Google showed off it's new Android mobile operating system at their developers do in San Fran.
They showed it running on two phones, one a basic version and one with a touch screen that supported 3G.
It seems to operate in a similar fashion to the iPhone with its "home' button and applications accessible via icons. It can utilise systems like accelerometers to measure the devices position, GPS, etc.
Google demo'ed Google Maps which panes in sections as the users moves from location to location.
Though Android is similar to MacOS X on the iPhone, it's different as Apple does not release any of the iPhone's core OS and applications can only be officially distributed through iTunes. Android in theory is completely open and based on Linux (the OS is officially distributed through the Open Handset Alliance) and the development environment is available to anyone (though winners of the Google applications prize are gaining early access to pre-release betas of the new dev systems).
Android could be a real threat to traditional mobile operating systems (WindowsMobile, Symbian, etc) as there are no license fees to pay. Google will leverage Android to move into the hosted app market (which they want to own) as the mobile apps generally are front-ends on to hosted systems.
There are other threats such as LIMO and OpenMoko but currently these are niche players.
2008/05/30
Silverjet down the tubes
The business class airline Silverjet that flies from Luton to New York and Dubai has shut its doors, stating it couldn't find further financing.
Other airlines that fly those routes have said they'll try and help out, but it's likel to cost passengers something.
Silverjet is the latest cut-price business airline to go under.
Other airlines that fly those routes have said they'll try and help out, but it's likel to cost passengers something.
Silverjet is the latest cut-price business airline to go under.
A New Pricing Framework for Openreach | Ofcom
A New Pricing Framework for Openreach | Ofcom
BT Openreach is a part of BT Group that offers network level services to other companies.
These include WLR (wholesale line rental), LLU services and Ethernet services.
BT (Openreach) wants to increase the price of various services as they say the cost of providing these services has increased.
BT (and Ofcom) reason that there are now more than 4m unbundled LLU lines and they no longer have SMP (significant market power) in various areas of the country.
Ofcom is holding a consultation about this and will make a final statement later in the year.
BT Openreach is a part of BT Group that offers network level services to other companies.
These include WLR (wholesale line rental), LLU services and Ethernet services.
BT (Openreach) wants to increase the price of various services as they say the cost of providing these services has increased.
BT (and Ofcom) reason that there are now more than 4m unbundled LLU lines and they no longer have SMP (significant market power) in various areas of the country.
Ofcom is holding a consultation about this and will make a final statement later in the year.
2008/05/21
Deregulating the UK’s wholesale broadband markets: 70% of the country to be liberalised | Ofcom
Deregulating the UK’s wholesale broadband markets: 70% of the country to be liberalised | Ofcom
Ofcom is going to lift the obligations on the encumbent operators where there are 4 or broadband operators offering service. In the areas where there isn't sufficient competition, Ofcom will maintain the SMP (significant market power) rules.
This will mean that in 70% of the UK SMP conditions will be lifted, which really means BT.
BT could now increase (wholesale) pricing for broadband in those areas.
Ofcom is going to lift the obligations on the encumbent operators where there are 4 or broadband operators offering service. In the areas where there isn't sufficient competition, Ofcom will maintain the SMP (significant market power) rules.
This will mean that in 70% of the UK SMP conditions will be lifted, which really means BT.
BT could now increase (wholesale) pricing for broadband in those areas.
2008/05/19
Ofcom Website | Notices
Ofcom Website | Notices:
Ofcom announced the winners of the 1452-1492 MHz band (or L-Band).
Though various lots were available (lots LA to LQ) Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd won all the lots, so were awarded a single high power licence.
Qualcomm paid £8,334,000 for the license.
Ofcom have released the spectrum as technology neutral and so it's likely Qualcomm will persue their MediaFLO broadcast TV system in the UK (even though the EU has adopted DVB-H).
If Qualcomm can build a broadcast network (which is likely to cost considerably more than the £8m paid for the license) and persuade manufacturers to include MediaFLO in UK handsets and if they can provide content, then they are likely to recoup the investment with IP licensing and content licenses.
Ofcom announced the winners of the 1452-1492 MHz band (or L-Band).
Though various lots were available (lots LA to LQ) Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd won all the lots, so were awarded a single high power licence.
