INCA Unveil WINNERS of 2019 AltNet UK Broadband ISP Awards

The Independent Networks Co-operative Association last night announced the winners of their 2019 awards event (The INCAs), which aims to recognise and celebrate the best alternative broadband network ISPs (altnets) from across the United Kingdom. Wins were scooped by Fastershire, Hyperoptic, Stirling Council and others.

The winners from each of the categories were selected by a panel of five judges (i.e. senior figures from Point Topic, Plum Consulting, the FCS, Objective Designers and Consultant Chris Pateman), but sadly no technical testing was conducted. The results were then announced last night at the INCA Awards Dinner, which was held in Manchester (Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel)

The winning organisations and individuals represent quite a wide mix this year, from infrastructure mapping / technology firm Gaist to the Stormontfield Community Association, which won for its project with Broadway Partners (here). Take note that at the time of writing we haven’t yet received an official press release and have not been able to uncover who won the “Urban Impact” award, which we’ll add later (UPDATE: it was Blu Wireless).

Malcom Corbett, INCA CEO, said:

“This year the competition was particularly tough, with entries highlighting some of the finest work across the independent broadband sector.

We are extremely proud to be able to recognise this work, which truly showcases the significance of how far the industry has come and the pivotal role independent network operators will play in building the UK’s full fibre and 5G networks – enabling communities even in the outmost rural corners of the UK to reap the social and economic benefits of ultrafast connectivity.”

2019 INCAs Award Winners

Technical innovation – WINNER: Gaist

A project/deployment using technical innovation to achieve objectives, for example, ability to deliver service to hard-to-reach places. Entries should show how technical ingenuity and innovation have enabled or helped a project, for example, a network deployment, to achieve or exceed commercial or other objectives.Vendors and equipment manufacturers are welcome to enter this category in partnership with a service provider or operator.

Commercial Innovation – WINNER: 5GRIT (5G Rural Integrated Testbed)

A project/deployment making effective use of collaboration between three or more organisations (contractor/client is not collaboration) – for example, public service aggregation-funded build. Entries should show how collaboration between three or more organisations has enabled or helped a project, for example a network or infrastructure deployment, to achieve or exceed shared objectives beyond what would have been achieved using conventional supplier-client contracts. Examples might include collaboration between business competitors and/or independent public sector agencies.

Urban Impact – WINNER: Blu Wireless

A (mostly) urban network deployment or project with greatest social/economic impact. Entries should show how an infrastructure deployment in a city or major town, for example, a new network, has had a significant social or economic impact on the city or town.

Rural Impact – WINNER: Stirling Council

A (mostly) rural network deployment or project with greatest social/economic impact. Entries should show how an infrastructure deployment in a rural area or small town, for example, a new network, has had a significant social or economic impact on the area.

Best Community Project – WINNER: Stormontfield Community Association

A community project or organisation displaying maximum innovation/impact/collaboration/effectiveness. An entry can be a community-owned, social enterprise or other third-sector agency or a community, voluntary or third sector-led project. Entrants should show how they have achieved exceptional results or progress through efficacy, professionalism, innovation or collaboration, or a combination of these.

Best Public Sector Impact – WINNER: Herefordshire & Gloucestershire’s Fastershire Project

A public sector organisation that demonstrates an exemplary approach to supporting the deployment of new digital infrastructure (fibre and/or wireless), for example, real progress on barrier busting – street works, wayleaves etc. – or other activities, for example, voucher aggregation or innovative funding approaches.

Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation – WINNER: Cameron Barney

An organisation who has done the most to advance independent networks in the last year.

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – WINNER: Andrew Ferguson (Thinkbroadband) & Dana Tobak (Hyperoptic CEO)

An individual who has done the most to advance independent networks in the last year.