What do fibre networks, sheep farming, and the future of broadband have in common? A lot more than you’d think.
In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn sits down with David Hough, outgoing CTO of Freedom Fibre and one of the most experienced voices in the UK telecom scene. Recorded live at Connected North, this candid conversation explores the real state of Britain’s broadband—from the overcrowded altnet battlefield to the promise of network orchestration and the critical role of customer trust in driving adoption.
David doesn’t hold back on what’s broken in the industry, how consolidation is inevitable, and why building smarter, not bigger, is the key to nationwide connectivity. Oh—and when he’s not building networks? He’s raising sheep on a 120-acre farm. Seriously.
If you care about where your internet comes from—or where it’s going—this episode is essential listening.
Links and resources

• Freedom Fibre
• Connected North
• Inmanta
• City Fibre
• Community Fibre
• Net Omnia
• Ogi
• KCOM
• Lila connect
• Building Digital UK (BDUK)

Guest bio

David has always worked in Telecommunications with over 35 years of extensive telecoms experience, in the service provider, altnet and equipment vendor sectors. Having worked for BT, GPT, Marconi, Ericsson, ECI, KCOM, TalkTalk, Upp and now Freedom Fibre. Recently, David was responsible for the architecture, transformation and design of solutions for the core access and orchestration layers of a key UK Service provider network. Utilising future-proof SDN solutions and implementing a true IP-enabled end-to-end network to deliver the first complete UK FTTP solution. Previously, David has held Technical Director roles for several suppliers covering access, voice, data and management products, working with Tier 1 service providers to deliver next-generation solutions.

Podcast credits

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: David Hough (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hough-4530071/ )
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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