Qualcomm paid £8,334,000 for the license.
Ofcom have released the spectrum as technology neutral and so it's likely Qualcomm will persue their MediaFLO broadcast TV system in the UK (even though the EU has adopted DVB-H).
If Qualcomm can build a broadcast network (which is likely to cost considerably more than the £8m paid for the license) and persuade manufacturers to include MediaFLO in UK handsets and if they can provide content, then they are likely to recoup the investment with IP licensing and content licenses.
Vodafone acquires ZYB « ZYB blog
Vodafone acquires ZYB « ZYB blog
Zyb the Danish company that allows users to remotely sync their contacts and calendars has been bought by Vodafone.
They will operate under their Internet Business devision.
If Vodafone integrate Zyb into their standard packages, then Zyb are likely to be the mobile social networking tool of choice.
Zyb the Danish company that allows users to remotely sync their contacts and calendars has been bought by Vodafone.
They will operate under their Internet Business devision.
If Vodafone integrate Zyb into their standard packages, then Zyb are likely to be the mobile social networking tool of choice.
2008/04/29
Decision to modify the National Telephone Numbering Plan to accommodate geographic number demand in the Ebbsfleet region | Ofcom
Decision to modify the National Telephone Numbering Plan to accommodate geographic number demand in the Ebbsfleet region | Ofcom
Ofcom held a consultation on allocating a new number range (01987) to the Ebbsfleet region (there is a large housing development being built).
Ofcom had eight responses and is making the range available immediately.
Ebbsfleet is also of interest as it will be connected to BT's 21CN and have fibre to the home.
Ofcom held a consultation on allocating a new number range (01987) to the Ebbsfleet region (there is a large housing development being built).
Ofcom had eight responses and is making the range available immediately.
Ebbsfleet is also of interest as it will be connected to BT's 21CN and have fibre to the home.
Asterisk Based Visual Call Flow Editor and Server - SafiSystems
Asterisk Based Visual Call Flow Editor and Server - SafiSystems
This is quite a clever concept. Asterisk (the open source PBX) has the capability to run AGI programs (Asterisk Gateway Interface, similar in concept to CGI's in the web world). AGIs are run through a server which can be locally hosted on the Asterisk server or on a completely separate system. There are AGI systems written in Perl/PHP and other languages.
Safi Systems have developed a server and a tool called Safi Workshop which allows AGI programming through visual building blocks, so the first block may be to 'Answer the call' (which equates to Answer in Asterisk terms). Other functions are then pulled from the toolbox and linked together.
The project is then saved and then inserted into the Asterisk dialplan as an AGI statement to the Safi Server.
It's currently in Alpha (it runs on Windows - though it's Java based, so will probably eventually be ported to other platforms) and can be downloaded for free for non-commercial use.
It is really kinda neat as they say.
This is quite a clever concept. Asterisk (the open source PBX) has the capability to run AGI programs (Asterisk Gateway Interface, similar in concept to CGI's in the web world). AGIs are run through a server which can be locally hosted on the Asterisk server or on a completely separate system. There are AGI systems written in Perl/PHP and other languages.
Safi Systems have developed a server and a tool called Safi Workshop which allows AGI programming through visual building blocks, so the first block may be to 'Answer the call' (which equates to Answer in Asterisk terms). Other functions are then pulled from the toolbox and linked together.
The project is then saved and then inserted into the Asterisk dialplan as an AGI statement to the Safi Server.
It's currently in Alpha (it runs on Windows - though it's Java based, so will probably eventually be ported to other platforms) and can be downloaded for free for non-commercial use.
It is really kinda neat as they say.
2008/04/22
ZYB | Help | Press Releases
ZYB | Help | Press Releases
ZYB the company that allows mobile users to upload their phone-books and store them centrally on Zyb's servers today acquired Imity the Danish social networking company.
Zyb has 250,000 users worldwide and has over 15 millions contacts stored for those users.
Imity has 70,000 users but has logged over 430,000 interactions between them, the technology allows Bluetooth enabled phones to discover other Imity users and links back to existing social networking sites like MySpace or blogs.
