Thought Leadership

As I reflect on our journey leading up to Connected Britain 2024, it’s incredible to think that seamless, high-speed internet—once a luxury—is now becoming a fundamental right that fuels innovation and growth across the UK. I’m genuinely excited about Cornerstone’s role in enabling a digitally connected society across all Four Corners of the UK through our national platform. Our goal is to ensure that your connected world is always within reach. 

Having recently toured the Four Corners of the UK, I saw firsthand how Cornerstone’s work is not just addressing today’s connectivity needs but is truly shaping a brighter, more interconnected future for businesses and communities nationwide. Here’s a snippet of my personal observations of our work alongside other leaders and colleagues in the industry who also have a part to play in shaping the UK’s digital economy. 

England: Strengthening Local Connections
My 1305-mile tour began in the small seaside town of Littlehampton. Our partnership with Isthmian League semi-professionals Littlehampton Town Football Club is a poignant example of how connectivity can uplift local communities. Following a severe storm that damaged a Cornerstone mast at the football club, our response ensured that vital community events could continue without disruption. What started as an emergency repair transformed into a meaningful collaboration. We supported the club not only by restoring functionality but also by enabling digital payment solutions that streamline matchday transactions. This initiative has reinforced the club’s role as a community hub, enhancing local engagement and supporting the club’s growth. Littlehampton FC’s ability to maintain its community activities and embrace modern technology reflects our commitment to strengthening the local economy and fostering community development. We are a proud sponsor. 

Wales: Bridging Digital Gaps in Rural Areas
My next stop took me deep into the most remote parts of Wales. Here, our efforts have focused on bridging the digital divide in some of the country’s most isolated regions. In Carmarthenshire, we addressed a critical need for our customers Vodafone, VMO2 and Three, supporting them to bring the necessary and reliable connectivity in a rural area that had long struggled with getting online access for the everyday things we take for granted. By deploying advanced satellite backhaul and power generation technology, we’ve transformed access for residents and businesses across a 20km radius, unlocking new opportunities for economic activity and social inclusion. The impact has been profound—local businesses can now reach new markets, and residents enjoy improved access to services and social connections in an area prone to isolation and with high unemployment and mortality rates. Similarly, in Builth Wells we overcame steep terrain and regulatory challenges with innovative solutions. We collaborated with local stakeholders such as council representatives, farmers and residents, who helped us navigate the terrain, demonstrating our commitment to blending modern technology with respect for the region’s unique characteristics and needs. We know that nature and technology can and must co-exist. 

Scotland: Driving Digital Innovation in Glasgow
A short flight later, we found ourselves in the bustling, vibrant city of Glasgow. Our initiatives here are enhancing the city’s digital infrastructure with a focus on both technological advancement and environmental impact. Our collaboration with Vodafone, Arqiva, Cambridge University, and others has led to the deployment of smart water meters across the city, revolutionising water management with real-time data. This project not only enhances resource efficiency but also supports Glasgow’s sustainability goals. Additionally, our Air Quality Sensor Network, measures pollution particulates and their movement, providing valuable data to tackle urban air quality challenges. By working closely with Glasgow City Council, we are not just enhancing connectivity; we are helping Glasgow emerge as a leader in digital excellence and sustainability. Our efforts contribute to a healthier environment and demonstrate our commitment to integrating technology with environmental stewardship. 

Northern Ireland: Enhancing Connectivity in Torr
Our final stop was to the breathtaking coastal town of Torr, just outside Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. Here, we demonstrated firsthand how improved connectivity can invigorate local economies and tourism. Located along the stunning Causeway Coast Road, Torr faced significant challenges with limited mobile and broadband access, impacting tourism, local businesses and public services. By installing new 4G infrastructure, we’ve enabled our customers to address these issues, providing visitors, residents and businesses with reliable connectivity to support economic growth and enhance the tourism experience. Our integration of this technology with the region’s rich heritage required careful planning and collaboration with the Historic Environment Division to preserve historical sites, including a Cold War Navy listening station and ancient burial grounds. Our work ensures that Torr can benefit from modern connectivity while maintaining its unique historical context, an area of outstanding natural beauty. This project highlights our dedication to respecting and enhancing local heritage while advancing digital progress. 

