Spotify the Swedish music streaming company (which has players for Mac and Windows) has now launched an iPhone version.
It's been in the queue with Apple for about a month, but was finally given approval yesterday. Many feared it wouldn't make the app store as it competes with Apple's own iTunes service.
Spotify on iPhone will only be available to users who subscribe to their £9.99 per month service, though the application is a free download. Spotify expect the iPhone app to drive new customers to their premium services.
The app allows sync'ed playlists with the desktop version and other features.
US customers still have to wait until Spotify complete licensing deals with the stakeholders in the US, but a launch there is expected next year, though some lucky US people have had pre-launch invites.
Spotify is also rumored to be in talks with Facebook who have been lacking a music service so far, a FB/Spotify tie-up would seriously impinge MySpace's youth music market.
Whichever way you look at it, Spotify are a company to watch, hopefully they'll not get bought out by Facebook or other US giant and can be a genuine European success story.
2009/08/28
2009/08/24
Google transports 600GB of data per day
Google's municipal WiFi network in Mountain View, CA is now transporting more than 600GB of data per day.
Tropos built and maintains the network for Google, which offers free WiFi in about 12 square miles around Mountain View.
The traffic volumes have doubled over the last 2 years and much of the increased traffic can be attributed to iPhones and other devices with built-in WiFi.
AT&T is also seeing increased device usage in its hotspots, but muni WiFi has not succeeded on the whole.
Tropos built and maintains the network for Google, which offers free WiFi in about 12 square miles around Mountain View.
The traffic volumes have doubled over the last 2 years and much of the increased traffic can be attributed to iPhones and other devices with built-in WiFi.
AT&T is also seeing increased device usage in its hotspots, but muni WiFi has not succeeded on the whole.
Apple haven't "rejected" Google Voice
Apple's response to the FCC investigation over allegations of Apple rejecting Google's Google Voice app are unfounded, maybe.
Apple is still considering whether it should allow the application into the app store. It has not consulted with the MNOs and it's still in internal discussions.
Of course Apple's indecision is pretty much equivalent to them rejecting it, at least until they make a decision as a non-decision means no entry into the app store.
If Google Voice is allowed in, it could mean a change in policy for other VoIP applications which "intercept" the dialer.
Apple is still considering whether it should allow the application into the app store. It has not consulted with the MNOs and it's still in internal discussions.
Of course Apple's indecision is pretty much equivalent to them rejecting it, at least until they make a decision as a non-decision means no entry into the app store.
If Google Voice is allowed in, it could mean a change in policy for other VoIP applications which "intercept" the dialer.
Nokia announces now Booklet
Nokia has announced a new Windows laptop (or Booklet as they call it). It utilises the Intel Atom processor and comes with WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G built-in. It also incorporates A-GPS, an SD card reader and an HDMI port.
It does this all while having an impressive 12 hours battery life. It's also only weighs 1.25Kg and is less than 2cm thick while having an HD glass LCD panel.
Nokia haven't released full specs or pricing which will be announced at the forthcoming Nokia World.
Though running Windows, it will still offer the Ovi suite which will be pre-installed.
Nokia is obviously making a statement before Apple come out with their 10" ultra portable.
It does this all while having an impressive 12 hours battery life. It's also only weighs 1.25Kg and is less than 2cm thick while having an HD glass LCD panel.
Nokia haven't released full specs or pricing which will be announced at the forthcoming Nokia World.
Though running Windows, it will still offer the Ovi suite which will be pre-installed.
Nokia is obviously making a statement before Apple come out with their 10" ultra portable.
2009/08/21
Twitter adding Geolocation to API
In the near future the Twitter API will be extended with the ability to geotag the tweet. The user will have to enable adding geo information to the tweet (for privacy reasons) but this will be a genuinely useful addition to the service. It will also allow a whole new slew of geo enabled applications that can get very interesting information from gthe Twitter stream.
Initially the new API will be released to a limited number of platform developers (who are generally the people writing Twitter clients) before opening it to the general public.
Twitter are also developing further additions which will enable commercial users of Twitter to gain increased functionality from the service, though @ev (Evan Williams) has said the service will always be free for ordinary users.
Initially the new API will be released to a limited number of platform developers (who are generally the people writing Twitter clients) before opening it to the general public.
Twitter are also developing further additions which will enable commercial users of Twitter to gain increased functionality from the service, though @ev (Evan Williams) has said the service will always be free for ordinary users.
2009/08/13
Femto cells to be big?
Ubiquisys has just raised $11m as they expect the Femto cell market to explode.
Why is everyone so surprised? Femto cells in the home using the customer's broadband connection makes sense for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as they remove some of the backhaul requirements which is an incredibly expensive operational cost.
As new data services are launched like HSPDA+ which offer 20Mb/s or so download speeds and eventually LTE (or even WiMAX) the backhaul requirements just get worse.
Currently the MNOs restrict the in-premise cells to just a few users, but in the future it's likely the femto cells will be given away for free, the customer gets "free" or greatly reduced call charges and free or cheap data. However at some point the MNOs will allow 3rd party users on to the cells for calls and data. They can then use in-home cells for micro fill and offloading traffic from the main cell sites.
This only is really practical for 3G femto cells as they will co-operate with neighbouring cells and not interfere on the radio side of things. Unfortunately 2G femto cells still need to be frequency planned which causes a nightmare if they are randomly deployed (unless they have their own spectrum to sit in, which is available in the old GSM Guard Bands - but of the MNOs only O2 has a low power guard band license).
Vodafone have taken the initiative in the UK and it's surely only a matter of time before the other operators follow suit with their own femto cell rollouts.
Why is everyone so surprised? Femto cells in the home using the customer's broadband connection makes sense for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as they remove some of the backhaul requirements which is an incredibly expensive operational cost.
As new data services are launched like HSPDA+ which offer 20Mb/s or so download speeds and eventually LTE (or even WiMAX) the backhaul requirements just get worse.
Currently the MNOs restrict the in-premise cells to just a few users, but in the future it's likely the femto cells will be given away for free, the customer gets "free" or greatly reduced call charges and free or cheap data. However at some point the MNOs will allow 3rd party users on to the cells for calls and data. They can then use in-home cells for micro fill and offloading traffic from the main cell sites.
This only is really practical for 3G femto cells as they will co-operate with neighbouring cells and not interfere on the radio side of things. Unfortunately 2G femto cells still need to be frequency planned which causes a nightmare if they are randomly deployed (unless they have their own spectrum to sit in, which is available in the old GSM Guard Bands - but of the MNOs only O2 has a low power guard band license).
Vodafone have taken the initiative in the UK and it's surely only a matter of time before the other operators follow suit with their own femto cell rollouts.
2009/08/11
Consultation on the way forward for the future use of the band 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz | Ofcom
Consultation on the way forward for the future use of the band 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz bands.
The last consultation was held in Summer 2006, but the conditions have changed since then.
It's likely that the GSM directive will be amended such that the 900MHz and other bands can be refarmed for 3G use. This means the 917 - 921 MHz which is adjacent to this band will need to be controlled such that 3G interference is minimised.
Ofcom are considering the band for UMTS use and systems such as LTE could work in the band.
Ofcom are also considering allowing short range devices such as RFID systems to operate in this band in a light licensing regime as interference is likely to be very localised.
The consultation closes on the 3rd of Nov 2009.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz bands.
The last consultation was held in Summer 2006, but the conditions have changed since then.
It's likely that the GSM directive will be amended such that the 900MHz and other bands can be refarmed for 3G use. This means the 917 - 921 MHz which is adjacent to this band will need to be controlled such that 3G interference is minimised.
Ofcom are considering the band for UMTS use and systems such as LTE could work in the band.
Ofcom are also considering allowing short range devices such as RFID systems to operate in this band in a light licensing regime as interference is likely to be very localised.
The consultation closes on the 3rd of Nov 2009.
2009/08/04
Blackberry App World updates itself
Blackberry has updated it's App World application to v1.1 which promises faster image and icon loading and other improvements such as showing the available memory and suggesting ways of gaining more memory such as moving applications on to SD storage.
There are now about 2,000 applications on App World which is still a tiny amount compared to Apple's efforts, but at least there are some.
There are now about 2,000 applications on App World which is still a tiny amount compared to Apple's efforts, but at least there are some.
2009/07/30
Skype for Asterisk Open Beta
Digium have announced their Skype for Asterisk Open Beta which anyone can get a license key (and chan_skype software) for the Asterisk open source IP PBX.
The open beta will close on Aug 7th and the licenses will expire on Aug 31st so if you apply now, that gives about a month's worth of testing,
You need to register on Digium's site to make a purchase which will cost all of $0.
The Skype software and license is available to buy here.
This allows an Asterisk PBX to log into Skype which then acts as a channel driver so calls can be sent through the channel.
The open beta will close on Aug 7th and the licenses will expire on Aug 31st so if you apply now, that gives about a month's worth of testing,
You need to register on Digium's site to make a purchase which will cost all of $0.
The Skype software and license is available to buy here.
This allows an Asterisk PBX to log into Skype which then acts as a channel driver so calls can be sent through the channel.
2009/07/28
Virgin Mobile Sprints away
Sprint is acquiring Virgin Mobile USA for $483m. Sprint is already a shareholder (13.1%) and Virgin is an MVNO on Sprint's network.
Sprint will gain advantages by reducing operational requirements.
This will give Virgin a small cash boost, but the whole group is still up for sale.
Sprint will gain advantages by reducing operational requirements.
This will give Virgin a small cash boost, but the whole group is still up for sale.
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 modifying a direction applying the Electronic Communications Code in the case of Airwave Solutions Limited | Ofcom
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 modifying a direction applying the Electronic Communications Code in the case of Airwave Solutions Limited | Ofcom
Ofcom has granted Airwave a variance in the appliance of the Communications Code such that they are now able to build a private mobile radio network for The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralmypic Games.
airwave already have a license which allows them to build mobile networks for the emergency services and other public organisations, this just gives them the ability to provide the same type of network for the Olympics in the Stratford area.
Ofcom has granted Airwave a variance in the appliance of the Communications Code such that they are now able to build a private mobile radio network for The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralmypic Games.
airwave already have a license which allows them to build mobile networks for the emergency services and other public organisations, this just gives them the ability to provide the same type of network for the Olympics in the Stratford area.
2009/07/27
O2 UK follow Vodafone with SMS access to Twitter
UK O2 users can now send tweets from the mobile phone using SMS (and of course receive them via SMS too).
The system is set-up like the already working Vodafone system where device updates are enable per user and/or for replies and/or direct messages.
Messages are sent to (ro come from) 86444.
Sending messages to your phone is free while sending messages to Twitter will cost a the same as a standard SMS, though they can be included in any SMS bundle deal. O2 are operating a fair use policy whereby if you receive more than 600 messages per month, you'll be asked to cut your usage down.
It now only a matter of time before the other MNOs follow suit.
The system is set-up like the already working Vodafone system where device updates are enable per user and/or for replies and/or direct messages.
Messages are sent to (ro come from) 86444.
Sending messages to your phone is free while sending messages to Twitter will cost a the same as a standard SMS, though they can be included in any SMS bundle deal. O2 are operating a fair use policy whereby if you receive more than 600 messages per month, you'll be asked to cut your usage down.
It now only a matter of time before the other MNOs follow suit.
Orange and even O2 may bid against Vodafone for T-Mobile UK - Rethink Wireless
Orange and even O2 may bid against Vodafone for T-Mobile UK - Rethink Wireless
It looks like O2 and even Orange may enter the fray to purchase T-Mobile UK, even though Orange have stated they're not in the game (insiders believe they owuld put an offer in just to stop Vodafone).
However Deutsche Telekom may hold on to the struggling T-Mobile to give Richard Moat (T-Mobile's UK CEO) time to turn the company around.
It looks like O2 and even Orange may enter the fray to purchase T-Mobile UK, even though Orange have stated they're not in the game (insiders believe they owuld put an offer in just to stop Vodafone).
However Deutsche Telekom may hold on to the struggling T-Mobile to give Richard Moat (T-Mobile's UK CEO) time to turn the company around.
Ericsson wins Nortel assets but Q2 results impacted by downturn - Rethink Wireless
Ericsson wins Nortel assets but Q2 results impacted by downturn - Rethink Wireless
Ericsson has won the bidding to buy the wireless assets of Nortel. They paid $1.3bn which was considerably larger than $650m initially offered by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN).
This will put Ericsson in a good position to get into the CDMA migration LTE game in North America. it's surprising that NSN let the Nortel assets get away since the wireless division was profitable and both the Swedes and Fins have been trying to expand operations in the North American markets.
Nortel also has a well regarded LTE IP portfolio which now goes to Ericsson too. Ericsson now becomes the second largest CDMA provider only down from ZTE.
However on the same day Ericsson published their results which were "disappointing".
Ericsson has won the bidding to buy the wireless assets of Nortel. They paid $1.3bn which was considerably larger than $650m initially offered by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN).
This will put Ericsson in a good position to get into the CDMA migration LTE game in North America. it's surprising that NSN let the Nortel assets get away since the wireless division was profitable and both the Swedes and Fins have been trying to expand operations in the North American markets.
Nortel also has a well regarded LTE IP portfolio which now goes to Ericsson too. Ericsson now becomes the second largest CDMA provider only down from ZTE.
However on the same day Ericsson published their results which were "disappointing".
2009/07/24
BBC Dumps Commercial Internet-TV Plan - WSJ.com
BBC Dumps Commercial Internet-TV Plan - WSJ.com
Project Kangaroo jumps its last jump and is being closed down and the technology sold to Arquiva Ltd (the technology bit that came out of NTL).
Kangaroo was effectively killed last February after BSkyB complained that they'd get too much of an advantage in the emerging VoD/IPTV market and the Competition Commission agreed with them.
BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the Beeb) is still interested in distributing content over the Internet and is looking at other ways of now doing this.
BBC's iPlayer already supports on-demand and downloaded content and could be modified to support a pay TV model.
Project Kangaroo jumps its last jump and is being closed down and the technology sold to Arquiva Ltd (the technology bit that came out of NTL).
Kangaroo was effectively killed last February after BSkyB complained that they'd get too much of an advantage in the emerging VoD/IPTV market and the Competition Commission agreed with them.
BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the Beeb) is still interested in distributing content over the Internet and is looking at other ways of now doing this.
BBC's iPlayer already supports on-demand and downloaded content and could be modified to support a pay TV model.
2009/07/23
Google Voice now berry'd up
Google has released a Blackberry verison of the Google Voice application so it's now available on Blackberry phones as well as Android phones. Unfortunately Google Voice is still only available to Google users in the US (or who have registered with a US Google Mail account etc).
Google are rumoured be to be in talks with a German company who will provide them with infrastructure in Europe (including the UK).
When Google do launch in Europe the new VoIP entrants have the most to lose and some must already be worried. BT will still win as they own 85% of the infrastructure into premises and until there's fibre services rolled out from alternate carriers they still provide the last mile (and much of the backhaul).
Google are rumoured be to be in talks with a German company who will provide them with infrastructure in Europe (including the UK).
When Google do launch in Europe the new VoIP entrants have the most to lose and some must already be worried. BT will still win as they own 85% of the infrastructure into premises and until there's fibre services rolled out from alternate carriers they still provide the last mile (and much of the backhaul).
Apple sells iPhones
Apple have shipped 5.2m iPhones during the last quarter which helped them achieve net profits of $1.23bn which is up 15% on last year.
Apple are still seen to be innovating in the phone market and there are still rumours of a 10" netbook (or large iPod touch) type device. They still have the opportunity to grab a new chunk of the market if they can release a truly innovative device.
Apple are still seen to be innovating in the phone market and there are still rumours of a 10" netbook (or large iPod touch) type device. They still have the opportunity to grab a new chunk of the market if they can release a truly innovative device.
AT&T go plastic
Plastic Logic makers of eInk technologies have done a deal with Barnes and Noble to supply their eBook store. AT&T will supply connectivity.
The unnamed Plastic Logic eReader will be in direct competition with Amazon's Kindle which is doing very well.
When will these devices come to Europe? The main eReader available in the UK is still the Sony unit.
The unnamed Plastic Logic eReader will be in direct competition with Amazon's Kindle which is doing very well.
When will these devices come to Europe? The main eReader available in the UK is still the Sony unit.
2009/07/16
Release of the 59 – 64 GHz band | Ofcom
Release of the 59 – 64 GHz band | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the release of spectrum in the 59 to 64 GHz band under license exempt regulations.
The 57 to 59 GHz band has already been made license exempt and is used for high bandwidth fixed wireless systems (FWS) that link sites up to about 1Km apart.
Since the signals are rapidly attenuated in air, interference between FWS systems should be minimal.
Modern radio equipment that is now cost effective has made the use of this band commercially attractive to provide radio links of 100Mb/s and more.
There is still some military use of frequencies within these bands for Mobile and Radiolocation applications so license exempt use will not be permitted in 3 small geographic areas.
The consultation closes on 25/09/09
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the release of spectrum in the 59 to 64 GHz band under license exempt regulations.
The 57 to 59 GHz band has already been made license exempt and is used for high bandwidth fixed wireless systems (FWS) that link sites up to about 1Km apart.
Since the signals are rapidly attenuated in air, interference between FWS systems should be minimal.
Modern radio equipment that is now cost effective has made the use of this band commercially attractive to provide radio links of 100Mb/s and more.
There is still some military use of frequencies within these bands for Mobile and Radiolocation applications so license exempt use will not be permitted in 3 small geographic areas.
The consultation closes on 25/09/09
2009/07/13
VirginMedia to go High Def
VirginMedia will shortly be launching new HD channels on their cable platform (the one they advertise as being fibre, which is really fibre to the street cabinet and co-ax to the home).
Sky have been offering several HD channels, now Virgin are catching-up with content from the Food channel and various Discovery channels.
It doesn't seem they have Sky's HD film channels, but then it's not in Sky's interest to offer them to Virgin customers.
Sky have been offering several HD channels, now Virgin are catching-up with content from the Food channel and various Discovery channels.
It doesn't seem they have Sky's HD film channels, but then it's not in Sky's interest to offer them to Virgin customers.
Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
On 17th July 2009 the Wireless Telegraphy Act changes will come come into force making various short range wireless devices license except. This is in-line with European Commission Decision 2009/381/EC of 13 May 2009 amending Decision 2006/771/EC of 9 November 2006 on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices (the SRD Amendment Decision).
The following will become license excempt: -
* Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR) at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 17.1-17.3 GHz (including Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar GB-SAR).
* Wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) at 57-66 GHz (including wireless distribution of High Definition HD video).
It will also licence-exempt airborne use of the following equipment:
* WBDTS at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 57-66 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz.
* TLPR at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Model Control at 26990-27000, 27040-27050, 27090-27100, 27140-27150 and 27190-27200 kHz.
* Radio frequency identification at 2446-2454 MHz.
On 17th July 2009 the Wireless Telegraphy Act changes will come come into force making various short range wireless devices license except. This is in-line with European Commission Decision 2009/381/EC of 13 May 2009 amending Decision 2006/771/EC of 9 November 2006 on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices (the SRD Amendment Decision).
The following will become license excempt: -
* Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR) at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 17.1-17.3 GHz (including Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar GB-SAR).
* Wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) at 57-66 GHz (including wireless distribution of High Definition HD video).
It will also licence-exempt airborne use of the following equipment:
* WBDTS at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 57-66 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz.
* TLPR at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Model Control at 26990-27000, 27040-27050, 27090-27100, 27140-27150 and 27190-27200 kHz.
* Radio frequency identification at 2446-2454 MHz.
2009/07/09
Vodafone and T-Mobile UK acquisition getting closer
Assuming there are no regulatory complaints, Vodafone may announce the acquisition of T-Mobile UK by next week. Deutsch Telecom may agree to the purchase if Vodafone swaps their Turkish network.
Ofcom recently released 3G coverage in the UK showing that O2 and Vodafone lagged behind 3, Orange and T-Mobile so a joint Vodafone/T-Mobile network would significantly increase their coverage and give them 40% of the UK market.
It is likely that other operators will shout unfair so the will be delays due to regulatory intervention.
Ofcom recently released 3G coverage in the UK showing that O2 and Vodafone lagged behind 3, Orange and T-Mobile so a joint Vodafone/T-Mobile network would significantly increase their coverage and give them 40% of the UK market.
It is likely that other operators will shout unfair so the will be delays due to regulatory intervention.
Chrome OS the notebook challenger
Google has announced Chrome OS and new Linux based operating system with a the Chrome browser which will be targeted at netbooks.
Netbooks are already using Linux, but Google's entry into the fray will certainly threaten other Linux variants and make Microsoft's life more difficult. By owning the desktop, Google gain the user's entry to the Interweb, which makes Google apps easily available removing the reliance on desktop applications. Since Chrome supports Google GEARS, Google apps can continue to operate when the system is offline.
Google say Chrome and Android are different and come out of different teams. Android is optimised for mobile devices and has the issue of having a mobile stack to contend with while Chrome is optimised as a desktop system with the browser as the main driver.
It's likely that Google (with zero licensing costs) will be able to gain a large foothold reasonably quickly and drive users to their on-line apps which is the motivation for the OS.
It seems the industry also likes the effort and there seems to be widespread support from chip manufacturers like ARM, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments etc.
Netbooks are already using Linux, but Google's entry into the fray will certainly threaten other Linux variants and make Microsoft's life more difficult. By owning the desktop, Google gain the user's entry to the Interweb, which makes Google apps easily available removing the reliance on desktop applications. Since Chrome supports Google GEARS, Google apps can continue to operate when the system is offline.
Google say Chrome and Android are different and come out of different teams. Android is optimised for mobile devices and has the issue of having a mobile stack to contend with while Chrome is optimised as a desktop system with the browser as the main driver.
It's likely that Google (with zero licensing costs) will be able to gain a large foothold reasonably quickly and drive users to their on-line apps which is the motivation for the OS.
It seems the industry also likes the effort and there seems to be widespread support from chip manufacturers like ARM, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments etc.
A Three-digit Number for Non-Emergency Healthcare Services | Ofcom
A Three-digit Number for Non-Emergency Healthcare Services | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the introduction of a 3 digit code, 111, for non-essential health care services.
A user dialing 111 will be directed to their local health service. The service is planned to be piloted in 2010 and rolled out nationally (in England) after that.
The consultation closes on 28 August 2009.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the introduction of a 3 digit code, 111, for non-essential health care services.
A user dialing 111 will be directed to their local health service. The service is planned to be piloted in 2010 and rolled out nationally (in England) after that.
The consultation closes on 28 August 2009.
2009/07/08
RIM doubles applications to 2000
RIM have doubled the number of apps in their App World to 2,000 which still compares poorly to Apple who have over 50,000.
Though App World is relatively easy to use it's not as easy (or pretty) as Apple app store.
RIM has declined to give figures on the number of downloads from App World.
Though App World is relatively easy to use it's not as easy (or pretty) as Apple app store.
RIM has declined to give figures on the number of downloads from App World.
Phorm given the boot
Following on the BT's announcement that they were delaying the implementation of Phorm the targeted advertising system, TalkTalk announced they were dropping it all together. Virgin Media is considering Phorm and other systems but has not yet decided on a system to install. Phorm's share price fell 20 201p on the news.
Phorm works by snooping users' traffic and working out what sites they visit, then delivering targeted ads to those users based on their viewing habits. Phorm purchase they advertising space on remote sites and insert their ads.
Phorm has been criticised from privacy groups and there has been a bit of a public backlash.
Phorm is now concentrating on other markets such as Korea where it says trials are going well.
UK users may breath a sigh of relief, at least for a while in terms of Phorm.
Phorm works by snooping users' traffic and working out what sites they visit, then delivering targeted ads to those users based on their viewing habits. Phorm purchase they advertising space on remote sites and insert their ads.
Phorm has been criticised from privacy groups and there has been a bit of a public backlash.
Phorm is now concentrating on other markets such as Korea where it says trials are going well.
UK users may breath a sigh of relief, at least for a while in terms of Phorm.
Consumer Protection Test for telephone number allocation | Ofcom
Consumer Protection Test for telephone number allocation | Ofcom
Ofcom have updated the Consumer Protection Test lists which consist of the "Under Assessment" and "Nu mber refusal" lists.
Ofcom will not issue numbers in the ranges which are considered premium rate services (070 personal numbers, 0871/2/3 special service higher rate numbers and 09 premium rate numbers), these are all governed by PhonePayPlus.
Any telephony provider should check these lists before allocating numbers and ensure that people or companies on the list are not obtaining number services through them.
The lists are available as Adobe PDF files from the Ofcom site.
Ofcom have updated the Consumer Protection Test lists which consist of the "Under Assessment" and "Nu mber refusal" lists.
Ofcom will not issue numbers in the ranges which are considered premium rate services (070 personal numbers, 0871/2/3 special service higher rate numbers and 09 premium rate numbers), these are all governed by PhonePayPlus.
Any telephony provider should check these lists before allocating numbers and ensure that people or companies on the list are not obtaining number services through them.
The lists are available as Adobe PDF files from the Ofcom site.
2009/07/03
Digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band | Ofcom
Digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band | Ofcom
Ofcom is planning ot clear the 800MHz band (also known as 790-862 MHz, channels 61 to 69 in UHF Bands IV and V) of existing and previously planned users and align the upper band of the UK’s digital dividend with the spectrum being identified for release by an increasing number of other European countries.
It also sets out the high level principles for how Ofcom intend to clear those existing and previously planned users – digital terrestrial television (DTT) and programme-making and special events (PMSE) – from channels 61, 62 and 69.
Ofcom is re-aligning the spectrum as other countries in Europe are clearing the spectrum for auction as the spectrum can be optimally used by wireless broadband operators.
The new use maximises the value to society as UK Plc.
Ofcom is planning ot clear the 800MHz band (also known as 790-862 MHz, channels 61 to 69 in UHF Bands IV and V) of existing and previously planned users and align the upper band of the UK’s digital dividend with the spectrum being identified for release by an increasing number of other European countries.
It also sets out the high level principles for how Ofcom intend to clear those existing and previously planned users – digital terrestrial television (DTT) and programme-making and special events (PMSE) – from channels 61, 62 and 69.
Ofcom is re-aligning the spectrum as other countries in Europe are clearing the spectrum for auction as the spectrum can be optimally used by wireless broadband operators.
The new use maximises the value to society as UK Plc.
Notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Ultra-Wideband Equipment) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
Notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Ultra-Wideband Equipment) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
Ofcom is consulting on introducing new legislation on the license exempt use for Ultra Wideband (UWB) in accordance with European Commission Decision of 21 April 2009 (2009/343/EC) (the “UWB Amendment Decision”).
Ofcom will overturn previous legislation and introduce a new Statutory Instrument.
The consultation closes on 04/08/09.
Ofcom is consulting on introducing new legislation on the license exempt use for Ultra Wideband (UWB) in accordance with European Commission Decision of 21 April 2009 (2009/343/EC) (the “UWB Amendment Decision”).
Ofcom will overturn previous legislation and introduce a new Statutory Instrument.
The consultation closes on 04/08/09.
2009/06/29
Vodafone to buy T-Mobile?
Vodafone has 25% of the UK market, T-Mobile only has 15% but a combined company would have 40% of the market which is way ahead of O2 the current leader with 27%.