Imity is not accepting new users, but existing users can continue using the service. When Zyb and Imity are integrated, further users will be able to join. The combination of the two services could make an impact on the social networking scene as everyone has a mobile (pretty much every one of those mobiles will have Bluetooth) and by linking contacts and Bluetooth interaction, there could be some interesting results.
ZYB the company that allows mobile users to upload their phone-books and store them centrally on Zyb's servers today acquired Imity the Danish social networking company.
Zyb has 250,000 users worldwide and has over 15 millions contacts stored for those users.
Imity has 70,000 users but has logged over 430,000 interactions between them, the technology allows Bluetooth enabled phones to discover other Imity users and links back to existing social networking sites like MySpace or blogs.
Imity is not accepting new users, but existing users can continue using the service. When Zyb and Imity are integrated, further users will be able to join. The combination of the two services could make an impact on the social networking scene as everyone has a mobile (pretty much every one of those mobiles will have Bluetooth) and by linking contacts and Bluetooth interaction, there could be some interesting results.
Ofcom Website | Notices
Ofcom Website | Notices
Ofcom today published the companies that have met the criteria to bid the the L-Band (or 1452-1492MHz) spectrum.
The original PDF ishere.
The bidders are: -
Adolphus Limited
Arqiva Limited
ePortal Holding K.S.C.
MLL Telecom Ltd
Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd
The Joint Radio Company Limited
Vectone Network Limited
WorldSpace UK Limited
Bids start at £50,000
Ofcom today published the companies that have met the criteria to bid the the L-Band (or 1452-1492MHz) spectrum.
The original PDF is
The bidders are: -
Adolphus Limited
Arqiva Limited
ePortal Holding K.S.C.
MLL Telecom Ltd
Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd
The Joint Radio Company Limited
Vectone Network Limited
WorldSpace UK Limited
Bids start at £50,000
2008/04/21
Truphone press office: Truphone raises £16.5m [$32.7M] in Series B round
Truphone press office: Truphone raises £16.5m [$32.7M] in Series B round: "£16.5m ($32.7m) of Series B venture capital funding.
Truphone who have some software on a mobile phone that can switch calls between GSM/3G and WiFi have raised £16.5m ($32.7m) of Series B venture capital funding, the round was led by private investors, with all of Truphone’s existing backers – Burda Digital Ventures, Eden Ventures, Independent News; Media, Straub Ventures and Wellington Partners – also participating;
They have already raised $25m so this makes it over $50m, nice if yiu can get it.
Recently Truphone purchased SIM4travel for cash and stock (about $5m in total) which gives them a GSM core and MVNO assets and may give them better termination rates (in the past Truphone took T-Mobile to court in the UK as they wouldn't route Truphone number blocks, the court decided that T-Mobile must route their calls, but awarded Truphone sub penny termination).
Truphone who have some software on a mobile phone that can switch calls between GSM/3G and WiFi have raised £16.5m ($32.7m) of Series B venture capital funding, the round was led by private investors, with all of Truphone’s existing backers – Burda Digital Ventures, Eden Ventures, Independent News; Media, Straub Ventures and Wellington Partners – also participating;
They have already raised $25m so this makes it over $50m, nice if yiu can get it.
Recently Truphone purchased SIM4travel for cash and stock (about $5m in total) which gives them a GSM core and MVNO assets and may give them better termination rates (in the past Truphone took T-Mobile to court in the UK as they wouldn't route Truphone number blocks, the court decided that T-Mobile must route their calls, but awarded Truphone sub penny termination).
2008/04/17
UK Enum Consortium
UK Enum Consortium
ENUM is a way for people to route calls to telephone numbers. The telephone number owner specifies how they want the calls delivered.
This is a relatively complex system and stores the information in DNS using NAPTR records.
UKEC owns the +44 zone (which it was allocated by the DTI as was).
There will be two main uses for ENUM (as per UKEC) for routing telephone calls and for carriers routing calls.
Nominet are what's called the Tier 1 registry for the +44 zone and will maintain the DNS for it. In future there will be Registrars who actually register numbers into the registry. There will also be Number Authorities who verify that numbers are owned by who they say they are. Much of how this all works still needs to be decided.
