FCS is delighted to welcome Nicola Robbins to the team. Nicola has been in the telecoms industry for over 30 years; nearly half of that in the Regulatory and Industry Engagement arena as well as with BT, TalkTalk and latterly PlatformX Communications (TalkTalk Group’s wholesale division). In her last role, as the Openreach and Industry engagement lead, Nicola worked closely with Openreach, the OTA, Communication Providers and a variety of other stakeholders to help shape solutions that create value for customers and businesses.
We found out a little more about Nicola and her ambitions with the Federation of Communication Services.
What stimulated you to join the FCS team?
I heard FCS was looking to expand its regulatory and engagement team, and I think my experience will help FCS members, specifically, regarding stakeholder engagement and regulatory strategy. I also have a background in product management and marketing. Perhaps most importantly, I’m also used to navigating industry dynamics and getting the best for both end customers and the businesses that supply them. I’m looking forward to getting to know the members!
Which of the FCS members will you mostly be involved with and with what day-to-day tasks?
I will mainly be dealing with Communication Provider / Managed Service Provider members, representing members’ interests at industry events, helping with member queries, and continuing to build FCS’ relationship with key stakeholders.
What do you think is the best benefit of FCS membership and why?
There are so many benefits for all the members. From compliance checks, to training, to advice and support, to keeping an eye on the telecoms strategy and influencing the regulator to ensure fairness for all. We are also here to champion our members with industry and ensure that new products and services meet their needs.
What do you see as the key issues facing the CSP / MSP community over the next year? How do you see FCS supporting the community with those issues?
There is a lot of change from the withdrawal of WLR, closure of BT exchanges and the development of new fibre-based technology. All of this against a backdrop of a rapidly developing AI world and increased cyber threats. We can help our members prepare for those changes and ensure that they meet the necessary regulatory compliance rules.
What do not a lot of people know about you?
I love photography and run a popular Instagram account for my cats…
We feel very fortunate to be able to welcome Nicola to the team. I, and each of the CSP/MSP team, have worked with Nicola in a variety of capacities over the years, with her professionalism and knowledge it always resulted in high quality engagement and results. Welcome Nicola!
Itret Latif, FCS CEO