This would still require regulatory approval and the other networks would no doubt cry foul play, though Vodafone would be unlikely be considered a monopoly unless their market share rose considerably.
Though this could be seen as a bad thing for the market as competition would be reduced, it would give Vodafone economies of scale as they could improve coverage by merging physical networks and removing duplicate coverage while increasing coverage in areas that are poorly covered now. They could also increase capacity within the network allowing for high speed data services.
T-Mobile (Germany) may not wish to part with the UK arm at the moment as the valuation will be low in the current market conditions.
This would still require regulatory approval and the other networks would no doubt cry foul play, though Vodafone would be unlikely be considered a monopoly unless their market share rose considerably.
Though this could be seen as a bad thing for the market as competition would be reduced, it would give Vodafone economies of scale as they could improve coverage by merging physical networks and removing duplicate coverage while increasing coverage in areas that are poorly covered now. They could also increase capacity within the network allowing for high speed data services.
T-Mobile (Germany) may not wish to part with the UK arm at the moment as the valuation will be low in the current market conditions.
Apple gets more of an Imagination
Apple has followed on Intel's heals and taken a 9.5% stake in UK graphics chip designer Imagination (Intel have a 14% stake).
Intel are keen on leading the Mobile Internet Device (MID) market and have recently made public announcements with Nokia. Apple meanwhile are utilising Imagination's PowerVR chips on the new i{Phone 3GS (they used their older chips in the iPhone 3G and iTouch models). This with their purchase of PA Semi means they could well be developing low power ARM chips and PowerVR cores for new ranges of iPhones/iTouch's coming out next year. They could also utilise the chips in their rumoured tablet which is also expected next year.
If Apple do release a tablet, it looks like they'll ignore the notebook market.
Intel are keen on leading the Mobile Internet Device (MID) market and have recently made public announcements with Nokia. Apple meanwhile are utilising Imagination's PowerVR chips on the new i{Phone 3GS (they used their older chips in the iPhone 3G and iTouch models). This with their purchase of PA Semi means they could well be developing low power ARM chips and PowerVR cores for new ranges of iPhones/iTouch's coming out next year. They could also utilise the chips in their rumoured tablet which is also expected next year.
If Apple do release a tablet, it looks like they'll ignore the notebook market.
2009/06/28
Michael Jackson Flashmob at Liverpool St station
On Friday 26th of June 2009 there was a Michael Jackson Flashmob moonwalk.
It all started on Twitter when Milo Yiannopoulos picked up on a tweet where Rob Manuel of b3ta mentioned that a Michael Jackson flashmob should happen. Milo took it upon himself to make it so.
The flashmob was meant to start at 6, but myself and the lovely Gail Porter arrived at just after 5 to see if we could help out. Gail had retweeted the event to her 14,358 followers.
Though City of London Police weren't too bother, British Transport Police didn't seem to pleased at the thought of hundreds or thousands descending on Liverpool St station. They started taping off the top section of the station and speaking to Milo downstairs it soon became apparent that if any kind of crowd started to gather, they'd start arresting people.
Quick re-arrangements meant relocating outside to Liverpool St and the City of London Police being extremely co-operative (and so unlike earlier G20 events), it was a hot sunny day and many seemed to be "up for it". The sounds system was moved from outside MacDonald's (where a crowd of a couple of hundred people had started to gather) to the opposite side of the street in-front of a tanning salon.
It took a while getting all the kit across (Liverpool St was by now filling up, the Police had blocked access to cars) and suddenly it dawned on everyone that it was actually happening.
Though it's difficult to say how many people were there, it seemed like several thousand (Liverpool St was rammed from the Broadgate end to beyond the station). Milo introduced the event and managed to get 3 Jacko songs in before the Police called it a day. Though the event was meant to be a mass moonwalk, it was a bit packed for much to actually take place.
Everyone seemed to have a great time and special thanks must go to London Speaker Hire for getting the sound system there.
It all started on Twitter when Milo Yiannopoulos picked up on a tweet where Rob Manuel of b3ta mentioned that a Michael Jackson flashmob should happen. Milo took it upon himself to make it so.
The flashmob was meant to start at 6, but myself and the lovely Gail Porter arrived at just after 5 to see if we could help out. Gail had retweeted the event to her 14,358 followers.
Though City of London Police weren't too bother, British Transport Police didn't seem to pleased at the thought of hundreds or thousands descending on Liverpool St station. They started taping off the top section of the station and speaking to Milo downstairs it soon became apparent that if any kind of crowd started to gather, they'd start arresting people.
Quick re-arrangements meant relocating outside to Liverpool St and the City of London Police being extremely co-operative (and so unlike earlier G20 events), it was a hot sunny day and many seemed to be "up for it". The sounds system was moved from outside MacDonald's (where a crowd of a couple of hundred people had started to gather) to the opposite side of the street in-front of a tanning salon.
It took a while getting all the kit across (Liverpool St was by now filling up, the Police had blocked access to cars) and suddenly it dawned on everyone that it was actually happening.
Though it's difficult to say how many people were there, it seemed like several thousand (Liverpool St was rammed from the Broadgate end to beyond the station). Milo introduced the event and managed to get 3 Jacko songs in before the Police called it a day. Though the event was meant to be a mass moonwalk, it was a bit packed for much to actually take place.
Everyone seemed to have a great time and special thanks must go to London Speaker Hire for getting the sound system there.
The Europas: Best European / Real World Gadget (EMEA)
The Europas: Best European / Real World Gadget (EMEA)
Please vote for En-Twyn in the TechCrunch Europas. En-Twyn have designed a mains socket combined with Powerline electronics that is in the process of going to manufacture.
The initial version is based on a UK double gang socket with 2 Ethernet (switched) ports and an LCD display which is used to show the status of the system (i.e. sync, Ethernet activity, link state etc).
More information is available from their TechCrunch entry".
Future versions will carry multiple media types (audio, video, etc) and have an embedded Linux controller allowing Quality of Service and a remotely controllable architechture (including being able to monitor socket power usage and being able to turn off power to the sockets).
Do please vote.
Please vote for En-Twyn in the TechCrunch Europas. En-Twyn have designed a mains socket combined with Powerline electronics that is in the process of going to manufacture.
The initial version is based on a UK double gang socket with 2 Ethernet (switched) ports and an LCD display which is used to show the status of the system (i.e. sync, Ethernet activity, link state etc).
More information is available from their TechCrunch entry".
Future versions will carry multiple media types (audio, video, etc) and have an embedded Linux controller allowing Quality of Service and a remotely controllable architechture (including being able to monitor socket power usage and being able to turn off power to the sockets).
Do please vote.
2009/06/23
2.6GHz auction scrapped
Ofcom has decided to withdraw it's intent to auction the 2.6GHz band (part of the IMT-2000 spectrum). Various mobile operators had disputed Ofcom's right to auction the spectrum and had taken them to court (mainly as part of the 900MHz refarming arguments).
Ofcom changed made this decision based on the Government's Digital Britain report, which accepted the recommendations of the independent spectrum broker (ISB) which tied the 2.6GHz auction to the 800MHz auction (which becomes available after the digital switch-over).
This will delay the auction until after 2010.
Ofcom changed made this decision based on the Government's Digital Britain report, which accepted the recommendations of the independent spectrum broker (ISB) which tied the 2.6GHz auction to the 800MHz auction (which becomes available after the digital switch-over).
This will delay the auction until after 2010.
2009/06/22
T-Mobile to launch HTC MyTouch
T-Mobile are going to launch their second Android phone the HTC MyTouch which to everyone else is the HTC Magic (as sold by Vodafone).
In the US it will cost $199 with a 2 year contract.
Not too exciting really.
In the US it will cost $199 with a 2 year contract.
Not too exciting really.
Notification under Section 107(6) of the Communications Act 2003 - Airwave Solutions Limited | Ofcom
Notification under Section 107(6) of the Communications Act 2003 - Airwave Solutions Limited | Ofcom
Airwave Solutions Ltd run the digital mobile network for the emergency services (and other organisations with a public safety remit. Anyone wishing to use Airwave's network must go through Ofcom and demonstrate their public safety element.
Ofcom now wish to amend this so that The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralmypic Games can utilise the network for the 2012 Olympics.
The consultation closes on 20th July 2009.
Airwave Solutions Ltd run the digital mobile network for the emergency services (and other organisations with a public safety remit. Anyone wishing to use Airwave's network must go through Ofcom and demonstrate their public safety element.
Ofcom now wish to amend this so that The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralmypic Games can utilise the network for the 2012 Olympics.
The consultation closes on 20th July 2009.
2009/06/17
Stop hitting F5, iPhone OS 3.0 release still hours away?
Stop hitting F5, iPhone OS 3.0 release still hours away?
Apple may release the iPhone OS v3 at 6pm today UK time, the update should also be available as a chargable item for the iPod Touch.
v3 (on the iPhone) should allow MMS, cut and paste, tethering and the background push notification service as well as many new API calls.
Time will tell if Apple have got it right and if sales will match previous iPhone hype and store rushes.
Apple may release the iPhone OS v3 at 6pm today UK time, the update should also be available as a chargable item for the iPod Touch.
v3 (on the iPhone) should allow MMS, cut and paste, tethering and the background push notification service as well as many new API calls.
Time will tell if Apple have got it right and if sales will match previous iPhone hype and store rushes.
2009/06/13
Freedom4 application for licence variation | Ofcom
Freedom4 application for licence variation | Ofcom
Freedom4 are a WiMAX operator in the UK who offer wireless broadband (they are owned by the Hong Kong giant PCCW).
Freedom4 operate in the bands 3.6 - 4.2 GHz and currently can only offer fixed services, they have applied to Ofcom to a) increase the power limits of their basestations (i.e. main transmitter hubs) and also allow mobile access (which removes the obligation to register end-user / low-power terminals).
Ofcom's view is that the in-band power level can increase from +14dBW/MHz to +23dBW/MHz (+53dBm/MHz) for central stations and to remove the absolute limit of 22dBW/MHz (EIRP).
For terminal stations coordination should not be necessary for those with a spectral density not exceeding 25dBm/MHz and total EIRP not exceeding 30dBm unless a proposed central station is within 100MHz and 2km of a point-to-point link.
These changes should be made as soon is possible.
Ofcom is holding a consultation for interested stakeholders which closes on 20|07|2009.
Freedom4 are a WiMAX operator in the UK who offer wireless broadband (they are owned by the Hong Kong giant PCCW).
Freedom4 operate in the bands 3.6 - 4.2 GHz and currently can only offer fixed services, they have applied to Ofcom to a) increase the power limits of their basestations (i.e. main transmitter hubs) and also allow mobile access (which removes the obligation to register end-user / low-power terminals).
Ofcom's view is that the in-band power level can increase from +14dBW/MHz to +23dBW/MHz (+53dBm/MHz) for central stations and to remove the absolute limit of 22dBW/MHz (EIRP).
For terminal stations coordination should not be necessary for those with a spectral density not exceeding 25dBm/MHz and total EIRP not exceeding 30dBm unless a proposed central station is within 100MHz and 2km of a point-to-point link.
These changes should be made as soon is possible.
Ofcom is holding a consultation for interested stakeholders which closes on 20|07|2009.
2009/06/12
Managing the spectrum above 275 GHz | Ofcom
Managing the spectrum above 275 GHz | Ofcom: "275-3000 GHz"
Ofcom is going to make spectrum in the 275-3000 GHz band license exempt, however not all the band is being released as there are already a few licensed users there such as user in the scientific community (radio-astronomy, space research and earth exploration satellite services). The band is also used for short range anti-collision radar devices and detection of skin cancer.
The band is highly attenuated in air (oxygen and water molecules) and usually highly directional aerials are used, so risk of interference is very low.
The band will not be released until after the 2011 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-11) where international policy is made and it would be premature for Ofcom to release the spectrum before the conference.
This band can be used for low power short range high bandwidth services (i.e. for in-building wireless connectivity).
Ofcom is going to make spectrum in the 275-3000 GHz band license exempt, however not all the band is being released as there are already a few licensed users there such as user in the scientific community (radio-astronomy, space research and earth exploration satellite services). The band is also used for short range anti-collision radar devices and detection of skin cancer.
The band is highly attenuated in air (oxygen and water molecules) and usually highly directional aerials are used, so risk of interference is very low.
The band will not be released until after the 2011 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-11) where international policy is made and it would be premature for Ofcom to release the spectrum before the conference.
This band can be used for low power short range high bandwidth services (i.e. for in-building wireless connectivity).
Variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
Variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
BT has been granted a variation to its undertakings allowing Openreach to control and operate electronic equipment in the street cabinet.
This means that BT will install Fibre to the Street Cabinet (FTTC) and then place DSL Multiplexors in the cabinets. Since the cabinets are usually close to the premises they are serving (in urban environments at least) this will allow BT to offer VDSL2 (and variants) to end users offering 100Mb/s type download speeds.
This will still require major investment from BT and they will also have to provide equal access to other operators but if it all goes ahead will allow high speed Internet to homes providing IPTV (Internet TV), Video on demand and other services. BT Vision might stand a chance of success, though BSkyB will be watching this very carefully (and they'll also likely offer an IPTV service).
Unfortunately this again increases the digital divide as rural areas will still suffer as services such as VDSL2 only work at high speed with sub 100m connections and street cabinets in rural areas may be miles away from premises. This is one reason BT is looking towards wireless and potentially the 2.6GHz spectrum that will be up for auction later this year or next year.
BT has been granted a variation to its undertakings allowing Openreach to control and operate electronic equipment in the street cabinet.