Recently elections for the board of directors took place and the following people were elected: -
James Blessing
Peter Gradwell
Steve Kennedy (me)
Denesh Bhabuta
ENUM will play a significant part in the future of telephony, especially as BT role-out their 21CN.
DNS will also be significantly impacted as in future every telephone call will require an ENUM look-up (though companies/telcos will be able to purchase local caches).
UKEC is looking for members and shortly a PAB (policy advisory board).
ENUM is a way for people to route calls to telephone numbers. The telephone number owner specifies how they want the calls delivered.
This is a relatively complex system and stores the information in DNS using NAPTR records.
UKEC owns the +44 zone (which it was allocated by the DTI as was).
There will be two main uses for ENUM (as per UKEC) for routing telephone calls and for carriers routing calls.
Nominet are what's called the Tier 1 registry for the +44 zone and will maintain the DNS for it. In future there will be Registrars who actually register numbers into the registry. There will also be Number Authorities who verify that numbers are owned by who they say they are. Much of how this all works still needs to be decided.
Recently elections for the board of directors took place and the following people were elected: -
James Blessing
Peter Gradwell
Steve Kennedy (me)
Denesh Bhabuta
ENUM will play a significant part in the future of telephony, especially as BT role-out their 21CN.
DNS will also be significantly impacted as in future every telephone call will require an ENUM look-up (though companies/telcos will be able to purchase local caches).
UKEC is looking for members and shortly a PAB (policy advisory board).
fring auto-roaming delivers mobile internet convergence
fring auto-roaming delivers mobile internet convergence
Fring is an application that supports VoIP (SIP) and various instant messaging protocols (Skype®, MSN® Messenger, Google Talk™, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo!™ and AIM®).
It can then put all your voice traffic over a data connection (or WiFi if available).
They've now made an iPhone application that works on the iPhone - the only trouble is it needs to be a "hacked" version i.e. one that has the 'Install' application on it which can download other applications (so going out and buying a vanilla iPhone wont work).
When Apple officially launch firmware v2 (June), it's expected Fring will launch an official application as Apple say they will support VoIP as long as it's over WiFi.
Fring is an application that supports VoIP (SIP) and various instant messaging protocols (Skype®, MSN® Messenger, Google Talk™, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahoo!™ and AIM®).
It can then put all your voice traffic over a data connection (or WiFi if available).
They've now made an iPhone application that works on the iPhone - the only trouble is it needs to be a "hacked" version i.e. one that has the 'Install' application on it which can download other applications (so going out and buying a vanilla iPhone wont work).
When Apple officially launch firmware v2 (June), it's expected Fring will launch an official application as Apple say they will support VoIP as long as it's over WiFi.
ZYB | Bring mobile data to life
ZYB | Bring mobile data to life
Well they had to call it something ...
Zyb is a service that allows you to remotely save your contacts/diary/notes/other data from your mobile phone. Of course it's more than that and is also a social networking site as it will look for contacts from your phone and compare them to other users on the site and make guess on who you should connect to.
There are other services with some of functionality (O2 have recently launched Bluebook), but Zyb is operator independent and though allows centralised back-up features, the social networking side is probably what's going to attract users.
They are licensing the technology to operators (who can bundle it with their service, probably white-labeled), but you can expect targeted advertising to appear soon.
You can post "shouts" either through the website or by texting shout plus the message to a Zyb number and it goes to all your connections.
There's so many social networking sites around, Zyb will have to fight hard to get in the game, but even just using the back-up features are useful enough.
Well they had to call it something ...
Zyb is a service that allows you to remotely save your contacts/diary/notes/other data from your mobile phone. Of course it's more than that and is also a social networking site as it will look for contacts from your phone and compare them to other users on the site and make guess on who you should connect to.
There are other services with some of functionality (O2 have recently launched Bluebook), but Zyb is operator independent and though allows centralised back-up features, the social networking side is probably what's going to attract users.
They are licensing the technology to operators (who can bundle it with their service, probably white-labeled), but you can expect targeted advertising to appear soon.
You can post "shouts" either through the website or by texting shout plus the message to a Zyb number and it goes to all your connections.
There's so many social networking sites around, Zyb will have to fight hard to get in the game, but even just using the back-up features are useful enough.