A Vision for the Future
As we look to the future, Cornerstone remains committed to building and maintaining the digital infrastructure that will enable the UK to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Whether it’s supporting community spirit in Littlehampton, bringing connectivity to rural communities in Wales, pioneering air quality monitoring in Glasgow, or driving innovation in remote Torr, our mission is clear: at Cornerstone, your connected world is always within reach.  

Connected Britain is a celebration of the achievements of our industry, but from our position, with the largest digital infrastructure in the UK, we know that many people and places are still left behind—without the basic and necessary mobile services that so many rely on. Every day, we design, build, and finance new sites or upgrades across our digital estate. And every single day, we operate and look after our network of 15,700 sites to ensure reliability and resilience for our customers. 

More than any other provider in the UK, we are safeguarding the critical infrastructure of the mobile sector. But we still face challenges in some areas where we can’t yet celebrate, held back by the need for more pragmatic reform of town planning. This reform is essential to bring 4G and 5G to over 3,000 places where we’re eager to invest. It’s about more than connectivity—it’s about enabling job creation and driving digital inclusion. 

The stories I’ve shared today are a testament to the real impact our infrastructure has on communities across the UK. But we have much more to do, and my appeal is simple: we need to work collectively, across public and private partnerships, to create an effective framework for digital infrastructure planning, one that attracts investment and builds a country for growth. 

At Cornerstone, your connected world is always within reach. 

Jamie 

PRESS RELEASE:

Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, has successfully concluded its platinum sponsorship of Connected Britain 2024. The event, held over two days, provided an exceptional platform to discuss the future of connectivity, collaboration, and innovation in the digital infrastructure space.

CEO Pat Coxen reflected on the event’s success:
“Connected Britain 2024 has been an outstanding opportunity to showcase Cornerstone’s contributions to the UK’s digital economy. We had engaging discussions on the future of connectivity, the evolution of mobile and fixed networks, and the collaborative efforts required to make the next generation of infrastructure a reality. Our presence here underscores Cornerstone’s pivotal role in driving the UK’s connectivity goals forward.”

One of the key highlights was Cornerstone’s installation of a live mini tower at the event, in partnership with one of their trusted engineering partners Swann Engineering Group Limited. This installation exemplified Cornerstone’s capability in infrastructure delivery, marking a significant part of its brand relaunch, which was led by Chief Customer Officer Miranda van Gestel. The relaunch signals Cornerstone’s evolution from a traditional infrastructure provider to a full-service partner in the mobile and digital infrastructure space.

As part of its showcase, Cornerstone introduced its innovative mySite app, designed for landlords to streamline access to its extensive portfolio of 15,700 sites across the UK. The app offers greater visibility and control to its landlords, helping them manage site access and communication more efficiently. Alongside the mySite app, Cornerstone also highlighted its work on Locken, smart locks across Cornerstone’s estate to improve site safety and security.

Chief Customer Officer Miranda van Gestel commented, “The reason we showcased our tower installation at the event was to make the invisible visible – to highlight how we’re empowering the communities we serve with more connected, secure, and sustainable infrastructure.”

The event culminated in a powerful keynote address by Cornerstone’s Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Jamie Hayes, who emphasised the company’s impact across the Four Corners of the UK. Additionally, Pat Coxen joined a panel discussion with fellow industry leaders, sharing insights on how collaboration and innovation with government and local authorities will drive progress for the industry and the UK’s technological advancement.

With five months of preparation behind the event, Cornerstone is proud of the connections made, the ideas exchanged, and the new partnerships forged. The company looks forward to building on this momentum as it continues to shape the future of digital connectivity in the UK.

