NLconnect Panel on CSA2 at ANGA COM
On May 20, NLconnect will host a panel session at ANGA COM in Cologne titled “Cybersecurity Act 2: a balancing act between business opportunities and risk mitigation?” The session will focus on the growing importance of cybersecurity policy for the telecom-, broadband- and fiber industry, and on the potential impact of the upcoming revision of the European Cybersecurity Act (CSA2) on operators, vendors and the wider digital connectivity ecosystem.
NLconnect has been a cooperation partner of ANGA COM for many years and traditionally organizes a panel discussion as part of the conference programme. In previous editions, these sessions addressed topics such as the rollout of fibre networks in the Netherlands and the reduction of Scope 3 emissions across telecom value chains.
In 2026, NLconnect will organise a one-hour panel session focusing on the implications of the Cybersecurity Act 2 for the connectivity sector. As the European Union seeks to strengthen cybersecurity certification frameworks and address strategic dependencies in digital infrastructure, the proposal raises important questions for the telecom industry. The discussion will explore how CSA2 may influence product security requirements, supply chain resilience, market access and innovation across the sector.
The session will begin with a short overview by Feyo Sickinghe (NLconnect / Bird & Bird), who will outline the main elements of the Cybersecurity Act 2 proposal, the current state of play in Brussels and the potential implications for the telecom and broadband industry.
The panel will then feature perspectives from different parts of the value chain. Kira Terstappen-Richter (Head of Public Affairs at FRITZ!) will reflect on the implications of CSA2 for European technological sovereignty and the position of European vendors in the global telecom equipment market. She will discuss how certification and security requirements could influence the development of the vendor landscape and what this may mean for innovation and competition in the sector. Anthony Basham (VP of Active Products EMEA at Netceed) will address the potential impact of the legislation on suppliers, and whether CSA2 could lead to greater collaboration or further fragmentation in the global telecom ecosystem. Roel van Kessel (Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs at Eurofiber) will share the operator perspective on how CSA2 may affect network deployment, procurement strategies and security responsibilities.
The presentations will be followed by a moderated panel discussion and audience Q&A, offering an opportunity to exchange views on how the industry should prepare for the evolving European cybersecurity framework.
Technology and Practice track
The session takes place on May 20 from 10:00 to 11:00 in Room 2 at the ANGA COM conference, as part of the Technology and Practice track.
Join us on May 20 at ANGA COM to take part in a forward-looking discussion on how the Cybersecurity Act 2 may reshape the telecom, broadband and fiber sector — and how the industry can balance stronger security requirements with innovation, open markets and resilient supply chains.
Feyo is chairman of the NLconnect Groep Graafrechten (Rights of Way Association), representing ten national telecoms operators in the Netherlands. He is also chairman of the NLconnect Groep Digitale Diensten (Group Digital Services) consisting of the four main telecoms operators in consumer markets.
He is a Principal Regulatory Counsel to Bird & Bird’s Regulatory & Public Affairs practice in the Netherlands and Brussels with a focus on tech and comms and digital markets regulation, drawing on in-depth business knowledge and extensive experience in TMT and public administration.
Roel van Kessel is Head of Regulatory & Public affairs for the Eurofiber Group. Since its founding in 2000, Eurofiber has become a leading provider and operator of open digital infrastructure in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany and Luxemburg.
Roel has been active in the telecoms industry for over 20 years and has experience both as working for the national regulator and for operators.
Kira Terstappen-Richter is Head of Public Affairs at FRITZ!. In this role, Kira shapes the political positioning of one of the leading manufacturers of broadband and home networking products, while closely accompanying European and national legislative processes. Her career has taken her from positions as a parliamentary advisor in the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia to the German Bundestag, where she served as Chief of Staff to a Member of Parliament specialising in economic and telecommunications policy.
Anthony Basham is VP of Active Products EMEA at Netceed and has more than 30 years of experience in the broadband and telecommunications industry, with expertise across cable networks, DOCSIS, RF engineering, technical support and sales. He holds an Electrical Engineering degree, a Master’s degree in Project Management and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Alongside his industry roles, he has been active in the SCTE Executive Committee since 2017, where he has held senior positions including President and Vice Chair of Training.
Locatie
ANGA COM Conference Room 2
Messeplatz
50679 Köln
Germany
