06 November 2008
Next Gen 08 conference highlights opportunities of next
generation broadband access
A conference organised by Community Broadband Network (CBN),
sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and
Openreach, held at Manchester Town Hall on November 4 2008, has
highlighted the potential economic and social benefits of Next
Generation Broadband Access (NGA) for the whole of the UK. More
than 200 delegates including industry professionals, local and
central government representatives and community groups gathered to
hear keynote presentations and attend workshop sessions designed to
address and progress the debate about our digital future and how
inclusive that digital future will be.
The event enabled a wide range of people to offer their views on
how the new technology might be delivered and applied.
Representatives from the major Telcos such as BT, new entrants into
the NGA arena such as H2O Networks, developers like Northern
Ireland’s Titanic Quarter, officials from major towns and cities
and community projects across the UK from the Angus Glens to Kent
were all present to contribute to the debate.
At the event, CBN launched a “National Framework for Local
Action”, which aims to bring together local initiatives to
enable them to speak with one voice and co-operate in providing
solutions to service providers, as well as creating a mechanism for
establishing technical standards and modes of operation for local
projects.
Malcolm Corbett, CEO of CBN, welcomed the success of Next Gen 08
and highlighted the key themes to emerge from the day. “This
conference was a very ‘Can-Do’ affair bringing together the people
who are actually out there planning and building next generation
broadband networks today. There is a tremendous amount of energy
and creativity we can harness to create a Digital Britain we can be
proud of.”
Jason Legget, Project Director, MediaCityUK at the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA), host sponsors of NextGen08,
said:
“England’s Northwest is well connected to a world-class
telecommunications network, providing the necessary communication
infrastructure to enhance economic growth for businesses and
residents alike. A recent £20 million NWDA scheme in Cumbria has
resulted in ten times the number of businesses taking up broadband
over the last four years. This has enhanced the perception of the
sub-regional area in which to do business, while sectors that were
not previously viable have thrived.”
“Next Generation Broadband will provide the enhanced tools to
benefit business by encouraging public and private investment,
raising productivity and increasing competitiveness. It will make
an enormous impact on the whole of the Northwest. We were delighted
to be host sponsor for Next Gen 08 and to have participated in such
a successful event.”
Ends
For further information contact:
Jez Verity: 01423 779329 (T) 07800 798067 (M) jez@lucrecommunications.com
Notes to editors:
Further information on the National Framework for Local Action can
be found at http://www.broadband-uk.coop/