This means that BT will install Fibre to the Street Cabinet (FTTC) and then place DSL Multiplexors in the cabinets. Since the cabinets are usually close to the premises they are serving (in urban environments at least) this will allow BT to offer VDSL2 (and variants) to end users offering 100Mb/s type download speeds.
This will still require major investment from BT and they will also have to provide equal access to other operators but if it all goes ahead will allow high speed Internet to homes providing IPTV (Internet TV), Video on demand and other services. BT Vision might stand a chance of success, though BSkyB will be watching this very carefully (and they'll also likely offer an IPTV service).
Unfortunately this again increases the digital divide as rural areas will still suffer as services such as VDSL2 only work at high speed with sub 100m connections and street cabinets in rural areas may be miles away from premises. This is one reason BT is looking towards wireless and potentially the 2.6GHz spectrum that will be up for auction later this year or next year.
Channel 5 set for licence for high definition programmes on digital terrestrial television | Ofcom
Channel 5 set for licence for high definition programmes on digital terrestrial television | Ofcom
Channel 5 has been awarded a license to broadcast in High Definition (HD) on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) after the digital switch-over in 2010.
Channel 5 joins the BBC, the Channel 3 licensees (ITV, stv and UTV), and Channel 4 and S4C who have already been granted licenses.
Granada will be the first region to completely switch-over to DTT in 2009 and some HD content will be available at this time, other regions will switch-over by 2012.
Channel 5 will show programmes such as The Gadget Show, UEFA Europa League, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and blockbuster movie premiers which could become available in HD from late 2010.
This still means probable new Freeview boxes with MPEG-4 support.
Channel 5 has been awarded a license to broadcast in High Definition (HD) on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) after the digital switch-over in 2010.
Channel 5 joins the BBC, the Channel 3 licensees (ITV, stv and UTV), and Channel 4 and S4C who have already been granted licenses.
Granada will be the first region to completely switch-over to DTT in 2009 and some HD content will be available at this time, other regions will switch-over by 2012.
Channel 5 will show programmes such as The Gadget Show, UEFA Europa League, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and blockbuster movie premiers which could become available in HD from late 2010.
This still means probable new Freeview boxes with MPEG-4 support.
BBC Multiplex B reorganisation
Ofcom has granted BBC Free to View Limited a license variation for the Multiplex B so that it can be reorganised to allow for the broadcast of High Definition (HD) Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
Current Standard Definition DTT is broadcast using MPEG-2 while HD is likely to use MPEG-4 as it requires less bandwidth than the same content broadcast on MPEG-2. Unfortunately this means new Freeview boxes will be required as none (or very few) of the existing boxes on the market have MPEG-4 decoders.
This will mean lots of current Freeview units being binned and new units will have to be purchased.
Current Standard Definition DTT is broadcast using MPEG-2 while HD is likely to use MPEG-4 as it requires less bandwidth than the same content broadcast on MPEG-2. Unfortunately this means new Freeview boxes will be required as none (or very few) of the existing boxes on the market have MPEG-4 decoders.
This will mean lots of current Freeview units being binned and new units will have to be purchased.
2009/06/06
Qualcomm Introduces Single-Chip 802.11n Wireless LAN Solution for Handsets and Mobile Devices - FierceWireless
Qualcomm Introduces Single-Chip 802.11n Wireless LAN Solution for Handsets and Mobile Devices - FierceWireless
Qualcomm has introduced an 802.11n chipset for use in mobile devices. The chip supports 4 x 4 MIMO antenna arrays which allow distributing high speed data (such as video) to multiple devices.
It's likely the chip will be used in home gateways and devices. This will put Qualcomm in direct competition with other chip vendors who are already in this space.
Data rates of 72Mb/s are achievable.
Qualcomm has introduced an 802.11n chipset for use in mobile devices. The chip supports 4 x 4 MIMO antenna arrays which allow distributing high speed data (such as video) to multiple devices.
It's likely the chip will be used in home gateways and devices. This will put Qualcomm in direct competition with other chip vendors who are already in this space.
Data rates of 72Mb/s are achievable.
Update on plans for a new consultation | Ofcom
Update on plans for a new consultation | Ofcom
Ofcom is going to hold a consultation into the use of GSM gateways following the Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2009 relating to an appeal by Floe Telecom.
Ofcom expect to publish the consultation during the summer.
The last time this came up was in 2005 (and NetTek responded to the consultation).
Ofcom is going to hold a consultation into the use of GSM gateways following the Court of Appeal judgment of 10 February 2009 relating to an appeal by Floe Telecom.
Ofcom expect to publish the consultation during the summer.
The last time this came up was in 2005 (and NetTek responded to the consultation).
2009/06/01
The Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
The Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009 | Ofcom
Ofcom is proposing to make various systems license exempt under the he Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009.
These will include: -
* Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR) at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 17.1-17.3 GHz (including Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar GB-SAR).
* Wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) at 57-66 GHz (including wireless distribution of High Definition HD video).
Ofcom are also proposing to make various airborne systems exempt: -
* WBDTS at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 57-66 GHz;
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz;
* TLPR at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz;
* Model Control at 26990-27000, 27040-27050, 27090-271000, 27140-27150 and 27190-27200 kHz; and
* Radio Frequency Identification at 2446-2454 MHz.
The ones that will effect most people are the radio control bands and also the Wideband data transmission system which are expeted to be used in the home for distributing video.
Ofcom welcoming comments by June 30th 2009 and are expecting to implement the new regulations by August 2009.
Ofcom is proposing to make various systems license exempt under the he Wireless Telegraphy (Short Range Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2009.
These will include: -
* Tank Level Probing Radar (TLPR) at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz.
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 17.1-17.3 GHz (including Ground Based Synthetic Aperture Radar GB-SAR).
* Wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) at 57-66 GHz (including wireless distribution of High Definition HD video).
Ofcom are also proposing to make various airborne systems exempt: -
* WBDTS at 2400-2483.5 MHz and 57-66 GHz;
* Radio determination applications at 2400-2483.5 MHz;
* TLPR at 4.5-7, 8.5-10.6, 24.05-27, 57-64 and 75-85 GHz;
* Model Control at 26990-27000, 27040-27050, 27090-271000, 27140-27150 and 27190-27200 kHz; and
* Radio Frequency Identification at 2446-2454 MHz.
The ones that will effect most people are the radio control bands and also the Wideband data transmission system which are expeted to be used in the home for distributing video.
Ofcom welcoming comments by June 30th 2009 and are expecting to implement the new regulations by August 2009.
2009/05/28
Download the beta version of Skype for Windows
Download the beta version of Skype for Windows:
Skype have released Skype v4.1 beta for Windows. This now features the following features or improvements: -
* Screen sharing
* Send contacts
* Birthday reminders
* Improvements in call quality
* Improvements in video quality
* Accessibility features
* Bug fixes
Skype also now allows importing contacts from on-line services such as Gmail, AOL and LinkedIn, among others.
Skype have released Skype v4.1 beta for Windows. This now features the following features or improvements: -
* Screen sharing
* Send contacts
* Birthday reminders
* Improvements in call quality
* Improvements in video quality
* Accessibility features
* Bug fixes
Skype also now allows importing contacts from on-line services such as Gmail, AOL and LinkedIn, among others.
Being a Twit in Shoreditch and Pouting
Last night (Weds May 27th) was the combination of Pout and Shoreditch Twit. The evening was sponsored by SIP Drinks and Fashion Targets and a good time was had by all.
Some might think this was an odd combination, Pout is all about fashion and Shoreditch Twit is all about a gathering of Twitter users (twits?) who are mainly geeks though there is a good spattering of PR, journo and other media types - especially in the uber hip Shoreditch area (how times change - who remembers when Shoreditch was full of squats and a scary place). Anyway it all seemed to work though several twits could be seen gawking though no one seemed to mind.
Some might think this was an odd combination, Pout is all about fashion and Shoreditch Twit is all about a gathering of Twitter users (twits?) who are mainly geeks though there is a good spattering of PR, journo and other media types - especially in the uber hip Shoreditch area (how times change - who remembers when Shoreditch was full of squats and a scary place). Anyway it all seemed to work though several twits could be seen gawking though no one seemed to mind.
2009/05/27
Twitter goes mainstream
You know when a website has gone mainstream when it appears in a TV series. Well Twitter is now featured in an episode of CSI (Crime Scene Investigation set in Las Vegas).
The whole point of blogging on Twitter is not about privacy but the value of openness (as per the program dialogue).
Here's the YouTube clip.
The whole point of blogging on Twitter is not about privacy but the value of openness (as per the program dialogue).
Here's the YouTube clip.
2009/05/26
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of Thales Transport and Security Limited | Ofcom
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of Thales Transport and Security Limited | Ofcom
Thales Transport and Security Limited have been given powers under The Code allowing them to dig and install street furniture without the permission of the landowner etc.
This will allow them to build and install an electronic communications network.
Thales Transport and Security Limited have been given powers under The Code allowing them to dig and install street furniture without the permission of the landowner etc.
This will allow them to build and install an electronic communications network.
Facebook's $200M Investment Values Co. At $10B - NYTimes.com
Facebook's $200M Investment Values Co. At $10B - NYTimes.com
It seems Facebook has been given a $200m boost for 2% of stock valuing the company at $10bn. This is significantly less that the $15bn that Microsoft's $240m stack valued them at. The investment came from Digital Sky Technologies which is a Russian outfit.
Guessing it would seem Facebook have had internal differences about creating revenue or increasing the user base (Facebook now has around 200m active users). The co-founder left the company allegedly for wishing to increase revenues and more recently the CFO left too (he wanted to increase revenues) but the official reason was that he wasn't suitable for an IPO.
This will give Facebook some breathing space allowing them to continue operations as their advertising and other revenues do not yet meet their spend. At some point revenues must become the primary focus for the company or they'll run out of cash.
It seems Facebook has been given a $200m boost for 2% of stock valuing the company at $10bn. This is significantly less that the $15bn that Microsoft's $240m stack valued them at. The investment came from Digital Sky Technologies which is a Russian outfit.
Guessing it would seem Facebook have had internal differences about creating revenue or increasing the user base (Facebook now has around 200m active users). The co-founder left the company allegedly for wishing to increase revenues and more recently the CFO left too (he wanted to increase revenues) but the official reason was that he wasn't suitable for an IPO.
This will give Facebook some breathing space allowing them to continue operations as their advertising and other revenues do not yet meet their spend. At some point revenues must become the primary focus for the company or they'll run out of cash.
2009/05/18
Orange (UK) reports 500% increase in Dongles
Orange has reported that there has been a 500% increase in the number of dongles sold compared to six months ago. Data now accounts for 25% of their revenues.
Data usage increased to 386,000GB downloaded last month.
Customers with 3G phones or dongles increased to 3.824m at the end of Q1/09.
Data usage increased to 386,000GB downloaded last month.
Customers with 3G phones or dongles increased to 3.824m at the end of Q1/09.
2009/05/17
Vodafone drops roaming charges
Vodafone is dropping roaming charges in 45 areas from June through August. The announcement comes before the EU Commission is to make an announcement on capping roaming charges.
Although the current deal expires after August, Vodafone may well extend the offer depending on how well it goes. They're potentially going to steal customers from other networks as the holiday season starts.
The counties and areas covered are Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Channel Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroes, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Vatican City.
Will the other operators follow suit? Maybe including USA which Vodafone have missed off (preumably as Vodafone have networks in these areas and can move traffic across their own network).
Although the current deal expires after August, Vodafone may well extend the offer depending on how well it goes. They're potentially going to steal customers from other networks as the holiday season starts.
The counties and areas covered are Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Channel Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroes, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Vatican City.
Will the other operators follow suit? Maybe including USA which Vodafone have missed off (preumably as Vodafone have networks in these areas and can move traffic across their own network).
2009/05/12
Enforcement Report | Ofcom
Enforcement Report | Ofcom
In 2008 Ofcom fined broadcasters almost £7.83m for breaches of the broadcasting code, companies were fined over £100,000 for breaking the rules on silent calls and 28 people were prosecuted for illegally broadcasting (pirate radio).
The money of course goes to the UK treasury and not to Ofcom and several of these fines have come from public broadcasters who get their money from the public in the first place - so they end up as a tax to the consumer.
Ofcom could probably prosecure many more pirate radio stations, it's just too much like hard work and they only go after the big ones.
In 2008 Ofcom fined broadcasters almost £7.83m for breaches of the broadcasting code, companies were fined over £100,000 for breaking the rules on silent calls and 28 people were prosecuted for illegally broadcasting (pirate radio).
The money of course goes to the UK treasury and not to Ofcom and several of these fines have come from public broadcasters who get their money from the public in the first place - so they end up as a tax to the consumer.
Ofcom could probably prosecure many more pirate radio stations, it's just too much like hard work and they only go after the big ones.
2009/05/08
Carphone Warehouse to acquire Tiscali UK
Carphone Warehouse (CPW) are acquiring the assets of Tiscali UK for £236m from Tiscali (Italy).
Tiscali have been up for sale for some time as broadband economics worsen and competition increases. Both BSkyB and CPW have been rumoured to be in the running as well as outsiders like BT.
It seems CPW have got to the finishing post and they'll gain Tiscali's infrastructure and customers. CPW's customer base will increase to 4.25m making them the largest UK (home) broadband provider. There's going to be considerable overlap in infrastructure and staff so CPW will likely make sweeping cuts in both. Tiscali's IPTV platform (previously HomeChoice) will give CPW an edge to compete with BT Vision and whatever Sky are planning. Tiscali only managed to achieve 100,000 IPTV customers (they wanted double that) and maybe CPW will be able to get that out to all their customers.
If CPW can utilise the extra infrastructure and minimise costs then they may be one of the larger players that survives the broadband commoditisation game.
Tiscali have been up for sale for some time as broadband economics worsen and competition increases. Both BSkyB and CPW have been rumoured to be in the running as well as outsiders like BT.
