Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Secretariat

Contact: Julien Daniero-Iglesias, [email protected], 020 7983 5802

The Committee is recommended to:

(a)  Note the report as background to the discussion with the invited guests regarding broadband and connectivity in London and note the subsequent discussion; and

(b)  Delegate authority to the Chair, Navin Shah AM, in consultation with the Deputy Chairman, to agree any output from the Committee’s meeting on broadband and digital connectivity in London.

6.1  The Committee received the report of the Executive Director of Secretariat as a background to a discussion with the invited guests on broadband and digital connectivity in London.

6.2  The Chair welcomed the following guests to the meeting:

·  Jeremy Skinner, Senior Manager - Growth & Enterprise, Greater London Authority (GLA);

·  Sara Kelly, Senior Policy Officer - Science and Technology, GLA;

·  Councillor Jonathan Glanz, Lead Member for Broadband and Connectivity, Westminster City Council;

·  Mark Collins, Director, Strategy and Public Affairs, CityFibre; and

·  Tim Stranack, Business Development Director, Community Fibre.

6.3  A transcript of the discussion is attached at Appendix 1.

6.4  During the course of the discussion, Members referred to a map provided by Ofcom, which showed the availability and type of broadband across London.  The map is attached at Appendix 2.

6.5  During the course of the discussion, the Senior Policy Officer – Science and Technology, GLA, undertook to:

·  Review the terminology contained in the guidance for small and medium enterprises on the GLA website and ensure that it is easily available, and easy to understand; and

·  Consider the issues raised during the discussion about using street furniture where appropriate to enhance connectivity, and to include more comprehensive guidance about connectivity in the updates to the London Plan.

6.6  During the discussion it was suggested that the minutes and transcript of the meeting be sent for information to the Commissioner and Commercial Development Director of Transport for London, and the Deputy Mayor for Business.

6.7  During the discussion Tim Stranack, Business Development Director, Community Fibre invited the Committee to visit Community Fibre’s demonstration centre in Pimlico.

6.8  At the end of the discussion, the Chair thanked the guests for their attendance and helpful contributions to the meeting.

6.9  Resolved:

(a)  That the report and discussion with invited guests be noted.

(b)  That authority be delegated to the Chair, in consultation with the Deputy Chairman, to agree any output from the review of broadband and digital connectivity in London.

(c)  That authority be delegated to the Chair, in consultation with the Deputy Chairman, to agree the arrangements for a site visit to Community Fibre.