DATE: THURSDAY, 5TH SEPTEMBER 2024
VENUE: Clayton Utz, Level 15 , 1 Bligh St, Sydney
TIME: 12.30 PM – 2.30 AEST
Light lunch served from 12.30 pm.
Join the IIC Australian Chapter and industry colleagues for a timely event focused on the future of network connectivity and universal service across the telecommunications, satellite, and broadcasting sectors.
This event will explore the ongoing Universal Service Obligation (USO) review and the critical work of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC), noting that:
- RTIRC is examining existing and future needs in regional, rural, and remote communities across Australia, emerging technologies, broader market developments, the design and delivery of regional communications programs, and public sentiment towards changing and emerging technologies.
- RTIRC is also considering the potential to fast-track some USO modernisation outcomes, particularly within NBN Co’s fixed wireless network footprint, which would build momentum for broader change.
- While RTIRC will present its findings to the government by 31 December 2024, the USO Review expects to issue its summary report on stakeholder feedback in July 2024, so the event will provide an opportunity to discuss those views.
Confirmed Speakers
Keynote Speaker
The Hon. Alannah MacTiernan – Chair, 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review
Bio coming soon…
Chris Woolford – Director of International Spectrum Policy, Ofcom (via pre-recorded video)
Chris Woolford is Ofcom’s Director of International Spectrum Policy where his responsibilities cover the UK’s international spectrum interests, especially in relation to the ITU, CEPT and EU. He has closely engaged for the UK on a number of key European regulatory initiatives in the field of electronic communications and participates in many European spectrum groups. He leads UK engagement with the ITU and led the UK delegations to WRCs in 2019, 2015 and 2012. He is currently preparing to lead the UK delegation to WRC-23.
In 2019 Mr Woolford took on the role of Chairman of the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) of CEPT and was re-elected for a second term in 2022. He has also been a Director of the International Institute of Communications since 2018.
Mr Woolford has 25 years’ experience of working on spectrum and communications regulation, both at Ofcom and its predecessor (Oftel). He has a degree in mathematics and statistics from Manchester University.
Luke Coleman – Head of Government & Corporate Affairs, Vocus; Incoming CEO, Comms Alliance
Luke Coleman is an experienced government and corporate affairs professional with a background in journalism, communications, policy, and industry regulation. He has held key senior advisory roles across cyber security, regional communications, spectrum management, and the National Broadband Network and has a deep understanding of the sector, its challenges, and future opportunities.
Gareth Downing – Deputy Chief Executive Officer, ACCAN
Gareth oversees a team responsible for ACCAN’s policy work, community engagement and membership. His career has focused on policy and regulation and he has worked on policy across a number of regulated sectors including telecommunications, energy and water. Gareth is committed to advancing consumer’s interest through his leadership of ACCAN’s policy team.
Gareth has previously sat on the ACCAN board, and prior to that worked for ACCAN in the role of Senior Policy Analyst providing advice on a wide range of policy, economic regulation and pricing matters. Gareth holds tertiary qualifications in policy, economics and law.
The discussion will be moderated by
Kirsten Webb – Partner, Clayton Utz
Kristen brings exceptional leadership and commercially focused advice across the complete spectrum of competition and consumer law, including complex anti-trust litigation, sensitive merger clearance, key regulatory advisory and enforcement action by the ACCC and other regulators. She also advises on communications regulation, consumer protection and compliance.
Book your tickets here.
This event is kindly hosted by