It seems CPW have got to the finishing post and they'll gain Tiscali's infrastructure and customers. CPW's customer base will increase to 4.25m making them the largest UK (home) broadband provider. There's going to be considerable overlap in infrastructure and staff so CPW will likely make sweeping cuts in both. Tiscali's IPTV platform (previously HomeChoice) will give CPW an edge to compete with BT Vision and whatever Sky are planning. Tiscali only managed to achieve 100,000 IPTV customers (they wanted double that) and maybe CPW will be able to get that out to all their customers.
If CPW can utilise the extra infrastructure and minimise costs then they may be one of the larger players that survives the broadband commoditisation game.
2009/04/29
Comcast turns down Joost
Joost who raised $45m in 2007 are up for sale and have been touting themselves to cable companies where there could be a good fit.
Initially Joost tried to tempt customers with a standalone P2P video player (using the same underlying technology as Skype) but have since moved to a web based model.
Now being one of many web based system, they're facing increased competition and struggling to win customers and advertising revenue with less than 1m unique monthly visitors.
It seems Comcast have passed on purchasing them. Joost do have a decent underlying technology solution which could be utilised by an emerging IPTV player rather than developing their own.
Initially Joost tried to tempt customers with a standalone P2P video player (using the same underlying technology as Skype) but have since moved to a web based model.
Now being one of many web based system, they're facing increased competition and struggling to win customers and advertising revenue with less than 1m unique monthly visitors.
It seems Comcast have passed on purchasing them. Joost do have a decent underlying technology solution which could be utilised by an emerging IPTV player rather than developing their own.
2009/04/27
Tiscali Discusses Sale of U.K. Assets - WSJ.com
Tiscali Discusses Sale of U.K. Assets - WSJ.com
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Tiscali (Italy) is in advanced negotiations with Carphone Warehouse with respect to the sale of Tiscali UK.
Tiscali (UK) has been on the market for over a year and there have been various rumours about their sale. They acquired HomeChoice (VideoNetworks) who had 30,000 IPTV customers, Tiscali increased this to 100,000 which was still half of their 200,000 target.
Carphone Warehouse could add Tiscali's customer base to their network (they'd dump overlapped network), but the IPTV infrastructure could be of interest as it will give them a competing service to BT Vision and whatever Sky are going to launch when they get their IPTV act together.
Sky are also rumoured to be be a suitor.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Tiscali (Italy) is in advanced negotiations with Carphone Warehouse with respect to the sale of Tiscali UK.
Tiscali (UK) has been on the market for over a year and there have been various rumours about their sale. They acquired HomeChoice (VideoNetworks) who had 30,000 IPTV customers, Tiscali increased this to 100,000 which was still half of their 200,000 target.
Carphone Warehouse could add Tiscali's customer base to their network (they'd dump overlapped network), but the IPTV infrastructure could be of interest as it will give them a competing service to BT Vision and whatever Sky are going to launch when they get their IPTV act together.
Sky are also rumoured to be be a suitor.
Changes to 0870 | Ofcom
Changes to 0870 | Ofcom
In the future 0870 numbers will be charged at the same rate as national number (i.e. those numbers beginning with 01, 02 or 03). Communications providers will also have to include 0870 numbers in any bundles they offer.
This is good news for consumers as many companies use 0870 numbers as revenue streams and most providers do not include those numbers in any kind of inclusive minutes (though BT has been offering inclusive 0870 minutes for a while and "taking the hit"). Mobile operators will also have to include 0870's in their mobile tariffs as they usually charge a hefty premium for calling these number ranges.
In the future 0870 numbers will be charged at the same rate as national number (i.e. those numbers beginning with 01, 02 or 03). Communications providers will also have to include 0870 numbers in any bundles they offer.
This is good news for consumers as many companies use 0870 numbers as revenue streams and most providers do not include those numbers in any kind of inclusive minutes (though BT has been offering inclusive 0870 minutes for a while and "taking the hit"). Mobile operators will also have to include 0870's in their mobile tariffs as they usually charge a hefty premium for calling these number ranges.
Femtocells support mobile phones in developing nations
Femtocells support mobile phones in developing nations
CSL has produced a reference design for a GSM/GPRS/EDGE/E-EDGE femtocell (called Centaur) based on a picoChip software defined radio.
Many operators are focusing on 3G femtocells, which are much easier to integrate into existing networks. CSL feel that 2G femtocells will be useful in emerging markets where 3G may not be widely adopted.
2G femtocells will also be useful in the UK where the low power GSM operators such as UK01 can utilise them.
CSL has produced a reference design for a GSM/GPRS/EDGE/E-EDGE femtocell (called Centaur) based on a picoChip software defined radio.
Many operators are focusing on 3G femtocells, which are much easier to integrate into existing networks. CSL feel that 2G femtocells will be useful in emerging markets where 3G may not be widely adopted.
2G femtocells will also be useful in the UK where the low power GSM operators such as UK01 can utilise them.
2009/04/26
iPlotz: wireframing, mockups and prototyping for websites and applications
iPlotz: wireframing, mockups and prototyping for websites and applications
iPlotz seems to be the answer to many a web designer's prayer or should that be dream. It's an on-line system allowing wire-framing of sites so they can be viewed by other developers or even customers to ensure they have the right look and feel before any major coding is done. There's also some basic project management functionality so different wire-frames can be assigned as different tasks.
The combination of tools allows complex designs to be simulated while allowing the designer complete flexibility. Wire-framed items can perform actions such as jumping between pages, loading graphics etc so some site functionality is even available.
There's an on-line version at iPlotz and there's a downloadable version available as well. The downloadable version requires Adobe AIR.
Though some knowledge of how a site is put together, this is even useful for pre-design stages so that technical users could mock-up the functionality of a system then pass the mock-up to a designer to prettify. There's also scope for use in pitches before a site has even got to the drawing board (well iPlotz is the drawing board).
Having been on the thought stages of several sites where various Powerpoint or other static pages have been built, iPlotz would have given the extra flexibility to show how things fitted together and would have saved several days worth of re-jigging buttons or inter-page actions.
iPlotz uses the Freemium model whereby it's free to sign-up and that gives access to 1 project which is limited to 5 pages. There's a $15/m plan (on-line access to unlimited projects and 1GB storage). The downloadable version costs $75 (again there's a free trial), but the downloadable version is included in the $99/yr package (so you get 12 months which would normally be $180 and the $75 downloadable version). There are also 5 and 10 multi user versions for $295 and $495 per year respectively.
Definitely worth a look if you're building websites or a business based on a future website.
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iPlotz seems to be the answer to many a web designer's prayer or should that be dream. It's an on-line system allowing wire-framing of sites so they can be viewed by other developers or even customers to ensure they have the right look and feel before any major coding is done. There's also some basic project management functionality so different wire-frames can be assigned as different tasks.
The combination of tools allows complex designs to be simulated while allowing the designer complete flexibility. Wire-framed items can perform actions such as jumping between pages, loading graphics etc so some site functionality is even available.
There's an on-line version at iPlotz and there's a downloadable version available as well. The downloadable version requires Adobe AIR.
Though some knowledge of how a site is put together, this is even useful for pre-design stages so that technical users could mock-up the functionality of a system then pass the mock-up to a designer to prettify. There's also scope for use in pitches before a site has even got to the drawing board (well iPlotz is the drawing board).
Having been on the thought stages of several sites where various Powerpoint or other static pages have been built, iPlotz would have given the extra flexibility to show how things fitted together and would have saved several days worth of re-jigging buttons or inter-page actions.
iPlotz uses the Freemium model whereby it's free to sign-up and that gives access to 1 project which is limited to 5 pages. There's a $15/m plan (on-line access to unlimited projects and 1GB storage). The downloadable version costs $75 (again there's a free trial), but the downloadable version is included in the $99/yr package (so you get 12 months which would normally be $180 and the $75 downloadable version). There are also 5 and 10 multi user versions for $295 and $495 per year respectively.
Definitely worth a look if you're building websites or a business based on a future website.
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2009/04/25
3 UK attacks churn with disruptive free Skype offer - Rethink Wireless
3 UK attacks churn with disruptive free Skype offer - Rethink Wireless
Skype is offering any of its customers free Skype to Skype calls (and instant messaging), this works for pay as you go and contract phones.
Currently phones must be bought from Skype, but in summer they'll also allow any unlocked phones with a 3 SIM.
This may not make 3 any money, but it's likely to attract new customers who 3 can then hopefully sell more services to later.
Skype is offering any of its customers free Skype to Skype calls (and instant messaging), this works for pay as you go and contract phones.
Currently phones must be bought from Skype, but in summer they'll also allow any unlocked phones with a 3 SIM.
This may not make 3 any money, but it's likely to attract new customers who 3 can then hopefully sell more services to later.
2009/04/20
Oracle and MySQL further thoughts
Oracle produce a high-end database, they already have an open source database Berkeley DB which they obtained by purchasing Sleepycat Software.
Oracle also owns Innobase Oy who develop InnoDB which is the transactional database used by MySQL.
It's unlikely Oracle would kill MySQL which is the main user of Innobase's products, therefore it's more likely that Innobase and MySQL will be combined in some way and both sit under the Oracle banner.
Sun are already optimising MySQL for Solaris, Oracle are likely to promote efforts in these areas so Solaris is THE OS for databases.
This can only be a good tbing for MySQL.
Oracle also owns Innobase Oy who develop InnoDB which is the transactional database used by MySQL.
It's unlikely Oracle would kill MySQL which is the main user of Innobase's products, therefore it's more likely that Innobase and MySQL will be combined in some way and both sit under the Oracle banner.
Sun are already optimising MySQL for Solaris, Oracle are likely to promote efforts in these areas so Solaris is THE OS for databases.
This can only be a good tbing for MySQL.
Oracle to Buy Sun - Yahoo! Finance
Oracle to Buy Sun - Yahoo! Finance
Sun and Oracle have entered into a definative agreement for Oracle to purchase Sun.
Oracle will acquire Sun common stock for $9.50 per share in cash. This values Sun at about $7.4bn.
Oracle can utilise Sun's Solaris and Java platforms (and may even keep the hardware business going so they have an optimised hardware base which will allow Oracle appliances etc.). However the future of MySQL has not been mentioned and may not be so rosy.
Oracle may well drop MySQL and leave it to the community to keep going.
Sun and Oracle have entered into a definative agreement for Oracle to purchase Sun.
Oracle will acquire Sun common stock for $9.50 per share in cash. This values Sun at about $7.4bn.
Oracle can utilise Sun's Solaris and Java platforms (and may even keep the hardware business going so they have an optimised hardware base which will allow Oracle appliances etc.). However the future of MySQL has not been mentioned and may not be so rosy.
Oracle may well drop MySQL and leave it to the community to keep going.
2009/04/14
Continuing the Meeja exposure
TechFluffTV reports on start-up news in Europe and low and behold I'm performing an escalator pitch for Textic.
It's only 30secs and here's the YouTube direct link.
It's only 30secs and here's the YouTube direct link.
2009/04/13
Channel 4 - News - Amazon website censorship row
Channel 4 - News - Amazon website censorship row
Amazon US are allegedly censoring goods that have a gay or lesbian theme. If searches are made on the front page, items wont show up at all though they will search up in the sub categories such as books etc, but without seller ratings.
Obviously people are quite upset about this if Amazon are censoring items, though they claim it's a glitch.
There has been a big Twitter backlash against Amazon (using the hashtag #amazonfail) urging people to complain.
Channel 4 News did a piece about it. I was interviewed about the Twitter part which is just before the end of the clip.
Amazon US are allegedly censoring goods that have a gay or lesbian theme. If searches are made on the front page, items wont show up at all though they will search up in the sub categories such as books etc, but without seller ratings.
Obviously people are quite upset about this if Amazon are censoring items, though they claim it's a glitch.
There has been a big Twitter backlash against Amazon (using the hashtag #amazonfail) urging people to complain.
Channel 4 News did a piece about it. I was interviewed about the Twitter part which is just before the end of the clip.
Another kick in the teeth for troubled Tiscali as IPTV subscribers dwindle - Broadband Genie
Another kick in the teeth for troubled Tiscali as IPTV subscribers dwindle - Broadband Genie
It seems Tiscali's IPTV service had reached 100,000 users by the end of 2008, which all sounds pretty good. Unfortunately they were expecting to have 200,000 users which means they only achieved 50% of their target which isn't such a good figure. They may also have lost 64,000'ish broadband customers.
Tiscali UK have been up for sale for a while and this may reduce their chance of a quick sale (or increase their chance of being sold off as a firesale).
It seems Tiscali's IPTV service had reached 100,000 users by the end of 2008, which all sounds pretty good. Unfortunately they were expecting to have 200,000 users which means they only achieved 50% of their target which isn't such a good figure. They may also have lost 64,000'ish broadband customers.
Tiscali UK have been up for sale for a while and this may reduce their chance of a quick sale (or increase their chance of being sold off as a firesale).
2009/04/08
2009/04/06
Netgear releases ReadyNAS NVX
Netgear's ReadyNAS products are really nice home/office shared network resources. The NV+ has been around for a while, then the PRO came out which increased the bay count to 6 (from 4) offered dual network interfaces and faster processors based on Intel chips.
Netgear have now introduced the NVX which is a four bay design but (I guess) also Intel processors. As well as NFS, CIFS, AFS, FTP, http and other network sharing protocols the NVX now supports iSCSI as well.
Mac users have recently had improvements and a ReadyNAS can act as a Time Machine server for network back-ups and restore directly integrating with the Apple Time Machine client which is integrated into MacOS 10.5.
NetVault is a new service introduced by Netgear where ReadyNAS users can back-up their NAS's over the Internet and pay a monthly fee. The pricing seems to be based on whether the back-up is performed by a home user or business.