For more information about Cornerstone’s brand relaunch and its expanding portfolio, contact Cornerstone’s media team at media@cornerstone.network. 

PRESS RELEASE:

Cornerstone, the UK’s leading provider of mobile and digital infrastructure solutions, launches its new brand identity at Connected Britain 2024, the UK’s largest digital economy event. This significant brand relaunch marks a new chapter for Cornerstone, reflecting its evolution from an infrastructure provider to a full-service partner in the mobile and digital infrastructure sector. 

Cornerstone will unveil its new identity during the two-day event, with Chief Executive Officer Pat Coxen and Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Jamie Hayes leading keynote discussions on the future of connectivity in the UK. The relaunch also features a collaboration with ITN News, showcasing Cornerstone’s critical role in enabling a digitally connected society. 

Website relaunch and expanding portfolio

Coinciding with the brand launch, Cornerstone will also unveil a completely redesigned website, showcasing its expanding portfolio of solutions. With the growing need for new digital  infrastructure solutions, from 5G to IoT and rural connectivity, the website shows the broader role of infrastructure in emerging coverage and power solutions, introducing  Coverage as a Service (CaaS) and Power as a Service (PaaS), along with the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) portfolio that Cornerstone is leading the industry in.  

The website also reflects Cornerstone’s commitment to customer value and sustainability, providing detailed information on its new service offerings, its continued investment in green initiatives, and its vision for a connected, sustainable future. The refreshed brand and website highlight Cornerstone’s leadership in enabling the UK’s digital economy, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and innovation. 

Tower installation: bringing infrastructure to life

As part of its sponsorship at Connected Britain, Cornerstone is offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience its technology first-hand with the installation of a specially designed mini tower at the event. Designed and installed in collaboration with one of Cornerstone’s engineering partners, Swann Engineering, this display demonstrated the critical role of mobile infrastructure in today’s digital landscape. The installation highlighted the engineering excellence behind Cornerstone’s 15,700 sites, which form the backbone of the UK’s mobile networks. 

A new era for Cornerstone

Miranda van Gestel, Chief Customer Officer, commented on the launch: “Our new brand identity reflects who we are today and our vision for the future. We are incredibly proud of the journey that has brought us here and are excited to unveil a refreshed brand that better communicates our role as a key enabler of digital transformation in the UK. As we continue to innovate and expand our service offering, we are more committed than ever to working with our customers, partners, and landlords to drive ubiquitous connectivity across the UK.” 

Pat Coxen, Chief Executive Officer, added: “Connected Britain 2024 is the perfect platform to introduce the new Cornerstone. This event showcases the best in UK digital innovation, and we are thrilled to be leading conversations around the future of connectivity.” 

Keynote appearances at Connected Britain:

Cornerstone will be showcasing on the Gigabit Mainstage at the following times during Connected Britain 2024: 

• 10.40 am – ‘Achieving Truly Ubiquitous Connectivity in the UK’ a panel including Pat Coxen, CEO
• 5.20 pm – ‘Enabling a Digitally Connected Society: How Cornerstone Connects the Four Corners of the UK’ with Jamie Hayes, Chief of Sales and Commercial Officer 
• 5.40 pm – ‘Digital Britain: Connecting our Nation’ with ITN Business  

Looking forward

As Cornerstone continues its ambitious journey, it remains focused on leading the digital infrastructure sector while maintaining its commitment to environmental sustainability and customer value. The brand refresh solidifies its position as a trusted partner, driving connectivity and digital transformation for mobile network operators, businesses, and communities across the UK. 

For more information about Cornerstone’s new brand identity and its expanding portfolio, visit the new website at www.cornerstone.network and contact Cornerstone’s media team at media@cornerstone.network. 

PRESS RELEASE:

Cornerstone’s Chief Sales and Commercial Officer, Jamie Hayes, will deliver a keynote address highlighting the remarkable achievements of Cornerstone’s customers in advancing connectivity throughout the UK. The event, regarded as the UK’s most significant digital economy gathering, will be held on 11-12 September 2024 at the ExCeL London, bringing together 7,500 stakeholders and 350 esteemed speakers from across the connectivity ecosystem.

