*Please note we have rescheduled the event to 8 November due to the rail strikes*
The telephone network upgrade happening now across the UK to move landline services onto digital connections presents both challenges and opportunities for local authorities. techUK is hosting an event aimed at public sector bodies helping them prepare for the digital phone switchover by focussing on potential impacts and hearing from telecommunication service providers as well as the LGA and fellow Local Authorities.
The analog network (the PSTN) is fast approaching its end of life and telecommunications providers are moving their customer base onto more future-proof telephone services. Phone lines will be upgraded to broadband lines and voice services will be provided over the top using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP- also called Cloud Voice, IP Voice or Digital Voice).
The impact of this program extends beyond landlines – healthcare devices, burglar alarms, CCTV, traffic lights, payment systems and lifts are among other services that will need to operate on more modern technology so as to ensure continued functionality.
The transition is happening now – with December 2025 the date set by Openreach for national completion for providers using connections on their lines and Virgin Media O2 operating on a similar timescale.
Join us on 8 November to hear about how best to prepare and make the transition to digital phone lines a smooth experience.
(Please note lunch will be served after the meeting)
N.B: We are planning to accommodate those affected by the rail strikes with a virtual joining link. For those wishing to join virtually, please do register here but contact Tracy Modha for the link.
Agenda
10:00 Introduction (techUK)
10:05 Panel 1 – Background to the Digital Phone Switchover
- Henry Shennan – DCMS Deputy Director, Broadband and Telecoms
- View from Government and role played within the migration program
- David Clarkson – Ofcom Competition Policy Director
- View from Ofcom and expectations of Communications Providers
- Phil Laws - Openreach
- Background and rationale to PSTN Closure from a network provider perspective and potential impact to local authorities
- Lucy Baker MBE – BT Digital Voice Consumer Program Director
- BT experience and future approach
Panel Discussion and Questions to the panel
10:45 Panel 2 – Case Studies
- David Christie- Senior Regulatory Specialist, Virgin Media O2
- Approach on working with Councils
- Adrian Martin – Future Voice Specialist, BT Enterprise
- Council use cases
- Ann Williams – Commissioner and Contract Manager, Liverpool City Council
- Local Authority perspective on challenges and opportunities for Social Care
Questions to Panel
11:15 Coffee Break
11:30 Panel 3 – Focus on Health and Social Care
- Mark Williams – LGA Adviser
- Role of LGA and activities
- Michael Swaffield – NHS Transformation Directorate
- Approach and recommendations – England
- Aaron Edwards – TEC NHS Wales
- Approach and experience – Wales
- Colin McFadyen – Digital Office Scotland
- Approach and experience – Scotland
- Graham Brown- Marketing Director, Tunstall Healthcare
- Delivering telecare in a digital world
Panel Discussion and questions to panel
12:15 Panel 4 – Communications
- Scott Room– Director, Brand Marketing & Digital Openreach tbc
- Openreach learnings and role
- Rick Hill MBE - Chair Communications Consumer Panel
- Digital Phone switchover research and recommendations
- John Steward - City Region Digital Infrastructure Policy Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Progressing the delivery of local services and how local authorities work with industry
12:55 Wrap Up and Next Steps (techUK)
13.00 - Lunch
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2029
- Twitter:
- @GeorginaMarath
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgina-maratheftis-0a002a102/
Tracy Modha
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02073312000
- Twitter:
- @TracyModha,@TracyModha
- Website:
- www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83,https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83