Currently in beta is Remote, a client which will allow remote users to natively access a ReadyNAS even if it's behind a firewall etc. It sits on Windows or MacOS and the ReadyNAS appears as a local disk.
Retail pricing is about $1,500 for a ReadyNAS NVX including 2TB of disk.
Netgear have now introduced the NVX which is a four bay design but (I guess) also Intel processors. As well as NFS, CIFS, AFS, FTP, http and other network sharing protocols the NVX now supports iSCSI as well.
Mac users have recently had improvements and a ReadyNAS can act as a Time Machine server for network back-ups and restore directly integrating with the Apple Time Machine client which is integrated into MacOS 10.5.
NetVault is a new service introduced by Netgear where ReadyNAS users can back-up their NAS's over the Internet and pay a monthly fee. The pricing seems to be based on whether the back-up is performed by a home user or business.
Currently in beta is Remote, a client which will allow remote users to natively access a ReadyNAS even if it's behind a firewall etc. It sits on Windows or MacOS and the ReadyNAS appears as a local disk.
Retail pricing is about $1,500 for a ReadyNAS NVX including 2TB of disk.
Today is data logging day
The UK law comes into force today (based on an EU directive) that means ISPs and telcos have to keep records of emails and phone calls for up to a year.
Well telcos have already been keeping records of telephone calls because they have to bill calls and billing records have to be kept for seven years anyway.
The story for ISPs is slightly different (and potentially unworkable). If a customer uses their ISPs mail server to send out Email then the ISP has to record the time, the originator and the recipients of the Email. They don't have to log the contents (which would mean huge storage costs).
If a customer sends out their own Email without going through the ISP mail server, it obviously wont be logged. ISPs can force Email traffic to go through their servers (though this can be circumvented too if the customer tries hard enough).
Since most large ISPs (in the UK) are implementing what was known as Cleanfeed (the system that allows ISPs to block content based on an IWF blacklist), they can also use that system to log web requests.
Logging data can be a huge burden for ISPs as the volumes get very large very quickly.
Well telcos have already been keeping records of telephone calls because they have to bill calls and billing records have to be kept for seven years anyway.
The story for ISPs is slightly different (and potentially unworkable). If a customer uses their ISPs mail server to send out Email then the ISP has to record the time, the originator and the recipients of the Email. They don't have to log the contents (which would mean huge storage costs).
If a customer sends out their own Email without going through the ISP mail server, it obviously wont be logged. ISPs can force Email traffic to go through their servers (though this can be circumvented too if the customer tries hard enough).
Since most large ISPs (in the UK) are implementing what was known as Cleanfeed (the system that allows ISPs to block content based on an IWF blacklist), they can also use that system to log web requests.
Logging data can be a huge burden for ISPs as the volumes get very large very quickly.
2009/04/05
iPodRip - Giveaway
iPodRip - Giveaway
iPodRip are giving away some nice iPod prizes.
It's actually a nice program that allows you to get the music off your iPod (i.e. it does the opposite of iTunes).
iPodRip are giving away some nice iPod prizes.
It's actually a nice program that allows you to get the music off your iPod (i.e. it does the opposite of iTunes).
2009/04/03
NVidia releases new graphics card
NVidia has introduced new high end graphics cards, the top end Quadro FX5800 has 240 CUDA parallel processing cores and 4GB of high speed shader RAM it has Displayport and dual-DVI outputs.
This isn't a cheap solution the FX5800 costs around $3,300. The lower end cards start at at £300.
NVidia offer drivers for a variety of operating systems including most varieties of Windows, 32 and 64 bit Linux, Solaris x86/64. Unfortunately no MacOS drivers, so unless Apple do something they wont go into a MacPro (which would seem a logical choice for high end cards).
This isn't a cheap solution the FX5800 costs around $3,300. The lower end cards start at at £300.
NVidia offer drivers for a variety of operating systems including most varieties of Windows, 32 and 64 bit Linux, Solaris x86/64. Unfortunately no MacOS drivers, so unless Apple do something they wont go into a MacPro (which would seem a logical choice for high end cards).
Virgin announce Addict tariff
Virgin's addict tariff is aimed at the mobile Internet user who needs to get their daily fix of social media sites.
£20 gives the user unlimited texts and unlimited data and 10p per minute for phone calls.
It's not quite as good as it sounds though as unlimited of course isn't unlimited as it's 1GB per month for data and 3,000 texts per month - though ignoring the data that means an SMS cost of 1.5p per text (though that's sending 100 texts per day - could be cheap for sending bulk SMS via lots of SIMs).
If a cheaper top-up tariff is chosen i.e. £15/m then there's 600 free texts and for £10/m it's 300 free texts with Internet costing 30p per day limited to 25MB.
It's also worth noting that file sharing and video or voice over Internet calls are not allowed.
Though £20 per month isn't bad for 3,000 text messages and 1GB Internet per month though there are better data deals on other networks.
£20 gives the user unlimited texts and unlimited data and 10p per minute for phone calls.
It's not quite as good as it sounds though as unlimited of course isn't unlimited as it's 1GB per month for data and 3,000 texts per month - though ignoring the data that means an SMS cost of 1.5p per text (though that's sending 100 texts per day - could be cheap for sending bulk SMS via lots of SIMs).
If a cheaper top-up tariff is chosen i.e. £15/m then there's 600 free texts and for £10/m it's 300 free texts with Internet costing 30p per day limited to 25MB.
It's also worth noting that file sharing and video or voice over Internet calls are not allowed.
Though £20 per month isn't bad for 3,000 text messages and 1GB Internet per month though there are better data deals on other networks.
Fonera v2 coming out 29th April
FON is a service that allows broadband users to share their Internet connection with other FON users (or with the general public). Registered FON users then also get access through any other FON device when they're away from their own premise.
The new Fonera v2 WiFi router has 2 LAN ports and a USB port that may be connected to any USB2.0 device or several through a hub.
The system will then share various USB devices like cameras and scanners and act a print server for connected printers. If disks are connected then these can also be shared, but there's also a bittorrent client built-in to the Fonera so that downloads can be left overnight and be ready in the morning. Disks can be traditional USB hard disks or even pen drives. If the disk contains photos these can automatically be uploaded to Flickr and other sites and videos automatically sent to YouTube.
The Fonera 2 unit will cost 49 Euros.
The new Fonera v2 WiFi router has 2 LAN ports and a USB port that may be connected to any USB2.0 device or several through a hub.
The system will then share various USB devices like cameras and scanners and act a print server for connected printers. If disks are connected then these can also be shared, but there's also a bittorrent client built-in to the Fonera so that downloads can be left overnight and be ready in the morning. Disks can be traditional USB hard disks or even pen drives. If the disk contains photos these can automatically be uploaded to Flickr and other sites and videos automatically sent to YouTube.
The Fonera 2 unit will cost 49 Euros.
Ofcom sets mobile termination rates
Ofcom has published mobile termination rates for the mobile networks
The rates below are for Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
Vodafone and O2 5.40 5.09 4.71 TBC
T-Mobile and Orange 5.90 5.39 4.84 TBC
H3G 9.10 7.29 5.83 TBC
The mobile networks are having there revenues reduces severely (but this is in-line with a recent dispute with UK01 a new mobile entrant who also have a rate set which was 3.3p) but it's good for the consumer. Mobile rates have reduced significantly from a few years ago when they were charging 33p per minute.
The rates below are for Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4
Vodafone and O2 5.40 5.09 4.71 TBC
T-Mobile and Orange 5.90 5.39 4.84 TBC
H3G 9.10 7.29 5.83 TBC
The mobile networks are having there revenues reduces severely (but this is in-line with a recent dispute with UK01 a new mobile entrant who also have a rate set which was 3.3p) but it's good for the consumer. Mobile rates have reduced significantly from a few years ago when they were charging 33p per minute.
2009/04/02
Breakfasst with Jeff Pulver and Paul Walsh
This morning's breakfast with Jeff Pulver and Paul Walsh was a lively affair with lots of social networking taking place.
The bacon sandwiches may not have been the best idea, but overall a good event.
The bacon sandwiches may not have been the best idea, but overall a good event.
Thunderbird - actually a reasonable email client
Reading email can be a pain. Mutt is my preferred Email client, it's text based runs on UN*X/Linux, is fast and just works and is also available from anywhere by ssh'ing into the bix where the mail is stored.
Being text based, it's really good for scanning Email and deleting the rubbish. Emails can also be read and actioned, however being text based it's not good when people send pure HTML Email or Emails with nice attachments.
Being a Linux user (Fedora Core 10 at the moment) which also acts as a mail server (and file server as well as various other things), it means the system is on all the time. Outlook is a fine Email program as is Mail.app, but they mean booting a Windows or Apple machine.
So though the Linux box was on all the time, it was only really used for reading text Email through Mutt.
Then Thunderbird was suggested, it's an Email client from the Mozilla folks and it works. It''s actually quite similar to Outlook in the way it does certain things and if you're used to Outlook it will be relatively painless to use (though setting up Email accounts may not be so easy).
Now attachments are there and can be viewed as can HTML Email (rendered through Firefox or at least its libraries).
Thunderbird is a pretty good Email client for POP3/IMAP Email accounts.
Being text based, it's really good for scanning Email and deleting the rubbish. Emails can also be read and actioned, however being text based it's not good when people send pure HTML Email or Emails with nice attachments.
Being a Linux user (Fedora Core 10 at the moment) which also acts as a mail server (and file server as well as various other things), it means the system is on all the time. Outlook is a fine Email program as is Mail.app, but they mean booting a Windows or Apple machine.
So though the Linux box was on all the time, it was only really used for reading text Email through Mutt.
Then Thunderbird was suggested, it's an Email client from the Mozilla folks and it works. It''s actually quite similar to Outlook in the way it does certain things and if you're used to Outlook it will be relatively painless to use (though setting up Email accounts may not be so easy).
Now attachments are there and can be viewed as can HTML Email (rendered through Firefox or at least its libraries).
Thunderbird is a pretty good Email client for POP3/IMAP Email accounts.
2009/04/01
IBM to buy Sun
IBM's potential purchase of Sun has been speculated recently, however it also seems various large company's procurement departments have been told to hold of making any Sun purchases and speak to IBM.
If the purchase does go ahead what will remain of Sun? Sparc will likely die (or just go over to Fujitsu completely), MySQL will drop to the wayside (or at least dropped off IBM's portfolio - they have enough of their own databases), Solaris will just go Open with little involvement from IBM if any at all.
The only thing that IBM definitely want is Java.
$6.5bn is cheap considering the prices paid for Compaq and others in recent times, but manufacturing chips - however good they are is expensive. This could be the end of an era and Sun may be disappearing over the IBM horizon.
If the purchase does go ahead what will remain of Sun? Sparc will likely die (or just go over to Fujitsu completely), MySQL will drop to the wayside (or at least dropped off IBM's portfolio - they have enough of their own databases), Solaris will just go Open with little involvement from IBM if any at all.
The only thing that IBM definitely want is Java.
$6.5bn is cheap considering the prices paid for Compaq and others in recent times, but manufacturing chips - however good they are is expensive. This could be the end of an era and Sun may be disappearing over the IBM horizon.
2009/03/26
UK01 the 6th UK network
UK01 are a new mobile operator in the UK offering localised GSM hotzones. Currently you buy a UK01 SIM (or get one for free) and buy minutes - on-line through the UK01 site or via local outlets (Pazone or epay).
The UK01 rates are very competitive, especially to non UK numbers - though UK rates are too bad, 1p per minute to a landline, 8p to a mobile and text messages cost 3p (though bundle deals are available).
UK01 are planning to offer a SIMless service soon, whereby users have to manually select the UK01 network on the phone. Normally the network doesn't recognise the EMEI and so rejects the connection, however UK01 welcome the EMEI and immediately register it. The phone then receives an SMS with the UK01 phone number (which can immediately receive calls) and tells the user how they can buy credit to make outgoing calls.
Coverage is currently limited to areas within Newham, but UK01 is planning to expand into neighbouring boroughs and even across the whole of London.
UK01 has already sold thousands of SIMs and is generating hundreds of thousands of call minutes per month, which isn't bad for a new operator - especially one that's operating in such a small area.
UK01 are definitely a network to watch, they could be extremely disruptive to the MNOs.
The UK01 rates are very competitive, especially to non UK numbers - though UK rates are too bad, 1p per minute to a landline, 8p to a mobile and text messages cost 3p (though bundle deals are available).
UK01 are planning to offer a SIMless service soon, whereby users have to manually select the UK01 network on the phone. Normally the network doesn't recognise the EMEI and so rejects the connection, however UK01 welcome the EMEI and immediately register it. The phone then receives an SMS with the UK01 phone number (which can immediately receive calls) and tells the user how they can buy credit to make outgoing calls.
Coverage is currently limited to areas within Newham, but UK01 is planning to expand into neighbouring boroughs and even across the whole of London.
UK01 has already sold thousands of SIMs and is generating hundreds of thousands of call minutes per month, which isn't bad for a new operator - especially one that's operating in such a small area.
UK01 are definitely a network to watch, they could be extremely disruptive to the MNOs.
Twitter via SMS in the UK
Vodafone have opened up their network to Twitter users, but only for Vodafone customers.
Twitter users set-up their accounts within the Devices section of their profile, then add their mobile number.
While mobile, send a tweet to 86444 and it will go to your feed.
Messages from Twitter don't cost you anything? While SMS messages to Twitter are charged at standard network rates and included in any bundles and message allowance (though the first few messages don't seem to be counted).
It's likely other UK MNOs will follow suit just to keep the status quo - though maybe this a pre-emptive strike by Vodafone to block other networks or even purchase Twitter.