Jamie Hayes’ keynote will provide valuable insights into the future of digital infrastructure, showcasing how Cornerstone’s customers have utilised these advancements to transform even the most remote and rural parts of the UK. The address will focus on real-world examples of how Cornerstone’s support has enabled wireless customers, enterprises, government partners, and communities to achieve significant socio-economic benefits through cutting-edge digital solutions.

As the Chief Sales and Commercial Officer at Cornerstone, Jamie Hayes is responsible for spearheading relationships with wireless customers and anchor tenants, as well as government partners. His strategic focus is on driving Cornerstone’s presence and cultivating new relationships for future growth as infrastructure leaders and trusted partners to the industry.

Connected Britain is the premier event for the UK’s digital economy, attracting 7,500 stakeholders from various sectors of the connectivity ecosystem. The event will explore the immense opportunities presented by digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, highlighting the socio-economic benefits for the UK’s people, businesses, and communities. Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders who are driving innovation and shaping the UK’s digital future.

Key Highlights:

• Event Dates: 11-12 September 2024
• Location: ExCeL London
• Attendees: 7,500 stakeholders and 350 esteemed speakers from the connectivity ecosystem
• Keynote Speaker: Jamie Hayes, Chief Sales and Commercial Officer at Cornerstone

For media enquiries or more information about Cornerstone and Jamie Hayes’ keynote session at Connected Britain 2024, please contact media@cornerstone.network

About Cornerstone:

Cornerstone is the UK’s leading digital infrastructure services company, with approximately 15,700 sites across the country. The company provides innovative solutions for telecoms infrastructure deployment and is committed to driving the UK’s technological evolution.

About Connected Britain:

Connected Britain is the UK’s most significant digital economy event, fostering collaboration and innovation among 7,500 stakeholders in the connectivity ecosystem. The event highlights the transformative potential of digital infrastructure and emerging technologies for the UK’s socio-economic growth.

Cornerstone, the UK’s leading digital mobile infrastructure services company, is pleased to announce the completion of a vital new infrastructure project in Torr, just outside Ballycastle in Northern Ireland, for its customers Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone, in collaboration with its trusted build partner, WHP Telecoms.

The successful delivery of this complex project, deployed to enable mobile operators to provide 4G connectivity to some of the most rural parts of the region, has the potential to significantly enhance connectivity and bring huge benefits to the local community, tourists, and businesses. As part of this initiative, Cornerstone conducted an archaeological dig which showcases its commitment to due diligence and preserving the region’s heritage.

The new infrastructure in Torr addresses the long-standing connectivity challenges faced by the area’s residents and businesses. The installation is another major milestone in Cornerstone’s mission to support its customers and the community across the UK in ensuring connectivity is accessible to everyone, including underserved rural areas. The introduction of 4G in this area is especially beneficial for public safety, given the region’s coastal positioning, ensuring reliable communication during emergencies and enhancing overall safety for residents and visitors alike.

Sean McHenry, Cornerstone’s Head of Town Planning, invited Councillor Maighréad Watson to the site to witness the installation firsthand. Torr, renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes, sits on the famed Causeway Coast Road, which is famous for the Giants Causeway, the North West 200 motorbike racing, the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and world-class golf courses. The site is a stone’s throw from the iconic filming locations of Game of Thrones and The Northmen.

The site, steeped in history, includes a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a listed Cold War Navy listening station. Cornerstone deployed this site in consultation with the Historic Environment Division, ensuring everything was done with respect for the area’s heritage while also not leaving anyone behind from the benefits of technological advancement.

