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.
2009/06/29
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.
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