The latest in the Telecoms Trailblazers series
Hello, I am Chris Bond. I have worked at FarrPoint - an independent connectivity and smart technology consultancy - since 2016, and now head up the team responsible for data and visualisation. We provide advice on regional connectivity, network infrastructure, 4G and 5G, smart places, IoT, Technology-Enabled Care and enterprise IT.
To date, we have advised on over £3.5 billion worth of digital connectivity projects in the UK and overseas. My current focus is Project Gigabit, the government’s flagship £5 billion programme to deliver lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach communities.
The project targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ plans, reaching parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on getting the digital connectivity they need. The fast, reliable connections delivered will level up mostly rural and remote communities across the UK, as well as tackle pockets of poor connectivity in urban areas.
The UK government strives to be at the forefront of technological development. Remaining competitive, and seeking out innovation should remain a priority. But while it is easy to become fixated on wanting to achieve more and more with technology, let's make sure this progress is enjoyed by the many, not the few. Nobody should be left behind.
1/ What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
From a very young age, I’ve always been interested in technology. Consultancy is all about learning new things and problem-solving, which I relish. I then use my understanding of the industry and technology to listen to clients and help them achieve their goals.
I studied Engineering and I think that brings a practical angle to what I do around data and analysis. It’s not just knowing how to work with data, but understanding what it represents, and how it’s related, and being able to develop plans and strategies from it.
At FarrPoint, we understand both the technology and the end-use cases, so I get to see the whole picture and what connectivity and technology mean to people. I think we’re different as we’re not interested in technology for its own sake, but always considering the ‘so what’.
2/ What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
In a previous role, where I was developing a technology solution for field surveys, I ended up helping out with an ecology survey in rural Scotland. It was a chance to see how people were using and engaging with my work but I spent most of the time looking for badgers…
3/ What excites you most about working in telecoms?
Telecoms and the data science world are continually changing. It is very complicated and in my day-to-day work, I’m often working with developments at a fast pace. It’s fun being kept on your toes.
4/ What would you like people to know about your work?
You may not have heard of FarrPoint but there is a good chance that you will have benefited from some of the projects we are working on, given the scale, particularly around fixed and mobile infrastructure. We may have worked with your local authority or perhaps improved services in your area.
5/ Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
I’ve been in this field for about 13 years, I believe. Connectivity has gone from being considered a luxury, to an essential utility. But there is still a huge scope for technology to be used for the better. There’s so much more to give. For me, having connectivity and the required infrastructure is just the beginning. A robust telecoms ecosystems is fundamental. Everything else runs beneath.