Councillor Maighréad Watson highlighted the project’s significance: “I am delighted to have supported the implementation of this much needed infrastructure, that will enable strong 4G coverage for both locals and tourists for this well visited area. The Glens has suffered from inadequate mobile and broadband connectivity, which we depend heavily on as a society. This infrastructure will make great progress for businesses and tourism. It will provide opportunities for businesses to not only complete their work on the ground and contribute to the local economy, but progress sales online and promotion of products and services. On a broader scope, it will provide opportunities for the people of The Glens to have a better connection to communicate and carry out daily necessities.”

Sean McHenry added, “As a local resident, I understand the vital importance of robust connectivity for our community. At Cornerstone, we have worked closely with locally elected members, the Historic Environment Division (HED), and the council to ensure that our infrastructure respects the unique character of our areas of outstanding natural beauty, the listed buildings and ancient monuments. Better connectivity benefits our farmers with access to real-time data, enriches tourists’ experiences, and promotes public safety by enabling faster emergency responses and better communication networks.”

Cornerstone focuses on environmentally sensitive infrastructure and complex builds with emphasis on local stakeholder consultation and sustainably responsible initiatives to protect the historical or environmental treasures of local communities.

Cornerstone, the UK’s trusted partner in digital mobile infrastructure.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: media@cornerstone.network.

Editor’s Note:

About Torr

Torr is the closest part of Northern Ireland to Scotland — with clear views to the Mull of Kintyre — made famous by the Paul McCartney song titled after the headland. It is also the site where Marconi tested early radio, connecting Ballycastle to Rathlin Island, echoing a legacy of innovation. This project ensures that Torr remains a place where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.

About Cornerstone

Cornerstone is the UK’s leading digital infrastructure services company, with approximately 15,500 sites across the UK. Focused on excellence and innovation, Cornerstone provides cutting-edge solutions for telecoms infrastructure deployment, driving the UK’s technological evolution and connecting communities nationwide.

Welcome to our new series, ‘Connectivity Unpacked’, where we collaborate with our expert build partners to enable and empower our customers in delivering connectivity to their users. Each of our builds are unique, however our commitment remains the same; to create robust, trusted digital infrastructure anywhere its needed, whatever the geographical challenge.

Our latest project involves one of the towers we’re building for Vodafone as part of the Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) Programme. In these stunning but challenging landscapes, the team overcome multiple hurdles, from inhospitable terrains to access restrictions. Building in such remote areas demands careful consideration and solutions at every stage.

Working closely with the Local Planning Authorities, Communities, and all Stakeholders is integral to our planning process. Ensuring all points of view are heard and respected, we work hard to ensure the balance between ‘progress’ and ‘preservation’ is considered and met.

Our commitment to sustainability guides our every move at each location. By employing less intrusive access methods, such as deploying all-terrain vehicles, we tread lighter on the environment and avoid visible stone tracks across the scenic landscapes. We minimise the impact of development by laying temporary tracks that enables us to bring in cranes and trucks more precisely and minimise disruption on the natural surroundings.

In our recent build in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, home to over 26,000 people, helicopters were brought in. The video shows how materials are transported, even towers assembled, so that we can respect the eco-system and environment.

A huge shoutout to Clarke Telecom our trusted build partner and to Vodafone our valued customer. Together we’re transforming connectivity in some of the most remote and hard to reach corners of the country.

Cornerstone has gained vital planning permission for connectivity infrastructure which will allow improvements to network coverage for visitors and business owners around Whinlatter Forest, home of the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. The National Park concluded that on balance the benefits of connectivity are outweighed by the limited views of the tower that some visitors may experience.

The connectivity infrastructure, which will be obscured from view points by nearby trees, is part of the Shared Rural Network programme, a Government funded project that will provide network coverage to rural and remote areas currently with little or no network coverage.

The area around the development is home to an extensive network of mountain bike trails. Cyclewise Whinlatter, a local cycle hire, repair and coaching specialist highlighted “better coverage on the mountain trails in Whinlatter Forest will provide our mountain bike coaches with improved means to contact both the shop and emergency services. This will result in enhanced ability to coordinate mountain bike sessions and communicate with hire customers in the forest who are currently uncontactable”.

