2007/09/27
Ofcom fines GMTV £2m
Ofcom has today fined GMTV £2,000,000 for misconduct in viewer competitions between August 2003 and February 2007. This is the largest financial penalty to be imposed against a broadcaster by Ofcom.
GMTV was found in breach of the following rules:
Rule 2.11 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, which came into effect on 25 July
2005, “Competitions should be conducted fairly…”; and
Rule 8.2(b) of the ITC (Independent Television Commission) Code 2002 "Use of Premium Rate
Telephone Services in Programmes: The licensee must retain control of and responsibility
for the service arrangements....".
This is the highest fine ever imposed on a broadcaster in the UK.
Opal Telecom (the operator who actually ran the telecoms operation) were also fined £250,000.
Ofcom considers fast broadband outlook and pledges clarity for investors | Ofcom
Ofcom considers fast broadband outlook and pledges clarity for investors | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation into Next Generation Access (NGA). This is the ability to deliver high speed services into the home.
Though: -
- over ninety-nine per cent of the UK is connected to a broadband enabled exchange;
- over half of UK households have taken up broadband;
- almost three quarters have a choice of at least two broadband (ADSL and/or cable)
network providers;
- the average headline speed has doubled in a year to reach 4.6mb/s and broadband prices
have fallen by 9% in the last twelve months.
Ofcom want to continue to ensure that there is competetion in the market etc.
The consultation closes on Dec 5th 2007.
Ofcom is holding a consultation into Next Generation Access (NGA). This is the ability to deliver high speed services into the home.
Though: -
- over ninety-nine per cent of the UK is connected to a broadband enabled exchange;
- over half of UK households have taken up broadband;
- almost three quarters have a choice of at least two broadband (ADSL and/or cable)
network providers;
- the average headline speed has doubled in a year to reach 4.6mb/s and broadband prices
have fallen by 9% in the last twelve months.
Ofcom want to continue to ensure that there is competetion in the market etc.
The consultation closes on Dec 5th 2007.
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry
If you're a fan of Stephen Fry, here's his blog - or more the rantings of of a very educated technogeek. It's not what you'd think. He appraises the current tranch of smartphones including Apple's iPhone.
As a dedicated Mac fan, he's not ashamed to blast its deficiencies as well as those from virtually every other smartphone vendor.
It's only his first post, so hopefully lots more to come.
If you're a fan of Stephen Fry, here's his blog - or more the rantings of of a very educated technogeek. It's not what you'd think. He appraises the current tranch of smartphones including Apple's iPhone.
As a dedicated Mac fan, he's not ashamed to blast its deficiencies as well as those from virtually every other smartphone vendor.
It's only his first post, so hopefully lots more to come.
2007/09/25
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Ofcom, following a decision by the RSC (which sets radio spectrum policy in the EU and other areas) is consulting on what should be done with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands.
900MHz is currently used by O2 and Vodafone, while 1800MHz is utilised by T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone (though T-Mobile and Orange utilise the bulk of it).
Ofcom could re-allocate the spectrum in several ways (and have come out with 4 options, 1 through D where A is just re-use and D is complete re-allocation).
Since the characteristics of the 1800MHz band are similar to that of the 2.1GHz (2100MHz) and even 2.5/2.6GHz bands, the economic case for re-allocation (including disruption to existing operators) doesn't seem the best way forwards and Ofcom is proposing just to allow spectrum re-use (i.e. currently only 2G services can be utilised in this spectrum, but Ofcom is proposing that 3G services will also be allowed, but by the existing operators).
900MHz is much more valuable spectrum as it has very good propogation characteristics (especially in built-up areas). Ofcom are therefore proposing to revoke some spectrum from O2 and Vodafone's allocations. It is likely that O2 and Vodafone will complain bitterly, especially O2 as they are rolling-out an E.D.G.E. network (which is GSM based) to support Apple's iPhone and other terminals - so they are upgrading their existing network, only to be mandated to release spectrum.
By releasing two blocks of spectrum in the 900MHz band, Ofcom would allow 2 new entrants into the market who could offer 3G or wireless broadband services. This would increase competition and allow new services to be offered. There are already 3G networks running on 900MHz so equipment is readily available.
O2 and Vodafone will not be allowed to bid on the revoked spectrum.
Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation has until the 29th of November to do so.
Ofcom, following a decision by the RSC (which sets radio spectrum policy in the EU and other areas) is consulting on what should be done with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands.
900MHz is currently used by O2 and Vodafone, while 1800MHz is utilised by T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone (though T-Mobile and Orange utilise the bulk of it).
Ofcom could re-allocate the spectrum in several ways (and have come out with 4 options, 1 through D where A is just re-use and D is complete re-allocation).
Since the characteristics of the 1800MHz band are similar to that of the 2.1GHz (2100MHz) and even 2.5/2.6GHz bands, the economic case for re-allocation (including disruption to existing operators) doesn't seem the best way forwards and Ofcom is proposing just to allow spectrum re-use (i.e. currently only 2G services can be utilised in this spectrum, but Ofcom is proposing that 3G services will also be allowed, but by the existing operators).
900MHz is much more valuable spectrum as it has very good propogation characteristics (especially in built-up areas). Ofcom are therefore proposing to revoke some spectrum from O2 and Vodafone's allocations. It is likely that O2 and Vodafone will complain bitterly, especially O2 as they are rolling-out an E.D.G.E. network (which is GSM based) to support Apple's iPhone and other terminals - so they are upgrading their existing network, only to be mandated to release spectrum.
By releasing two blocks of spectrum in the 900MHz band, Ofcom would allow 2 new entrants into the market who could offer 3G or wireless broadband services. This would increase competition and allow new services to be offered. There are already 3G networks running on 900MHz so equipment is readily available.
O2 and Vodafone will not be allowed to bid on the revoked spectrum.
Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation has until the 29th of November to do so.
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