02 Feb 2023

New Chair appointed for UK Spectrum Policy Forum

Abhaya Sumanasena has been appointed as the new Chair of the UK SPF. Sumanasena succeeds David Meyer, who recently stepped down after serving as Chair for the last seven and a half years.

Sumanasena brings a wealth of leadership experience, having previously served as Chair of the UK Spectrum Policy Forum’s Steering Board for the last four years until the appointment of Luigi Ardito in October 2022, and in his current role as Head of Spectrum and Regulation at consultancy firm Real Wireless. He has also previously held a variety of senior leadership positions in the public and private sector.

The new leadership team will continue to drive forward the strategic aims of SPF to maximise the contribution of spectrum to UK ambitions on economic growth and societal improvements in this WRC year. The UK SPF will also continue to act as a voice on behalf of all spectrum uses to Government and Ofcom on future spectrum policy.

Sumanasena’s appointment comes shortly after the publication of three UK SPF reports which provide key insight to policymakers at Ofcom and government into future spectrum management challenges and opportunities.

“I am honoured and delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the UK SPF, an organization I have been closely involved in for the last few years. SPF has built a reputation as the industry voice of spectrum users in the UK and has taken a leadership role in influencing the UK spectrum policy landscape over the years. I look forward to working with the new leadership team and all stakeholders to help policymakers solve strategic spectrum policy issues in the years to come.”

Dr Abhaya Sumanasena

New UK SPF Chair

Jaynesh Patel

Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK

Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.

Jaynesh has extensive experience in the sector, having worked for CityFibre (a full fibre broadband company) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on digital infrastructure policy. Most recently Jaynesh led on policy and public affairs in the UK and Ireland for ChargePoint (an EV charging network).

Prior to this Jaynesh worked in the Cabinet Office for more than five years, including over two years at the Government Digital Service (GDS) supporting the digital transformation of UK Government.

Jaynesh has a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayneshpatel/

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Josh Turpin

Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK

Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.

In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.

Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.

Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 020 7331 2038
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/

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Matthew Wild

Programme Assistant - Markets, techUK

Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.

Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK

Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.

In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).

Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
Website:: www.techUK.org
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar

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