Availability of Telephone Numbers | Ofcom
Availability of Telephone Numbers | Ofcom:
Ofcom are seeing increased demand for geographic numbers and in accordance with the numbering plan need to conserve numbers in certain areas.
Therefore Ofcom are proposing to add 96 geographic area codes, in addition to the 169 areas that already have conservation status.
In these areas numbers are allocated in blocks of 1,000 rather than the traditional 10,000 number blocks.
The consultations closes at 5pm on 19 May 2008.
Ofcom are seeing increased demand for geographic numbers and in accordance with the numbering plan need to conserve numbers in certain areas.
Therefore Ofcom are proposing to add 96 geographic area codes, in addition to the 169 areas that already have conservation status.
In these areas numbers are allocated in blocks of 1,000 rather than the traditional 10,000 number blocks.
The consultations closes at 5pm on 19 May 2008.
Ofcom Website | Notices
Ofcom Website | Notices
The following will be allowed to bid for licenses in 1452-1492 MHz (L Band).
Adolphus Limited
Arqiva Limited
ePortal Holding K.S.C.
MLL Telecom Ltd
O2 (UK) Limited
Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd
The Joint Radio Company Limited
Vectone Network Limited
WorldSpace UK Limited
Some usual suspects and some notably unusual ones. Bidding starts at £50,000.00
The following will be allowed to bid for licenses in 1452-1492 MHz (L Band).
Adolphus Limited
Arqiva Limited
ePortal Holding K.S.C.
MLL Telecom Ltd
O2 (UK) Limited
Qualcomm UK Spectrum Ltd
The Joint Radio Company Limited
Vectone Network Limited
WorldSpace UK Limited
Some usual suspects and some notably unusual ones. Bidding starts at £50,000.00
Tap into experiences with the Nokia 6212 classic - FierceWireless - Wireless Industry, Wireless Technology News, Wireless Security News
Tap into experiences with the Nokia 6212 classic - FierceWireless - Wireless Industry, Wireless Technology News, Wireless Security News
Nokia yesterday introduced the Nokia 6212 3G phone which incorporates Near Field Communications (NFC).
This is expected to be available in EU and Asian markets later in the summer for around Euros 200.
NFC allows payments and other transactions to be carried out (something like a mobile Oyster card) by tapping the phone on to an NFC reader. It can also link to credit card information on the phone for NFC credit card payment systems.
Photos, weblinks, etc can also be transferred between devices and Nokia have a NFC headset.
In the UK Oyster is becoming widespread and Barclaycard have a combined Oyster/CreditCard, integration with phones is the next step.
Nokia yesterday introduced the Nokia 6212 3G phone which incorporates Near Field Communications (NFC).
This is expected to be available in EU and Asian markets later in the summer for around Euros 200.
NFC allows payments and other transactions to be carried out (something like a mobile Oyster card) by tapping the phone on to an NFC reader. It can also link to credit card information on the phone for NFC credit card payment systems.
Photos, weblinks, etc can also be transferred between devices and Nokia have a NFC headset.
In the UK Oyster is becoming widespread and Barclaycard have a combined Oyster/CreditCard, integration with phones is the next step.
General Information | Ofcom
General Information | Ofcom
Ofcom have released an information update on Band III. PDF file.
Ofcom unilaterally allocated some of the band for private mobile radio use and made agreements with neigbouring countries where interference may occur (the band was the old 405 black and white TV band).
Now there has been an RCC conference - which has kept the band for TV use, some users will have to move to other bands or cease operations.
This document clarifies those moves etc.
Ofcom have released an information update on Band III. PDF file.
Ofcom unilaterally allocated some of the band for private mobile radio use and made agreements with neigbouring countries where interference may occur (the band was the old 405 black and white TV band).
Now there has been an RCC conference - which has kept the band for TV use, some users will have to move to other bands or cease operations.
This document clarifies those moves etc.
2008/04/04
Notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make regulations in connection with the award of 2500-2690 MHz and 2010-2025 MHz | Ofcom
Notice of Ofcom’s proposal to make regulations in connection with the award of 2500-2690 MHz and 2010-2025 MHz | Ofcom
Ofcom has published its proposals for the licensing of the 2.5/2.6GHz and 2GHz bands. It is now holding a consultation for interested parties to respond by 06/05/08.
These bands represent a huge chunk of spectrum (over 190MHz) which is more than all the 3G operators attained in the 3G auctions. Though big players are expected to get involved (existing 3G operators, new entrants, BT etc) and pricing may well reach high millions, they're not expected to reach the highs of the 3G auction (£21bn).
Ofcom has published its proposals for the licensing of the 2.5/2.6GHz and 2GHz bands. It is now holding a consultation for interested parties to respond by 06/05/08.
These bands represent a huge chunk of spectrum (over 190MHz) which is more than all the 3G operators attained in the 3G auctions. Though big players are expected to get involved (existing 3G operators, new entrants, BT etc) and pricing may well reach high millions, they're not expected to reach the highs of the 3G auction (£21bn).
2008/04/02
Are you an 'Alpha Socialiser'' or an 'Attention Seeker'? ... Ofcom research identifies social networking profiles | Ofcom
Are you an 'Alpha Socialiser'' or an 'Attention Seeker'? ... Ofcom research identifies social networking profiles | Ofcom
Ofcom has published a report into social networking in the UK.
49% of 8-17 year olds have a social networking site presence but 22% of adults also have a presence.
Ofcom have put users into 5 groups
* Alpha Socialisers – mostly male, under 25s, who use sites in intense short bursts to flirt, meet new people and be entertained.
* Attention Seekers – mostly female, who crave attention and comments from others, often by posting photos and customising their profiles.
* Followers – males and females of all ages who join sites to keep up with what their peers are doing.
* Faithfuls – older males and females generally aged over 20, who typically use social networking sites to rekindle old friendships, often from school or university.
* Functionals – mostly older males who tend to be single-minded in using sites for a particular purpose.
There are also 3 groups of people who don't use social networking
* Concerned about safety – often older people and parents concerned about safety online, in particular making personal details available online.
* Technically inexperienced – often people over 30 years old who lack confidence in using the internet and computers.
* Intellectual rejecters – often older teens and young adults who have no interest in social networking sites and see them as a waste of time.
Also
* 41 per cent of children and 44 per cent of adults leave their privacy settings as default 'open' which means that their profiles are visible to anyone;
* 34 per cent of 16-24 year olds are willing to give out sensitive personal information such as their phone number or email address (Get Safe Online Research); and
* 17 per cent of adult users said that they talked to people on social networking sites that they didn't know and 35 per cent spoke to people who were 'friends of friends'.
Facebook is th emost popular site followed by MySpace then Bebo, but Bebo was most popular for users between 8-17.
There seems to have been a lot of media hype following the report.
Ofcom has published a report into social networking in the UK.
49% of 8-17 year olds have a social networking site presence but 22% of adults also have a presence.
Ofcom have put users into 5 groups
* Alpha Socialisers – mostly male, under 25s, who use sites in intense short bursts to flirt, meet new people and be entertained.
* Attention Seekers – mostly female, who crave attention and comments from others, often by posting photos and customising their profiles.
* Followers – males and females of all ages who join sites to keep up with what their peers are doing.
* Faithfuls – older males and females generally aged over 20, who typically use social networking sites to rekindle old friendships, often from school or university.
* Functionals – mostly older males who tend to be single-minded in using sites for a particular purpose.
There are also 3 groups of people who don't use social networking
* Concerned about safety – often older people and parents concerned about safety online, in particular making personal details available online.
* Technically inexperienced – often people over 30 years old who lack confidence in using the internet and computers.
* Intellectual rejecters – often older teens and young adults who have no interest in social networking sites and see them as a waste of time.
Also
* 41 per cent of children and 44 per cent of adults leave their privacy settings as default 'open' which means that their profiles are visible to anyone;
* 34 per cent of 16-24 year olds are willing to give out sensitive personal information such as their phone number or email address (Get Safe Online Research); and
* 17 per cent of adult users said that they talked to people on social networking sites that they didn't know and 35 per cent spoke to people who were 'friends of friends'.
Facebook is th emost popular site followed by MySpace then Bebo, but Bebo was most popular for users between 8-17.
There seems to have been a lot of media hype following the report.
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