The Communications Network rebrands as the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals

TCN rebrands as the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals

Dynamic new growth strategy for leading independent industry body – improved website, and new magazine to reflect increased focus on networking and professional development

Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, 19 September 2007: Heralding a major new phase in its development as the telecommunications industry’s leading independent authority, The Communications Network (TCN) has relaunched as the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP).

Originally founded as the Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers, and later renamed The Institution of British Telecommunications Engineers, TCN celebrated its centenary in 2006. The decision to rebrand follows a six-month strategic review of the organisation’s activities, in collaboration with its corporate members and other key stakeholders.

“This marks an important step in our illustrious history,” states new CEO, Brendan O’Mahony, “and more accurately reflects our heritage and what the organisation means to today’s membership, which includes major corporate sponsors BT, SAS, 3M and Fujitsu. Most importantly, it represents over 10,000 individuals from all professions within this rapidly-expanding and ever-changing industry.

“At the same time, in responding to our members’ needs we also have put in place number of exciting initiatives designed to increase our appeal to a broader market, by enhancing the value of both corporate and individual membership across the communications industry,” he confirms.

Emphasis on professional development

IPT is working with Foundation Degree Forward (fdf) and e-skills UK to develop an industry-led work-based Foundation Degree.

“Our objective,” confirms O’Mahony, “is to design and develop a high quality National Information Communications Technology Foundation Degree, in association with a consortium of ICT/Telecoms employers (including BT, Fujitsu, Oracle, Orange, Virgin, Vodafone) and other sector stakeholders. Most importantly, this will be innovative in its design and delivery and is aligned to the business needs of the employers across the communications industry.

In addition to The Journal – for a century the industry’s leading technical publication – in October the ITP will introduce a new industry magazine, Telecoms Professional, which will be a ‘must read’ for anyone with an interest in telecoms,” says O’Mahony.

Popular mentoring programme

ITP members also benefit from a mentoring scheme that partners experienced professionals with those who are seeking to further develop their careers. The programme is especially distinctive in that, wherever possible, ITP partners mentors with mentees from other organisations across the communications industry.

Along with the new name, the ITP has unveiled an enhanced website – www.theitp.org – designed to meet the specific needs of both its existing membership and prospective members. Navigation has been made as easy as possible and new features include:

• a countrywide calendar of networking and social events
• blogs, creating a forum for members to exchange information with the ITP and each other
• a central information exchange, enabling corporate members to share information and contribute White Papers, tutorials, presentations and webinars
• instant result polls
• an exclusive recruitment section for both employers and individuals
• The Journal Online – giving on-line access to 100 years of The Journal
• a unique peer-to-peer community to support and encourage professional networking.
• on-line tutorials

Peter Ingram, CTO of Ofcom, has been associated with the organisation for many years: “The ITP plays a valuable role in our industry,” he believes, ”and the re-branding reflects its continuing determination to stay at the forefront of developments affecting both communications companies and staff alike”

O’Mahony agrees and adds: “Our goal at the ITP is to offer all the benefits and features expected from the leading professional authority in a growing and dynamic telecommunications industry.”

- ends -

Notes to Editors
The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) is the leading independent professional authority, for the telecommunications industry. The ITP aims to improve working practices within the industry by promoting a wide range of professional development programmes.

Founded in 1906, and previously known as The Communications Network and The Institute of British Telecommunications Engineers, the ITP membership contains over 10,000 individuals representing a cross-section of professions within the industry. Major corporate sponsors include BT, SAS, 3M, Fujitsu, Huawei and Viatel.

For more information about the ITP, please visit www.theITP.org or telephone 01932 788861
Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. For information about Ofcom visit http://www.ofcom.org.uk/