The Gigabit Connectivity Network for London met for the fourth time on Thursday 1st July. This meeting brought together key stakeholders in delivering full fibre and 5G infrastructure across the capital, including senior representatives from the GLA, London’s boroughs, digital operators, developers and engineering consultancies.
The roundtable kicked off with news that London First member BAI Communications and Transport for London have agreed a deal that will install more than 1,250 miles of cabling in tunnels and stations, leading to the tube having seamless digital connectivity by the end of 2024. The fibre infrastructure will also help connect so-called “not spots” above ground in London.
We were also introduced to two of London’s new sub-regional digital champions: Nicola Egan, Digital Champion for Central London Forward, and Lucy Dunn, Senior Digital Engagement Manager for the West London Alliance. Nicola and Lucy will be working with boroughs to help enhance digital connectivity across their respective areas, and the other sub-regions in London will also be shortly hiring digital champions to perform the same role.
Sara Kelly, Head of the GLA’s Connected London Team, then took the Network through the digital component of the London Recovery Programme, focusing on two key areas that the GLA is seeking to work with London First members on: the Digital Connectivity Playbook and guidance to accompany the implementation of the London Plan policy on digital connectivity.
The Digital Connectivity Playbook will supplement guidance given by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Barrier Busting Taskforce by supporting boroughs with advice tailored to the rollout of digital infrastructure in London. It will also help support relationships between operators and boroughs – as well as operators and developers – to promote improved coordination among the key stakeholders involved in rolling out full fibre and 5G across London. The planning guidance will support developers and planning officers in putting in place the New London Plan policy for digital connectivity (SI 6), requiring all new developments to have gigabit broadband and mobile connectivity.
The GLA is now seeking the views of private sector stakeholders on its proposed digital connectivity playbook and guidance to the London Plan policy on digital connectivity. If you would be interested in participating in this consultation, please contact Daniel Mahoney at dmahoney@londonfirst.co.uk.