Cornerstone is committed to developing connectivity infrastructure in rural areas and recently met local stakeholders and community members in Kirkby-in-Furness. The meeting allowed all parties to share and gather information on how to develop connectivity infrastructure in the National Park, and to hear how a lack of coverage affects local residents, visitors and business owners.

This week we welcomed our colleagues into their new consolidated workspace at the same address, with everything and everyone connected on one level.

We’ve created an inspiring, flexible, and modern work environment in partnership with Office Principles that maximises the space to facilitate effective collaboration among ourselves, our customers, suppliers, and shareholders.

Additionally, with areas to relax and socialise, we’ve developed a place for talent to grow. We’re looking forward to using the space to its full potential, welcoming colleagues and visitors to experience it for themselves as we continue to enable digital connectivity across the UK.

EE live in first-of-its-kind mobile infrastructure pilot in City of London with Freshwave

• Virgin Media O2 has also signed up to be part of the pilot and will be going live early in 2023
• First outdoor 4G and 5G small cell network in the UK capable of hosting all four mobile network operators from day one – thanks to bespoke solution and centralised radio access network
• Freshwave is delivering the pilot for concession holders Cornerstone

EE mobile users in the City of London can now enjoy enhanced 4G and 5G coverage along Queen Victoria Street thanks to an innovative connectivity pilot led by Freshwave. Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has also signed up to the pilot and is expected to go live early in 2023.

In busy areas such as city centres, the number of people using mobile devices can create high demand on the macro site serving that area. Outdoor small cells installed at street level process some of that demand themselves, making them ideal for enhancing mobile connectivity in densely populated areas. 5G technology also means networks must be densified and these are the first 5G outdoor small cells to be installed in the City of London. 

Connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave built new mobile infrastructure in the 10-site pilot to make it shareable and capable of delivering 4G and 5G for all four mobile network operators (MNOs). EE is now live on Freshwave’s neutral host network. A neutral host network is a network sharing infrastructure arrangement facilitated by a third party.

Freshwave designed a bespoke solution for the pilot which means the network can accommodate all four mobile network operators on 4G and 5G from day one with no adjustments to the infrastructure needed – a first for the UK. The solution consists of specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and large amounts of dark fibre to each cabinet.

This multi-operator outdoor small cell network is the culmination of more than two years of Freshwave’s close collaboration with all four MNOs and other industry partners. The first-of-its-kind network’s shareable infrastructure reduces equipment and infrastructure duplication, making it more cost-effective to deploy, as well as minimising street clutter and the associated disruption during street works.

Shareable infrastructure also reduces the environmental impact, while still bringing street level connectivity for everyone’s benefit. The network uses a centralised radio access network (C-RAN) and by housing multiple pieces of telecoms equipment in accompanying cabinets fewer devices are needed on the street assets themselves. The network uses dark fibre built by wholesale fibre broadband operator Netomnia.

Vodafone will join the pilot in the first quarter of 2023. 

Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this milestone in the pilot of our truly multi-operator neutral host network. Shared digital infrastructure is the logical evolution in telecoms as cities become more connected and smarter. Companies like Freshwave that deploy using the neutral host model help accelerate this connectivity for everyone as the model is more cost-effective, greener and less disruptive. I’m proud Freshwave are doing what’s right by all parties in this area.”

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “High capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for consumers and businesses today, with demand for data and low-latency networks continuing to rise. We’re pleased to be the first operator live on this pilot with Freshwave helping to deliver the best possible 4G and 5G services to our City of London customers, even at the busiest times. The project is a further demonstration of how we’re enhancing our networks to help both digitise and deliver economic prosperity to the UK, and we look forward to extending it in the future.”

