Ofcom UK Appoint Ex-BT Man Mansoor Hanif as New CTO

The UK telecoms and media regulator, Ofcom, has today announced that former BT / EE Director Mansoor Hanif has been appointed to become their new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective from 17th September 2018. He takes over the position from Steve Unger, who departed Ofcom in June.

Mansoor was most recently Director of the Converged Networks Research Lab at BT, where he lead research into both fixed line and mobile networks. Prior to that he was EE’s Network Director and has worked for various other telecoms/engineering companies. Clearly he has plenty of experience, not least from both his work to launch 4G networks and the earlier merger of Orange and T-Mobile into EE.

It’s fairly common practice for regulators to gain a better understanding of the markets they oversee by appointing such people. Similarly telecoms operators often appoint former regulatory bosses for the same reason.

Mansoor Hanif said:

“The industries Ofcom regulates are evolving at an unprecedented rate – this dynamism is driven by technological innovation. I’m particularly excited to join Ofcom at this pivotal point when ultrafast broadband, 5G mobile and the Internet of Things are converging to transform communications and increase productivity across all industries.

My priority will be to help Ofcom accelerate the growth of world-class, secure and universal communications services across the UK – underpinned by the most creative and innovative technology.”

Meanwhile Ofcom’s CEO, Sharon White, said she was “delighted” by the appointment and added that the CTO role “helps to ensure our work is informed by current and emerging technology, and that our regulation works effectively in the digital age.”