The techUK podcast: Reflecting on the DSIT International Telecoms Summit
techUK’s new podcast invites back some of the key speakers from the recent International Telecoms Summit to reflect on the topics, themes and key challenges discussed at the conference, which took place at techUK for London Tech Week.
techUK’s Sophie James is joined by The Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries and Minister of State (Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure) from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Brian Larkin from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in the US, and Mavenir’s John Baker. Our guests share their reflections on the Conference itself, some of the key topics and themes that were explored, and the importance of international collaboration in the global telecoms sector.
The Minister recaps the key announcements shared during his keynote speech, why DSIT is committed to an ambitious set of interventions for UK telecoms, the diversification of the telecoms supply chain and other key activities his department is leading on, such as Project Gigabit. From the US, Brian shares the NTIA’s perspectives on international collaboration, and the industry viewpoint comes from leading telecoms software company Mavenir. John reflects on the state of open and disaggregated networks, and the transition the telecoms market is undertaking with Open RAN.
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Jaynesh has extensive experience in the sector, having worked for CityFibre (a full fibre broadband company) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on digital infrastructure policy. Most recently Jaynesh led on policy and public affairs in the UK and Ireland for ChargePoint (an EV charging network).
Prior to this Jaynesh worked in the Cabinet Office for more than five years, including over two years at the Government Digital Service (GDS) supporting the digital transformation of UK Government.
Jaynesh has a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayneshpatel/
Josh Turpin
Josh Turpin
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
Matthew Wild
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2000
Tales Gaspar
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar