Reflecting on the 2025 ISP Summit: A Moment of Transition for the ISPA Community and the UK Connectivity Sector

Last month saw a significant event for the UK internet and telecoms industry as ISPA, supported by Clarity’s dedicated team as Secretariat, hosted one of our largest and most impactful conferences to date - the 2025 ISP Summit. Held at the QEII Centre in the heart of Westminster, the event brought together over 200 senior figures from across the internet ecosystem to explore what’s next for UK connectivity and the evolution of the digital infrastructure that underpins our society.

With the Summit’s core theme focusing on ‘The Future of UK Connectivity’, the agenda was designed to spark new thinking, confront challenges head-on, and identify fresh opportunities in an ever-evolving landscape. From emerging technologies and regulatory reform to infrastructure deployment and investment, the day covered it all - bolstered by the insights of more than 30 of the UK sector’s most influential voices. Across keynote sessions, fireside chats, and expert panel discussions, attendees heard directly from industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators shaping the next chapter of the UK’s digital story.

Our team played a role at every stage of developing the event, from curating a meaningful and balanced programme, all the way through to on-the-day management, ensuring a smooth event, and conducting interviews on-site. 

Hear from Catherine Colloms, Clarity's strategic partner and Non-Exec Director, Department for Business and Trade

A Day of Insight and Impact

Opening the Summit was a high-level discussion on how to find future fibre investment in an increasingly global and competitive market. As the rollout of gigabit broadband accelerates and new technologies such as AI, quantum networking, 5G and satellite begin to enter the conversation, it’s never been more important for stakeholders to come together and align on priorities.

Throughout the day, the sessions tackled the key questions on the industry’s mind:

• How can the UK strike the right balance between regulation and innovation?
• What policy levers are needed to accelerate rural and underserved area coverage?
• How do we ensure resilience against cyber threats and geopolitical risks?
• And how can industry and government work more effectively together to deliver a truly digital-first Britain?

And these conversations weren’t just limited to the stage - delegates actively engaged in Q&As, breakout chats, and post-panel networking, helping to make the Summit not just a conference, but a collaborative forum for action.

In the Heart of Westminster - And History

The QEII Centre provided a fitting venue for such a pivotal gathering, placing the sector just a stone’s throw away from the nation’s policymakers. And in a serendipitous twist, the Summit coincided with VE Day commemorations at nearby Westminster Abbey. As the military bands marched and crowds gathered outside, delegates found themselves with front-row seats to a poignant moment of national reflection - a reminder of the progress we’ve made, and the importance of building a future that honours the past while embracing change.

A Unified Voice for Progress

We were incredibly proud to see such strong energy and shared purpose throughout the day. It was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when the sector comes together. Whether it was a broadband provider speaking alongside a regulator, or an infrastructure investor debating with a startup founder, the diversity of perspectives and commitment to collaboration set a positive tone for the future.

“The 2025 Summit was a defining moment for the UK connectivity sector. It’s clear that we have both the talent and determination to tackle the big challenges ahead - but we must do so together, with vision, and resilience.”

• Steve Leighton, Chair of ISPA

Key Takeaways

So what did we find out from the day’s conversations? Yes, a lot of fibre has been laid - but the consensus? The real challenge starts now. Consolidation is no longer a question of maybe, but is necessary and take-up is finally moving in the right direction, with mature cohorts seeing penetration rates climb towards 50%. Above all however, it was clear that the focus for everyone is firmly on the end user: and how our sector can ensure that fast, reliable, and affordable broadband becomes the norm, and not the ambition.

Clarity Session

Clarity was delighted to host our own comms and reputation roundtable at the Summit focussing on the two core pillars of reputation: thought leadership and crisis management. Attended by strategic marketing and communications executives within the telecoms space, we explored how credible, insight-led thought leadership, articulated by committed spokespeople can serve as a powerful driver of commercial outcomes - while on the crisis front, preparedness and cross-functional alignment are critical to effective response. Above all, managing tone and language under pressure emerged as key to containing reputational risk. 

What Attendees Had to Say

Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the quality of discussion, opportunities for networking, and the fresh momentum the Summit helped create.

Speakers weren’t afraid to challenge assumptions or offer bold ideas. From tackling digital exclusion to building smarter cities, the agenda reflected both the complexity and opportunity that define our sector.

Looking Ahead

While the Summit may be over, the real work is just beginning. The ideas sparked, the connections made, and the actions proposed will help shape the sector’s path forward. As the Secretariat for ISPA, we remain committed to fostering this dialogue, supporting our members, and driving progress on behalf of the UK internet and telecoms community.

Whether you joined us in Westminster or followed the conversation online, thank you for being part of this exciting moment. Here’s to the next chapter of UK connectivity: bold, inclusive, and future-facing.