Session: The broadband infrastructure for digital inclusion
Digital inclusion is about making technology relevant to people’s lives and communities, to encourage wider take up, not about cleverer technology. However the Digital Britain report this year and the current debate about Next Generation broadband look set to bring two important advances in the UK’s technology infrastructure. The government’s proposed Universal Service Commitment sets a minimum standard for connectivity available to all. The roll out of Super-Fast broadband now under way, and starting in the North East with Sunderland, will bring opportunities for new applications. Simon reviews current developments in broadband infrastructure and what it means for digital inclusion.
Biography
Simon is Regional Manager for BT in the North East, responsible for delivering BT's corporate strategy and supporting economic development in the region. Simon helped to create the Broadband partnership with ONE NorthEast, bringing high speed communications to the whole region, and the Newcastle Wireless City public wireless network. He chairs the Work Wise North East campaign for smarter working, and works with partners to exploit opportunities created by the digital revolution for business and the community.
Simon's background in the ICT industry includes running BT's business in the energy and utilities sector, and working with the retail, pharmaceutical and automotive industries as well as the public sector. Simon has presented at UK and international conferences on the application of technology to business and social issues.
Simon is a trustee of the North East eLearning Foundation and a Fellow of The Teaching Awards. He is a director of Northern Business Forum and a member of the CBI regional council.
Simon was educated at Cambridge University with an MA in Classics. He is married with three children and lives in Northumberland. In his spare time Simon works with a number of community organisations and enjoys music, history and country life.