Twitter users set-up their accounts within the Devices section of their profile, then add their mobile number.
While mobile, send a tweet to 86444 and it will go to your feed.
Messages from Twitter don't cost you anything? While SMS messages to Twitter are charged at standard network rates and included in any bundles and message allowance (though the first few messages don't seem to be counted).
It's likely other UK MNOs will follow suit just to keep the status quo - though maybe this a pre-emptive strike by Vodafone to block other networks or even purchase Twitter.
Ofcom 2.6GHz spectrum Auction
Though T-Mobile has dropped their intention to take Ofcom to Judicial Review, O2 have now taken Ofcom to Judicial review and are attempting to include T-Mobile's intention even though T-Mobile pulled out. This will occur in April.
It has now also been ported that there is the potential for interference to radars operating in the 2.7GHz band which include airport radar. Therefore at least initially there will need to be coordination between 2.6GHz licensees and radar operators (such as the CAA and some ship types operated by the MoD and others).
At some point in the future the radar systems will be adjusted such that interference from 2.6GHz will be minimised.
Ofcom is still intending to launch the auction as soon as the judicial review has taken place (assuming it goes there way).
It has now also been ported that there is the potential for interference to radars operating in the 2.7GHz band which include airport radar. Therefore at least initially there will need to be coordination between 2.6GHz licensees and radar operators (such as the CAA and some ship types operated by the MoD and others).
At some point in the future the radar systems will be adjusted such that interference from 2.6GHz will be minimised.
Ofcom is still intending to launch the auction as soon as the judicial review has taken place (assuming it goes there way).
2009/03/25
Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium
Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium
Twitter blamed for global economic downturn, stranger things have happened ...
Twitter blamed for global economic downturn, stranger things have happened ...
2009/03/23
Inkd | Our dashboard for managing your Inkd account.
Inkd | The World's First Market for Original Print Design.
Today Inkd have launched, another creation of Curios Office.
Inkd was originally known as Pressplane who have been very secretive about what they've been doing, now all is revealed.
Inkd is all about designers creating office stationary templates and being able to sell this to companies wanting their own designs, but not being able to afford (or have the resources available) of doing it by themselves. Designers upload their templates and customers download and customise them.
Customers are charged for the templates and designers get a cut of the fee. The more designers that sign-up and upload templates, the more customers will be attracted to the site. All uploaded work is checked by Inkd staff to ensure its quality and meets Inkd's guidelines.
Curious Office launched a successful site for artists/photographers called ImageKind which was sold to Cafe Press.
Kelly Smith is the brains behind Curious Office/ImageKind and Pressplane/Inkd.
Hopefully Inkd will be another successful venture.
Today Inkd have launched, another creation of Curios Office.
Inkd was originally known as Pressplane who have been very secretive about what they've been doing, now all is revealed.
Inkd is all about designers creating office stationary templates and being able to sell this to companies wanting their own designs, but not being able to afford (or have the resources available) of doing it by themselves. Designers upload their templates and customers download and customise them.
Customers are charged for the templates and designers get a cut of the fee. The more designers that sign-up and upload templates, the more customers will be attracted to the site. All uploaded work is checked by Inkd staff to ensure its quality and meets Inkd's guidelines.
Curious Office launched a successful site for artists/photographers called ImageKind which was sold to Cafe Press.
Kelly Smith is the brains behind Curious Office/ImageKind and Pressplane/Inkd.
Hopefully Inkd will be another successful venture.
2009/03/21
The OpenBTS Project
The OpenBTS Project
Great project for an open source GSM basestation.
There's a few legal issues (and lack of spectrum, well usable spectrum anyway) but this could be the solution for rural areas or networks in non 1st world countries. There could also be an interest for some of the low power guard band operators who won licenses in the UK.
It currently uses Asterisk as intelligence for the "back-end".
This project should be supported.
Great project for an open source GSM basestation.
There's a few legal issues (and lack of spectrum, well usable spectrum anyway) but this could be the solution for rural areas or networks in non 1st world countries. There could also be an interest for some of the low power guard band operators who won licenses in the UK.
It currently uses Asterisk as intelligence for the "back-end".
This project should be supported.
2009/03/09
Proposed variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
Proposed variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation (which closes on the 17th of Apr 2009) on changing BT's Undertakings such that they can provide Fibre-to-the=Street Cabinet (FTTC). They are proposing to allow BT Openreach to run the infrastructure.
FTTC will require a massive investment (somewhere around £15bn) to fibre the whole of the UK and BT need to ensure they get a return on investment so Ofcom are allowing them certain monopolistic practices such that BT can start the roll-out. Ofcom will monitor the situation.
Ofcom is holding a consultation (which closes on the 17th of Apr 2009) on changing BT's Undertakings such that they can provide Fibre-to-the=Street Cabinet (FTTC). They are proposing to allow BT Openreach to run the infrastructure.
FTTC will require a massive investment (somewhere around £15bn) to fibre the whole of the UK and BT need to ensure they get a return on investment so Ofcom are allowing them certain monopolistic practices such that BT can start the roll-out. Ofcom will monitor the situation.
2009/03/06
2009/03/03
Twitter news - not always good
It was with great sadness that I learnt about the death of Rob Williams of Dolphin Music. I did not know the man himself, but knew he was part of a skiing party in Verbier. It seems he got separated from his group and died overnight.
His colleagues had tried to locate him using Twitter, iPhone GPS and other technologies to no avail. His colleague Jason Tavaria was rescued by Verbier's Mountain Rescue patrol (though it is not known if the any Web 2.0 technology helped save him).
What is surprising is how quickly the story came to light as members of the group Tweeted their concerns.
Again condolences to the family/friends and colleagues of Rob.
His colleagues had tried to locate him using Twitter, iPhone GPS and other technologies to no avail. His colleague Jason Tavaria was rescued by Verbier's Mountain Rescue patrol (though it is not known if the any Web 2.0 technology helped save him).
What is surprising is how quickly the story came to light as members of the group Tweeted their concerns.
Again condolences to the family/friends and colleagues of Rob.
Rudy Kennedy: Holocaust survivor, scientist and campaigner | Times Online Obituary
Rudy Kennedy: Holocaust survivor, scientist and campaigner | Times Online Obituary
My father's obituary in The Times, he was a fantastic person and is missed.
My father's obituary in The Times, he was a fantastic person and is missed.
2009/02/28
Review of the 070 personal numbering range | Ofcom
Review of the 070 personal numbering range | Ofcom
Ofcom has published a review on the 070 numbering range known as Personal Numbering Services (PNS).
In 2005 there were a large number of complaints about PNS due to abuse by number holders (mainly scams to mobile numbers). Ofcom originally wanted to migrate 070 numbers to an 06 range, but this was decided again due to confusing and that systems such as alarm systems utilised 070 numbers.
070 were put under regulatory control from PhonepayPlus (formally ICSTIS) and measures such as delayed payments to number holders has significantly reduced the number of consumer complaints.
Ofcom will support and monitor the enforcement program by PhonepayPlus (who have made 10 adjudications and fines totalling £625,000 since May 2008.
Communications providers will have to publish their 070 tariffs prominently and make them easy to understand for consumers.
PNS providers who sub-allocated numbers to other operators will have to carry out due diligence of the sub-allocation operator.
Though this is a step in the right direction, it would have been beneficial to end-users to move the number range so 07 was only used by mobile operators - but it would have been a logistical nightmare to move alarm systems and other services out of the 070 number range.
Ofcom has published a review on the 070 numbering range known as Personal Numbering Services (PNS).
In 2005 there were a large number of complaints about PNS due to abuse by number holders (mainly scams to mobile numbers). Ofcom originally wanted to migrate 070 numbers to an 06 range, but this was decided again due to confusing and that systems such as alarm systems utilised 070 numbers.
070 were put under regulatory control from PhonepayPlus (formally ICSTIS) and measures such as delayed payments to number holders has significantly reduced the number of consumer complaints.
Ofcom will support and monitor the enforcement program by PhonepayPlus (who have made 10 adjudications and fines totalling £625,000 since May 2008.
Communications providers will have to publish their 070 tariffs prominently and make them easy to understand for consumers.
PNS providers who sub-allocated numbers to other operators will have to carry out due diligence of the sub-allocation operator.
Though this is a step in the right direction, it would have been beneficial to end-users to move the number range so 07 was only used by mobile operators - but it would have been a logistical nightmare to move alarm systems and other services out of the 070 number range.
2009/02/27
Fund it Frog - Go shopping in a good cause!
Fund it Frog - Go shopping in a good cause!
Fund it frog are referral site, they have affiliate deals with various shopping sites and by shopping with those sites, they pass on a fee back to Fund it Frog who then pass on half to the charities involved.
This way the user isn't paying anything extra, the affiliate shopping site is just paying a referral fee which helps a good cause.
Anyone Internet shopping should have a look at Fund it Frog, it doesn't cost them anything - but just by shopping (which they'd do anyway) they give money to charity.
It's all so simple that it should work, good luck to the Fund it Frog team!!!
Fund it frog are referral site, they have affiliate deals with various shopping sites and by shopping with those sites, they pass on a fee back to Fund it Frog who then pass on half to the charities involved.
This way the user isn't paying anything extra, the affiliate shopping site is just paying a referral fee which helps a good cause.
Anyone Internet shopping should have a look at Fund it Frog, it doesn't cost them anything - but just by shopping (which they'd do anyway) they give money to charity.
It's all so simple that it should work, good luck to the Fund it Frog team!!!
2009/02/21
Harmonised European numbers for services of social value: Allocation and charging arrangements for 116 numbers in the UK | Ofcom
Harmonised European numbers for services of social value: Allocation and charging arrangements for 116 numbers in the UK | Ofcom
Ofcom under direction from the European Commission is planning to allocate he number range starting 116 followed by 3 digits.
The first 116 numbers to be reserved by the Commission are 116000 for hotlines for missing children, 116111 for child helplines and 116123 for emotional support helplines.
Ofcom has to amend the national numbering plan and hopes to make them available in Sep 2009.
Ofcom under direction from the European Commission is planning to allocate he number range starting 116 followed by 3 digits.
The first 116 numbers to be reserved by the Commission are 116000 for hotlines for missing children, 116111 for child helplines and 116123 for emotional support helplines.
Ofcom has to amend the national numbering plan and hopes to make them available in Sep 2009.
2009/02/19
Nortel cant die
Nortel will still be here in 10 years - or at least some incarnation of Nortel. It's extremely unlikely that they'll die.
Nortel are so ingrained in the large telcos that they cant die. They manufacture switches, not the kind you sit on your desk that have a few Ethernet cables plugged in, but telephony switches - the kind that have thousands of customers plugged into. There are thousands (if not tens of thousands) of these telephony switches in lots of networks and they're not the kind of thing you can replace easily.
As a telecoms provider with Nortel switches that you've paid millions of dollars for, you need them to be there. You also want to ensure they'll be supported for the next 10 years or so. When a CPU board fails, you want to know it's going to be replaced and someone needs to ensure any software bugs are fixed.
So though Nortel might be going through a bit of a bad patch, even if the company per se goes under, Nortel will still be there and their spirit at least will live on, just maybe consumed by another company - Nortel's systems are alive and well and will be for the for a while - if they aren't then don't try making a telephone call for a while.
Nortel are so ingrained in the large telcos that they cant die. They manufacture switches, not the kind you sit on your desk that have a few Ethernet cables plugged in, but telephony switches - the kind that have thousands of customers plugged into. There are thousands (if not tens of thousands) of these telephony switches in lots of networks and they're not the kind of thing you can replace easily.
As a telecoms provider with Nortel switches that you've paid millions of dollars for, you need them to be there. You also want to ensure they'll be supported for the next 10 years or so. When a CPU board fails, you want to know it's going to be replaced and someone needs to ensure any software bugs are fixed.
So though Nortel might be going through a bit of a bad patch, even if the company per se goes under, Nortel will still be there and their spirit at least will live on, just maybe consumed by another company - Nortel's systems are alive and well and will be for the for a while - if they aren't then don't try making a telephone call for a while.
2009/02/18
Why Android is scary
Android is an open source operating system based on Linux that runs on phones, mobile internet devices etc. It comes under the auspices of the Open Handset Alliance, but it's really Google.
Android of course isn't completely open source, it cant be (more on that later). Lots of Android is open source including the application layer bits and a lot of the core too. Google do try and make the open bits easily available and those bits can be accessed via source code.
The bits that will not be open sourced are the low level drivers, the bits that "talk" GSM (or CDMA or 3G), the baseband bits. They cant be. In order for a phone to be certified it has to go through an approval process (which in the US means going through FCC approval). Part of the approval is ensuring the network bits are certified and that means users cant play with them. It's amazing what a handset can do to a basestation or network if you know what stuff to send it. Mobile Network Operators don't want users being able to reconfigure bits of the network.
The big issue for operators and Android is people hacking it and accessing the bits they shouldn't. Most of the low level stuff is protected, but if a user can become "root" or the superuser they have access to most of the operating system and potentially have the ability to modify parts of the OS they normally wouldn't be able to. The G1 has already been hacked giving people a root shell.
Having access to the low level parts of the OS is scary, not for the users but for the operators. They don't want you messing with the network or playing with the network protocols. It's really a big issue for them.
Most phone operating systems offer the same control, Symbian only exposes the upper layers as does Windows Mobile. This is even more apparent in the iPhone where the SDK just lets you develop application on top of the OS.
Android's open sourceness may actually be it's downfall in terms of slow adoption by MNOs.
Android of course isn't completely open source, it cant be (more on that later). Lots of Android is open source including the application layer bits and a lot of the core too. Google do try and make the open bits easily available and those bits can be accessed via source code.