Paul Broome, VMO2 London & South-East Trial Manager, said: “With the largest outdoor small cell network of any of the major operators, we’re excited to have signed up for this pilot with Freshwave. Adding extra capacity to our existing legacy solution of over 200 small cells in the City of London will provide further benefit to the ever-increasing data demands of its users. Outdoor small cells provide a flexible solution for boosting network connectivity and we’re looking forward to going live on the network very soon.”

City of London Corporation Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee Chairman, Graham Packham, said: “The City is already a global business hub and this mobile connectivity will play an important part in also helping it become a 24/7 visitor destination. We are continually looking for new ways to increase the City’s appeal for businesses, visitors and residents.”   

Mobile infrastructure services provider Cornerstone holds the concession with the City Corporation and Freshwave is delivering the pilot through this concession.  

Denis Coakley, Cornerstone’s COO, said: “Freshwave is a trusted partner and have made great progress in this pilot, so we’re pleased to welcome the first mobile network operators to the network and pilot with them. We’re excited about the future progress and the benefits it will bring in our long-term partnership with the City of London Corporation.”

Jeremy Chelot, CEO at Netomnia, said: “We’re proud to be working with Freshwave on this pioneering project to improve mobile connectivity in the City. We’re committed to working closely with all our partners on the project to quickly deliver full fibre access with minimal disruption to the local community.”

–Ends-

The National Connectivity Alliance (the NCA), a new alliance of telecommunications and infrastructure providers, landowners, and their collective professional advisers launches today. This alliance brings together these stakeholders to collaborate on areas of mutual interest with the goal of delivering world class connectivity for all in the UK.

Digital connectivity is fundamental to the success of our economy. Communities depend on reliable connections to stay connected; to ensure social inclusion; to enable businesses to embrace digital technology; and, to open up new markets and simplify supply chains.

Building such connectivity requires the complex interchange of many organisations and stakeholders yet these interactions have not always been easy.

Recognising the need to build strong relationships with each other to deliver connectivity to world beating standards, a group of the leading stakeholders from across both telecoms and land industries have come together to form the National Connectivity Alliance.

The Alliance will bring together these stakeholders to work on issues of mutual interest, improve co-operation and to share best practice.

Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez MP said:

“I welcome the creation of this new alliance, which will bring together industry and landowners to improve negotiations and make sure we are doing everything we can to boost connectivity, productivity and the economy. We continue to support investment in world class connectivity for people across the UK, whether they’re in London, or a village in  the Scottish Highlands.”

Carlos Pierce, National Connectivity Alliance Chair said:

“We are delighted to launch the National Connectivity Alliance today as the only cross industry body regarding access to land. Not only does the NCA demonstrate a necessary collective will from the industry to improve digital connectivity, it will also drive best practice through collaboration and understanding. By encouraging greater education and communication, the NCA will be able to deliver greater awareness of the needs of all in the sector as well as the general public.” 

– END –

Notes to Editors The National Connectivity Alliance involves providers of electronic communications networks and services, owners of infrastructure and land and their professional advisers, and brings together stakeholders from across the industry to work on issues of mutual interest, to improve co-operation and to share best practice.

Members of the National Connectivity Alliance Steering Group:

• Blaser Mills Law
• British Land plc
• British Property Federation
• Carter Jonas
• Cell CM Limited
• Cellnex
• Cluttons
• Community Fibre
• Cornerstone
• Country Land and Business Association
• DWF Law LLP
• Gigaclear
• Law Society
• Mobile Broadband Network Limited
• Mobile UK
• National Farmers Union
• Openreach
• Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
• Philip Morris FRICS
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• Wireless Infrastructure Group

www.ncalliance.org.uk

Today, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons published the Mobile Action Plan for Northern Ireland (MAP NI).

The Mobile Action Plan highlights the actions that need to be taken to deliver the Executive’s digital connectivity ambitions. Via the industry trade-body at MobileUK, Cornerstone provided evidence and information to the cross-sector working group where we established the barriers and potential solutions to the roll-out of mobile technologies, which have been included in the Mobile Action Plan.

Read the full press release here.