Keeping members up to date on key industry items is challenging and we know you don’t usually have time to read anything lengthy. Therefore, FCS is sending out targeted comms via Linked In and Twitter often referencing more detailed information stored on our restructured website HERE. Please take the time to click ‘follow’ Federation of Communications Services on both Linked In and Twitter to keep abreast of the latest FCS news.
Fixed Voice and Broadband Switching
FCS continues its lead role in gaining provider-led switching of Business fixed Voice & BB with Megan Corcoran co-chairing the industry working group which is making great progress. Our regular One Touch Switching members working group calls continue to provide you with the latest industry progress on all switching work and I’m looking forward to this year’s FCS Comms Provider on-line event in November when we have Paul Bradbury the TOTSCo chair presenting on OTS. We will also have Juliet Scott Openreach Head of IP covering the move to All-IP and Tim Cowen of Preiskels talking about industry competition. Register for the event HERE. We are currently planning to run next year’s event as a face to face with more members comms on that soon.
DCMS Engagement
FCS has engaged with DCMS on the new Security Framework regulatory requirements. While current focus is on the very large Tier 1 and large/medium Tier 2 service providers meeting their challenging staggered security requirements, we’re aware that the vast majority of FCS members, categorised as smaller Tier 3 providers, want to understand exactly what they will need to do to comply with the minimal Tier3 requirements. You haven’t missed anything and DCMS have agreed to provide a targeted Tier 3 presentation to members which will be supported by a Q&A, which we’ll be scheduling shortly.
EECC Regulatory Requirements
When we met with Ofcom recently, they asked how we are keeping members informed on the latest EECC regulatory requirements and so I make no apologies for once again emphasising that members can check the regulatory areas they need to comply with by using the detailed FCS EECC guidance document stored on our website HERE.
Member Industry Representation
FCS will continue to respond to industry Consultations and calls for input, to ensure that our members and the smaller CP community is fully represented and considered on a wide range of industry areas and issues.
CP-only Industry Service Management Forum
Megan Corcoran is currently chairing the CP-only industry Service Management Forum (SMF), ensuring issues and areas that members highlight as concerns are addressed on a priority basis by Openreach. If you have an Openreach service area of concern, please let us know at [email protected] as we are getting excellent Openreach engagement and action via this forum.
All-IP
As we move quickly towards an All-IP environment, with the switch off of PSTN in 2025 looming and the removal of copper-based services accelerating, this is an exciting time for our members, Communication Providers, Business Radio and FTAS, who will all be considering the IP connectivity they can utilise and the IP based services they can offer to their customers going forward. FCS will continue its role, at the forefront of industry engagement on All-IP.