After listening to various concerns from several alternative network service providers and IT infrastructure providers, COFNII identified the lack of standardisation of network deployments and the skills gap as major industry-wide issues. Through its unique platform for industry-wide collaboration and improvement, COFNII is working to promote standardisation on installations and address the skills gap.

Telecommunications and IT infrastructure are not regulated when it comes to installations, which means they are exposed to poor-quality installations in other industries, like electrical and gas have specific schemes other trades are regulated, so why aren’t IT & Telecommunications? The time has come for change?

Background

The UK telecommunications and IT network infrastructure industry face significant challenges that must be addressed urgently. These issues compromise the quality, efficiency, and reliability of fibre optic networks, making COFNII and stakeholder support crucial for advancing the UK’s digital infrastructure and the overall growth of the telecommunications industry. 

Despite the current challenges, the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure has significant potential for growth and improvement. By addressing these issues, we can advance the UK’s digital infrastructure and the overall development of the telecommunications industry, presenting a promising opportunity for all stakeholders.

These issues include: 

• Lack of standardisation: No uniform standard for network-build construction leads to inconsistent installation quality.
• Skills gap: The industry suffers from a shortage of adequately trained and skilled operatives, resulting in poor-quality installations.
• Inadequate training: Many installers lack the knowledge and expertise to build high-quality fibre optic networks, leading to substandard work.
• Financial burden on operators: Network operators are often left with excessive bills due to poor-quality installations and networks that do not function as intended.
• Operational inefficiencies: Poorly constructed networks prevent operators from going live promptly when build partners return to the network.
• Lack of industry support: Network operators and installers have lacked adequate support from trade organisations for years.
• Absence of quality assurance: There is no widely accepted system for auditing and ensuring the quality of installations across the industry.
• Insufficient professional recognition: The industry lacks a comprehensive scheme for professional recognition and certification of skilled workers. COFNII recognises the need for better collaboration among manufacturers, network operators, installers, and operatives to address industry-wide issues such as the lack of standardisation and the skills gap. We are committed to promoting this collaboration to improve the industry and underscore the importance of your involvement as stakeholders. Your participation is not just appreciated but crucial for our collective success.
• Reputation damage: The prevalence of poorly trained operatives and substandard work damages the industry’s reputation and hinders its growth.

Paul Forster

Chairman, The Confederation of Fibre Optics and Network Infrastructure (Cofnii)
Owner and Managing Director, TNS Comms and Total Network Solutions Europe Ltd (TNS Europe)

Paul Forster is a key leader in the UK’s telecommunications industry, with over 25 years of experience in network infrastructure, training, and industry standards. As the Chairman of The Confederation of Fibre Optics and Network Infrastructure (Cofnii), Forster is committed to revolutionising the UK telecommunications sector. Under his leadership, Cofnii aims to create a robust, efficient, and future-ready telecommunications infrastructure that supports the UK’s growing digital economy. With a focus on quality, education, and collaboration, Cofnii’s initiatives benefit operators, installers, and end-users alike.

Forster’s deep industry experience plays a pivotal role in his work at Cofnii. He is also the owner and Managing Director of TNS Comms, a trusted contractor, and TNS Europe, a leading training provider. Through these companies, Forster has developed expertise in fibre optics and network cabling, alongside a strong commitment to improving industry standards. His training programmes, developed specifically for Cofnii, are designed to address the skills gap in telecommunications. These courses, expected to gain Ofqual approval by 2025, will set new benchmarks for qualifications in the industry.

Key Contributions
As Chairman of Cofnii, Forster is focused on creating impactful change within the industry. His hands-on experience at TNS Comms and TNS Europe enables him to lead Cofnii’s mission to revolutionise telecommunications infrastructure. His work with the British Standards Institute (BSI), where he contributes to the development of network infrastructure standards through the GEL 86 committee, aligns with Cofnii’s goals to enhance the quality and efficiency of the UK’s fibre optic networks.

Paul Forster’s leadership, dedication to education, and advocacy for industry collaboration are instrumental in shaping the future of telecommunications in the UK, ensuring that the infrastructure keeps pace with the evolving demands of a digital economy.