Insights: Connected Britain 2023

INSIGHTS: Connected Britain 2023: A Recap 

We had the pleasure of attending the Connected Britain event at the Excel in London in September. It was a two-day event that offered invaluable opportunities to engage with industry leaders, customers, and potential partners. Our very own Matt Harrison joined other industry stakeholders as a panelist and hosted a thought-provoking presentation and discussion alongside Ben Allwright, CEO of Ogi. They shared insights into the life of an AltNet, the successes and challenges in their journey to connect underserved towns, rural areas and the communities that live within them. 

In the current landscape of the UK's telecommunications market, it is evident that things have hit a temporary slowdown. However, amid the challenges, there is an air of optimism, especially amongst the AltNets. They appear poised and ready to reignite their mission to connect the people of the UK, offering an exciting alternative to their customers over the existing, established national providers. 

One prominent buzzword that has dominated discussions in 2023 is "consolidation." Yet, it's important to note that, thus far, the grand consolidation wave has not made its mark, aside from a few noteworthy instances of AltNets joining forces and isolated acquisitions or talk of. This absence of consolidation has left many industry insiders intrigued, as it raises questions about how this trend might eventually shape the AltNet landscape going into 2024. 

Connected Britain 2023 served as a reminder of the resilience and determination within the industry. Despite the temporary pause, the commitment to expanding connectivity and offering innovative solutions remains unwavering. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and staying ahead of the curve in a dynamic market. 

As we reflect on our experience at Connected Britain, it's evident that while challenges persist, so does the determination to drive progress. The AltNet sector is poised for an exciting journey ahead, and we eagerly anticipate how the theme of consolidation will play out in the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of UK broadband