Quickline Communications CEO Sean Royce receives Outstanding Contribution industry award

Sean Royce pictured with his award

MR Royce received the Outstanding Contribution award at the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) Awards in recognition of his contribution to the broadband industry spanning more than three decades.

The awards recognise and celebrate the best alternative broadband networks (alt nets) and internet service providers (ISPs) from across the UK.

Mr Royce, a pioneer in the field, received the accolade for his leadership in groundbreaking initiatives, such as introducing the first commercial ‘fast internet’ service using ADSL technology and pioneering TV and VOD (video on demand) services.

However, Mr Royce’s lasting impact was when he convinced sceptics in 2011 that constructing a city-wide full fibre network was both viable and achievable. By 2019, under Mr Royce’s visionary leadership, Hull became the first city with 100% of premises able to access full fibre, resulting in a profound positive economic impact for the region.

Having championed fibre to the premise (FTTP) in urban areas, Mr Royce’s current focus with leading rural broadband provider Quickline is addressing the digital divide with another UK first – integrating 5G standalone Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) with FTTP to ensure widespread connectivity in isolated areas.

Mr Royce said: “I’m honoured to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award.

“This recognition is not just a testament to my efforts, but to the hard work and dedication of the teams I’ve had the privilege to work with over the past 30 years.

“I’ve been in the fortunate position to be involved in and lead some truly incredible projects and now, at Quickline, I remain committed to our mission of connecting rural communities to a world of possibilities and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a positive impact in hard-to-reach locations across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire."

The INCA Awards Dinner took place on the evening of Tuesday, November 21 as part of the two-day annual conference held at the National Conference Centre near Birmingham.