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Wed, 11/12/2024 - 10:12
Omelcom’s UK Business Development Manager Jamie Todd is leveraging a decade of industry experience to strengthen the manufacturer's status in the UK telecom market. Jamie is accelerating strategic actions to form critical collaborations with altnets and fibre providers to support long-term network development for both small and large-scale projects.
Here, Jamie catches up with FibreProvider.net to discuss his strategy, Omelcom’s challenges and enablers, as well as the role of a collaborative stakeholder ecosystem for driving continued sectoral success.
What are your current priorities, and what are the main challenges and opportunities associated with these?
Our primary focus for 2024/2025 is to strengthen our presence in the UK, one of Europe's largest and most dynamic telecom markets. Our current priority is to leverage our expertise from diverse international markets (France, Germany, the USA, Canada, and North Africa) to support UK network builders and service providers. The challenge lies in navigating the unique regulatory and market conditions in the UK while ensuring that our solutions are adaptable to the local needs. However, the opportunity is substantial as the UK expands its full fibre network.
What are your broad views on the current UK fibre landscape?
The UK fibre landscape is still maturing with continued growth anticipated in 2024. While there is some uncertainty in the market, the shift from homes passed to homes connected is a crucial milestone, indicating progress toward widespread fibre adoption. As investment dries up, altnets can increase their value by focusing on quality, customer-centric services, and cost-effective network designs.
How important are collaborations in building value for altnets? What are the benefits of a collective stakeholder ecosystem?
Collaborations are vital for altnets to thrive. By working closely with stakeholders—network builders, telcos, and distributors—altnets can ensure that their solutions are well-integrated and meet the evolving demands of the market. For us, building strong relationships with distributors ensures that our products are accessible to the right people, allowing for quicker deployment and greater network efficiency. A collective stakeholder ecosystem fosters shared knowledge, accelerates innovation, and increases value for all involved parties.
Are UK altnets making the most of partnerships?
While some UK altnets are already leveraging partnerships effectively, there is still room for growth in maximising these collaborations, especially in terms of local community engagement and feedback. Altnets that prioritize understanding and working closely with the communities they serve will likely be more successful in the long run. At Omelcom, we actively support altnets in this regard by offering sustainable, 100% recycled products designed to last for over 30 years, helping them meet both technical and environmental goals.
Please discuss the importance of ESG in your mission.
ESG is integral to Omelcom’s mission, and we are committed to improving our sustainability practices every year. In 2024, we were awarded a Gold rating from EcoVadis in recognition of our sustainability efforts. We remain committed to reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing our use of recycled plastics, continually striving for improvements in our environmental impact. Our annual ESG report outlines our progress and goals, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. For us, ESG is not just about corporate responsibility but about ensuring the long-term viability and ethical impact of our business.
Will market consolidation affect your position in the UK altnet market?
The consolidation of small altnets into larger entities could create both opportunities and challenges. As companies merge and adopt best practices, the demand for flexible, cost-effective solutions will grow. However, if the merged companies rely on outdated technologies or resist innovation, they may face challenges. This is where Omelcom’s ability to bespoke solutions will continue to differentiate us.
What is your key offering to the altnet/ISP community, and how is it progressing the UK’s full-fibre rollout?
Omelcom offers a range of network equipment, from design and manufacturing to custom solutions. We pride ourselves on being agile and responsive—like a speedboat rather than a tanker. Our ability to quickly produce both standard and bespoke products enables us to meet the specific needs of each customer.
How important will embracing innovation be for fibre providers as they look to differentiate?
Innovation is crucial for fibre providers looking to stand out in a competitive market. Many UK companies still rely on outdated methods of network construction, and now is the time for transformation. Embracing new technologies and innovative solutions will be key to differentiating in an increasingly crowded market. We’ve seen this success in countries like France and Germany, where providers have shifted from legacy systems to our tailored solutions to meet their exact requirements.
