Connected Britain is a premier annual event that explores the future of connectivity in the UK, covering broadband, 5G, digital transformation, smart cities, and the policies that will enable the country to build a thriving digital economy. The conference gathers government officials, telecom operators, technology innovators, and enterprises from across the UK and beyond.
The event is a catalyst for driving change, with a focus on how enhanced connectivity can bridge the digital divide, boost innovation, and accelerate economic growth. It offers a unique platform for collaboration, where decision-makers can learn from one another, share best practices, and push forward the agenda for a more connected and prosperous Britain. Connectivity is no longer just a “nice-to-have”— it’s a fundamental digital right that is critical to the economy, education, healthcare, and society.
Having attended the two-day event, I will explore some of the key topics and challenges discussed with network operators and technology providers during the conference. IQGeo is playing a vital role in helping telecom operators design, build, and manage their networks with greater efficiency and intelligence.
Key topics at Connected Britain 2024:
1. Full-fiber rollout and customer uptake
2. Bridging the digital divide in rural and underserved areas
3. Smart cities and revolutionizing urban living
4. Sustainable networks and green technologies
1. Full-fiber rollout and customer uptake
The UK is in the midst of a massive fiber and 5G deployment push, with the government aiming to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 85% of homes by 2025 and to lead the global race for 5G. Achieving this requires efficient network design and deployment strategies.
While there is still much to do with respect to fiber deployments, operators are shifting their focus to fiber adoption in order to fully monetize existing networks and deliver ROI to their investors. Fundamental to managing this transition is having an accurate, high-quality network model and implementing mobile tools and processes to ensure network quality is maintained and shared across the organization. Successful uptake is also dependent on customer perception and satisfaction, and the network model plays a critical role here as well by accelerating connections and response times during break/fix events.
IQGeo’s geospatial software solutions enable telecom operators to streamline the design and rollout process of their networks. The easy-to-use platform provides real-time visibility into network data, ensuring field technicians, engineers, and project managers are all working from a single source of truth. With accurate, real-time mapping of assets and infrastructure, IQGeo enables faster deployment, reducing delays and minimizing costs. Having this level of efficiency is critical to meeting the ambitious targets discussed at Connected Britain.
2. Bridging the digital divide
While high-speed connectivity offers tremendous opportunities, it’s vital that no one is left behind. Digital inclusion was a major theme, exploring how broadband and mobile technologies can improve access to business, education, healthcare, and employment in underserved communities. From urban areas to rural villages, the UK must address the “digital divide,” where millions still lack access to high-quality internet. Sessions covered topics such as rural broadband initiatives, affordable internet programs, and the role of government and private sector partnerships in expanding connectivity.
Alncom, a rural Altnet serving communities across Northumberland, has developed a highly efficient fiber deployment strategy. By leveraging IQGeo's fiber network management software, they have empowered both field and office teams to be multi-skilled and seamlessly collaborate through access to real-time network data. This streamlined approach allows them to design and build networks faster and with greater precision, ensuring their field engineers consistently provide reliable, high-quality service, no matter the challenges. With IQGeo’s support, Alncom can connect homes and businesses in just a single site visit, accelerating connections and reducing costs while improving customer satisfaction.
Learn more about how Alncom is concurring the rural broadband challenge >>>
3. Smart cities and revolutionizing urban living
The conference featured case studies and success stories from cities that have successfully implemented smart technologies. Participants learnt about the various components of smart city initiatives, including smart transportation systems, energy management, and public safety enhancements. The discussions also covered the challenges of integrating these technologies into existing urban frameworks and the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors.
During the event, Boldyn Networks presented how they are delivering high-speed mobile coverage across the London Underground network and throughout the city via fiber backhaul with densified 4G & 5G wireless resources. Their London Underground and streetscape infrastructure is some of the most sophisticated in the world and they are deploying cutting edge technology to achieve their ambitious goal of seamless connectivity.
A technology cornerstone for this project is IQGeo’s Network Manager Telecom software which is being used to design, plan, build and operate this highly complex fiber network. Boldyn is creating a shared geospatial network digital twin of their physical fibre inventory that is available to office staff and field crews. Operating both online and offline, field engineers use tablets to survey and capture network as-built information and record maintenance activities to ensure the best possible data quality for successful long-term operations.
Boldyn Networks: Unlocking a new digital infrastructure future for London
4. Sustainable networks and green technologies
Sustainability was a major focus, with discussions centered around the development of green technologies and sustainable network solutions. The event highlighted the importance of reducing the environmental impact of digital infrastructure and the approaches being taken to achieve this goal.
Experts shared insights into energy-efficient data centers, renewable energy sources for network operations, and the role of technology in promoting sustainability. Attendees learnt about the latest advancements in green technology and how they can be applied to create more sustainable and eco-friendly networks.
As a Certified Carbon Neutral company, sustainability lies at the heart of IQGeo’s mission to “Build Better Networks” with our customers and partners. The deployment of passive fiber infrastructure is far more energy efficient than older legacy technologies and the effective management of these networks will further reduce energy consumption and the operational carbon footprint.
Building Better Networks, together
The future of a connected Britain is promising, and we can be inspired by the accomplishments of companies like Boldyn Networks and Alncom. It's exciting for IQGeo to collaborate with industry leaders, government, broadband operators and partners to achieve amazing things. By working together, we can build smarter, more efficient networks that foster a truly connected and inclusive nation for all.
The IQGeo software provides a complete Integrated Network solution that begins with fiber planning and continues through design, construction, operations, and maintenance. No other provider can offer an integrated solution that reduces technical debt and digitizes your operational processes.
James Wheatley and Gustav Janssens share more about our Integrated Network solution and demonstrate how easy it is to assign tickets to field crews.
Contact us today, to find out more or book a demo.