The bits that will not be open sourced are the low level drivers, the bits that "talk" GSM (or CDMA or 3G), the baseband bits. They cant be. In order for a phone to be certified it has to go through an approval process (which in the US means going through FCC approval). Part of the approval is ensuring the network bits are certified and that means users cant play with them. It's amazing what a handset can do to a basestation or network if you know what stuff to send it. Mobile Network Operators don't want users being able to reconfigure bits of the network.
The big issue for operators and Android is people hacking it and accessing the bits they shouldn't. Most of the low level stuff is protected, but if a user can become "root" or the superuser they have access to most of the operating system and potentially have the ability to modify parts of the OS they normally wouldn't be able to. The G1 has already been hacked giving people a root shell.
Having access to the low level parts of the OS is scary, not for the users but for the operators. They don't want you messing with the network or playing with the network protocols. It's really a big issue for them.
Most phone operating systems offer the same control, Symbian only exposes the upper layers as does Windows Mobile. This is even more apparent in the iPhone where the SDK just lets you develop application on top of the OS.
Android's open sourceness may actually be it's downfall in terms of slow adoption by MNOs.
2009/02/16
3G Rollout obligations | Ofcom
3G Rollout obligations | Ofcom
Ofcom is satisfied that the 3G Mobile Network Operators have met their obligations of reaching 80% population coverage by December 2008.
Ofcom is expecting that the networks will maintain their coverage. If the networks combine infrastructure they may actually exceed their obligations.
Ofcom is satisfied that the 3G Mobile Network Operators have met their obligations of reaching 80% population coverage by December 2008.
Ofcom is expecting that the networks will maintain their coverage. If the networks combine infrastructure they may actually exceed their obligations.
Digital dividend: cognitive access | Ofcom
Digital dividend: cognitive access | Ofcom
Ofcom are holding a consultation on the use of cognitive devices which can be used on a license exempt basis.
There are two forms of cognitive devices, one that "scans" the spectrum and looks for unused channels which the device will then pick and use, while scanning for interference. The second type use geolocation and pick channels based on their location - devices must be accurate to 100m.
The consultation closes on 1st may 2009.
Ofcom are holding a consultation on the use of cognitive devices which can be used on a license exempt basis.
There are two forms of cognitive devices, one that "scans" the spectrum and looks for unused channels which the device will then pick and use, while scanning for interference. The second type use geolocation and pick channels based on their location - devices must be accurate to 100m.
The consultation closes on 1st may 2009.
Hay Systems Ltd :: HSL 2.75G Femtocell
Hay Systems Ltd :: HSL 2.75G Femtocell
Hayes Systems have announced a femtocell which connects to a LAN and provides 2.75G services (GSM/GPRS/E.D.G.E) and supports data rates up to 414Kb/s.
No prices have been announced but this can be used for in-building data and voice services (assuming spectrum is available).
A developers version is available, now someone just needs to port the GSM stack on to Asterisk and there's a real threat to the MNOs.
Hayes Systems have announced a femtocell which connects to a LAN and provides 2.75G services (GSM/GPRS/E.D.G.E) and supports data rates up to 414Kb/s.
No prices have been announced but this can be used for in-building data and voice services (assuming spectrum is available).
A developers version is available, now someone just needs to port the GSM stack on to Asterisk and there's a real threat to the MNOs.
Barcelona - not crowded for MWC
It seems that people are reporting that the number of attendees is down this year and the usually crowded Mobile World Congress isn't.
Ian Wood reports that vendors are saying that stand crew are also down (cut to half what they were last year).
Though MWC does have a reputation of stands mainly selling to other stands ... this year it seems there's opportunities for the general public to get a look in.
Ian Wood reports that vendors are saying that stand crew are also down (cut to half what they were last year).
Though MWC does have a reputation of stands mainly selling to other stands ... this year it seems there's opportunities for the general public to get a look in.
2009/02/15
Dispute between Mapesbury Communications and T-Mobile about mobile termination rates | Ofcom
Dispute between Mapesbury Communications and T-Mobile about mobile termination rates | Ofcom
MCom wanted 7.2ppm termination rates and T-Mobile wanted to pay 1.2ppm.
Ofcom have determined that MCom should be paid 4.4ppm termination rate. As MCom and T-Mobile utilise BT as a transit provider, BT will terminate to 4.4ppm to MCom and charge a transit charge to T-Mobile on top of the 4.4ppm.
MCom may have to change various pricing structures to make the new payments work.
MCom are offering low power localised GSM services, initially in Newham.
MCom wanted 7.2ppm termination rates and T-Mobile wanted to pay 1.2ppm.
Ofcom have determined that MCom should be paid 4.4ppm termination rate. As MCom and T-Mobile utilise BT as a transit provider, BT will terminate to 4.4ppm to MCom and charge a transit charge to T-Mobile on top of the 4.4ppm.
MCom may have to change various pricing structures to make the new payments work.
MCom are offering low power localised GSM services, initially in Newham.
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Application of spectrum liberalisation and trading to the mobile sector | Ofcom
Ofcom wishes to liberalise the spectrum in the 900, 1800 and 2100MHz bands.
Currently O2 and Vodafone license the 900MHz band for 2G GSM services, 1800MHz is used by PCN GSM service and 2100MHz for 3G services.
Under the new regime, Ofcom will allow the bands for any purpose, but it's expected the operators will use the GSM bands for 3G use, the spectrum will also be tradable.
As part of the re-organisation Ofcom want O2 and Vodafone to release 2 x 5MHz of spectrum that will be re-auctioned, O2 and Vodafone will be given at least a year's notice to move out of the bands.
Any interested parties should comment to Ofcom by 1st 2009.
Ofcom wishes to liberalise the spectrum in the 900, 1800 and 2100MHz bands.
Currently O2 and Vodafone license the 900MHz band for 2G GSM services, 1800MHz is used by PCN GSM service and 2100MHz for 3G services.
Under the new regime, Ofcom will allow the bands for any purpose, but it's expected the operators will use the GSM bands for 3G use, the spectrum will also be tradable.
As part of the re-organisation Ofcom want O2 and Vodafone to release 2 x 5MHz of spectrum that will be re-auctioned, O2 and Vodafone will be given at least a year's notice to move out of the bands.
Any interested parties should comment to Ofcom by 1st 2009.
2009/02/08
Stephen Fry tops Twitter (well almost) | Mobile Industry Review
Stephen Fry tops Twitter (well almost) | Mobile Industry Review
This article was written (by my good self) on Saturday 7th Feb and Stephen Fry @stephenfry had somewhat over 100,00 users. As of Sunday 9th of Feb 2009 at 4pm he has 152,375 followers. Obama has 246,262. 3rd place goes to CNN with 144,643 and poor Kevin Rose (of Digg/Rev3/etc) only has 102,051.
OK so Stephen Fry is now 2nd in the Twitter ranks, but it's the speed at which he's got there which is surprising.
Obama has been going for 1.9 years (i.e. about 693 days) which is about 355 new followers per day. Kevin Rose (and the publicity machine of Diggnation etc) has achieved his following in about 766 days which is 133 followers per day.
Mr Fry has achieved an average of 733 new followers every day since joining Twitter. His stats are completely skewed of course since he gained at least 50,000 during the weekend following his appearance on Jonathan Ross @wossy a few weeks ago (who is now on 69,871 followers which means he's getting 998 new followers per day). Philip Schofield @schofe) is also climbing up the ranks fast (though only with 42,542 followers).
Since Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Philip Schofield are pretty much British institutions, does this mean that UK Twitter use is increasing as dramatically?
The other side of this is how does Twitter hope to make any kind of money? They have raised VC, the number of users is increasing dramatically, but so are the costs. Just delivering Stephen Fry's tweets must require lots of infrastructure and hardware. Are they gearing up for a sale? Who could buy them? Personally I'd guess the only possible suitor is Vodafone who could bring back SMS for tweets and roll the system out to Asia where everyone is used to sending stuff by SMS and would pay for it. Vodafone are probably big and ugly enough to pull it off.
This article was written (by my good self) on Saturday 7th Feb and Stephen Fry @stephenfry had somewhat over 100,00 users. As of Sunday 9th of Feb 2009 at 4pm he has 152,375 followers. Obama has 246,262. 3rd place goes to CNN with 144,643 and poor Kevin Rose (of Digg/Rev3/etc) only has 102,051.
OK so Stephen Fry is now 2nd in the Twitter ranks, but it's the speed at which he's got there which is surprising.
Obama has been going for 1.9 years (i.e. about 693 days) which is about 355 new followers per day. Kevin Rose (and the publicity machine of Diggnation etc) has achieved his following in about 766 days which is 133 followers per day.
Mr Fry has achieved an average of 733 new followers every day since joining Twitter. His stats are completely skewed of course since he gained at least 50,000 during the weekend following his appearance on Jonathan Ross @wossy a few weeks ago (who is now on 69,871 followers which means he's getting 998 new followers per day). Philip Schofield @schofe) is also climbing up the ranks fast (though only with 42,542 followers).
Since Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Philip Schofield are pretty much British institutions, does this mean that UK Twitter use is increasing as dramatically?
The other side of this is how does Twitter hope to make any kind of money? They have raised VC, the number of users is increasing dramatically, but so are the costs. Just delivering Stephen Fry's tweets must require lots of infrastructure and hardware. Are they gearing up for a sale? Who could buy them? Personally I'd guess the only possible suitor is Vodafone who could bring back SMS for tweets and roll the system out to Asia where everyone is used to sending stuff by SMS and would pay for it. Vodafone are probably big and ugly enough to pull it off.
Extending Premium Rate Services Regulation to 087 Numbers | Ofcom
Extending Premium Rate Services Regulation to 087 Numbers | Ofcom
Ofcom has confirmed that PhonePayPlus will regulate calls to 0871 and 0872 numbers that are charged above 5p per minute up to 10p per minute, 09 numbers from 5 through 10p per minute will also come uder PhonePayPlus regulation.
This will come into force on August 1st 2009. Consumers using these numbers should: -
* be better informed about the price of calls.
* be able to complain about excessively long call waiting times.
* be better protected from scams.
Ofcom has confirmed that PhonePayPlus will regulate calls to 0871 and 0872 numbers that are charged above 5p per minute up to 10p per minute, 09 numbers from 5 through 10p per minute will also come uder PhonePayPlus regulation.
This will come into force on August 1st 2009. Consumers using these numbers should: -
* be better informed about the price of calls.
* be able to complain about excessively long call waiting times.
* be better protected from scams.
Digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band | Ofcom
Digital dividend: clearing the 800 MHz band | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on what's being called the 800MHz band. Some parts of the band are expected to become free after Digital Switch Over (DSO) in 2012.
Ofcom were planning to release 112MHz of spectrum after DSO comprising of: -
* a smaller, upper band of 48 MHz at 806-854 MHz (channels 63-68)
* a larger, lower band of 64 MHz between 550 MHz and 630 MHz (channels 31-35, 37 and 39-40)
This has subsequently been increased to 128MHz by clearing out channel 36 used by aeronautical radar and channel 38 by radioastronomy.
Many countries in Eurpoe have followed the UK's lead and are making spectrum available, but they are proposing to open up more spectrum in the 800MHz band comprising of 72 MHz at 790 - 862 MHz – channels 61 - 69.
After DSO channels 61 and 62 were expected to be used by DTT (digital terrestrial television) and channel 69 for programme-making and special events (PMSE), mainly wireless microphones. However Ofcom has valued the released spectrum at around £2 - 3bn and wants to move DDT and PMSE to channels 38 - 40).
Ofcom believes that the costs of clearing channels 61, 62 and 69 will be modest compared to the benefits. They estimate it will cost around £90-200m. These costs could be met by new licensees in the 800 MHz band and/or the Government.
By moving DDT from those bands, users will have to retune their digital set-top boxes (or they may lose EPG information), however that should only take a few minutes and shouldn't cause a major impact.
By making the spectrum available, innovative new services could run in the 800MHz band such as wireless broadband or new mobile services. It is in the best interests of the UK that Ofcom are allowed to proceed with this plan (800MHz has very good building penetration so blanket wireless coverage of an area is possible as per current TV coverage).
The consultation closes on April 20th 2009.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on what's being called the 800MHz band. Some parts of the band are expected to become free after Digital Switch Over (DSO) in 2012.
Ofcom were planning to release 112MHz of spectrum after DSO comprising of: -
* a smaller, upper band of 48 MHz at 806-854 MHz (channels 63-68)
* a larger, lower band of 64 MHz between 550 MHz and 630 MHz (channels 31-35, 37 and 39-40)
This has subsequently been increased to 128MHz by clearing out channel 36 used by aeronautical radar and channel 38 by radioastronomy.
Many countries in Eurpoe have followed the UK's lead and are making spectrum available, but they are proposing to open up more spectrum in the 800MHz band comprising of 72 MHz at 790 - 862 MHz – channels 61 - 69.
After DSO channels 61 and 62 were expected to be used by DTT (digital terrestrial television) and channel 69 for programme-making and special events (PMSE), mainly wireless microphones. However Ofcom has valued the released spectrum at around £2 - 3bn and wants to move DDT and PMSE to channels 38 - 40).
Ofcom believes that the costs of clearing channels 61, 62 and 69 will be modest compared to the benefits. They estimate it will cost around £90-200m. These costs could be met by new licensees in the 800 MHz band and/or the Government.
By moving DDT from those bands, users will have to retune their digital set-top boxes (or they may lose EPG information), however that should only take a few minutes and shouldn't cause a major impact.
By making the spectrum available, innovative new services could run in the 800MHz band such as wireless broadband or new mobile services. It is in the best interests of the UK that Ofcom are allowed to proceed with this plan (800MHz has very good building penetration so blanket wireless coverage of an area is possible as per current TV coverage).
The consultation closes on April 20th 2009.
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