair, Broadband Stakeholders Group) to ask, ‘Is the UK on track to meet its future digital needs?

It’s a full decade since Ofcom’s last review, during which time there have been massive changes in where and how we use broadband and Richard is uniquely placed to set the scene, having devoted his career to the converging worlds of media, communications and technology. He began as a radio and TV producer in the BBC, was a founder of the Open University and Deputy Chairman of Ofcom from 2002 to 2005.

Returning to London on 5 November, NextGen15 will feature the in-depth network-building and investment expertise of exhibiting specialist suppliers on the trade floor, and is the UK’s premier platform for knowledge transfer to local economic and community developers.

Roy Shelton, Group CEO at ITS (headline sponsor) said: “Never has broadband infrastructure been so high on the political agenda. And yet, despite all the strides that have been made, the UK still lags behind where it should, with swathes of the UK that remain digitally deprived. The impact that both rural and urban ‘not spots’, or the so-called ‘last 5%’, have on the UK economy is now well understood and so cannot be ignored. With such strategic developments afoot, this should make for a fantastic NextGen15 and ITS is proud to be both a sponsor and participant.”

NextGen15 will be chaired by Richard Jones, CCO of VenturaNext, and will be informed by his direct experience of fibre deployments around the world.

Newly appointed President of the FTTH Council Europe, Edgar Aker will give his take on fibre maturity – what a difference it makes. At the event, Edgar will share the experience of the Council and its European members who have been actively promoting Fibre to the Home since the Council’s inception in 2004.

NextGen15 will also focus on unique rural solutions to broadband challenges, Gigabit WiFi, new Fibre Frontiers, Gigabit Cities, Open Data and the Sharing Economy.

Following this full day event there will be a special presentation ceremony to reveal the winners of the NextGen Digital Challenge Awards 2015 at the House of Lords, showcasing the best in next generation digital endeavour. The 2015 shortlist includes Ordnance Survey, DVLA, The States of Guernsey, Tinder Foundation, British Gas, CityFibre and Gigaclear. For the shortlist visit here: http://www.nextgenevents.co.uk/awards/shortlisted-finalists-2015

NextGen15 is run by NG Events Ltd and this year is on 5 November at 20 Bedford Way, Institute of Education, London. To find out more about attending please visit the website:
http://www.nextgenevents.co.uk/events/NextGen15