AstriCon : September 22-25, 2008 : Glendale, AZ
Skype have announced a channel driver for Asterisk the open source IP PBX from Digium. This will allow an Asterisk server to connect to Skype's network and have access to all of Skype's users and dial-out rates (and also dial-in capability).
The driver is currently in beta and there is a beta program available. The driver will be licensed on a per channel basis.
Very little information about the system has been released except it's a binary install but Astricon visitors seemed to like it. There are worries that it will still become a SuperNode if used on public Internet space which means other Skype users connect through that node - which can mean all your bandwidth been used.
2008/09/23
Delivering super-fast broadband in the UK | Ofcom
Delivering super-fast broadband in the UK | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation (that finishes on 22 Dec 2008) on the future of super fast broadband in the UK.
Any one can respond and should do via the link above, then follow the "How to Respond".
Ofcom is holding a consultation (that finishes on 22 Dec 2008) on the future of super fast broadband in the UK.
Any one can respond and should do via the link above, then follow the "How to Respond".
Super-complaint on the cost of calls made by prisoners | Ofcom
Super-complaint on the cost of calls made by prisoners | Ofcom
The National Consumer Council (“NCC”), The Scottish Consumer Council (“SCC”) and the Welsh Consumer Council (“WCC”), supported by the Prison Reform Trust have complained to Ofcom about the pricing of telephony services (mainly calls) for prisoners.
BT run telephony services for HM Prison Service Trust in England and Wales and Siemens Enterprise Communications Ltd run services for Scottish Prison Service in Scotland. Currently all other providers are locked out from providing any kind of services.
The complaint states the high cost of calls are unrelated to the cost of provision, the charges for the systems are high when the cost of ICT is generally dropping, the T&C's of the existing contract explicitly seek to prevent competition and that the contracts themselves are secretive.
Ofcom will ensure that NCC has presented a reasoned case for further investigation and if so it will further investigate and make a decision as what to do by Sept 22nd 2008.
The National Consumer Council (“NCC”), The Scottish Consumer Council (“SCC”) and the Welsh Consumer Council (“WCC”), supported by the Prison Reform Trust have complained to Ofcom about the pricing of telephony services (mainly calls) for prisoners.
BT run telephony services for HM Prison Service Trust in England and Wales and Siemens Enterprise Communications Ltd run services for Scottish Prison Service in Scotland. Currently all other providers are locked out from providing any kind of services.
The complaint states the high cost of calls are unrelated to the cost of provision, the charges for the systems are high when the cost of ICT is generally dropping, the T&C's of the existing contract explicitly seek to prevent competition and that the contracts themselves are secretive.
Ofcom will ensure that NCC has presented a reasoned case for further investigation and if so it will further investigate and make a decision as what to do by Sept 22nd 2008.
LloydsTSB offer mobile banking
Lloyds have released a Java app for mobile phones that allows their customers real control over their bank accounts.
Customers can move money between accounts (say a current account and savings account), add credit cards, check balances, statements etc.
Though textual in nature (so it should work on most handsets) it's easy to use and does allow a customer access to basic account functions.
Assuming the customer has set most of their accounts on-line through traditional means (like on-line banking), the mobile client should then be able to access those accounts.
Hopefully all access from the client to the back-end services are secure (though there was no way to tell).
It's a lot easier to use than older WAP propositions.
Customers can move money between accounts (say a current account and savings account), add credit cards, check balances, statements etc.
Though textual in nature (so it should work on most handsets) it's easy to use and does allow a customer access to basic account functions.
Assuming the customer has set most of their accounts on-line through traditional means (like on-line banking), the mobile client should then be able to access those accounts.
Hopefully all access from the client to the back-end services are secure (though there was no way to tell).
It's a lot easier to use than older WAP propositions.
2008/09/19
Blackberry Bold
Initial thoughts: -
* It's bigger than the Curve (but not much).
* It looks more metallic, but sort of feels 'plastic'.
* Screen slight bigger, but looks much better.
* Keyboard flatter than Curve, but just as easy to type.
As to functionality that will have to wait until Orange do some magic.
* It's bigger than the Curve (but not much).
* It looks more metallic, but sort of feels 'plastic'.
* Screen slight bigger, but looks much better.
* Keyboard flatter than Curve, but just as easy to type.
As to functionality that will have to wait until Orange do some magic.
SonyEricsson Xperia X1
SonyEricsson are holding a launch event in the Truman Buildings in Brick Lane tonight (19/09/08).
It's been delayed for some time, but the wait is now over. Their first Windows Mobile device - which is meant to be highly customisable.
It's been delayed for some time, but the wait is now over. Their first Windows Mobile device - which is meant to be highly customisable.
Second Ofcom own-initiative investigation against various Communications Providers about enforcement of the requirement to implement and comply with a Dispute Resolution Scheme | Ofcom
Second Ofcom own-initiative investigation against various Communications Providers about enforcement of the requirement to implement and comply with a Dispute Resolution Scheme | Ofcom: "General Condition 14.7"
Ofcom has conducted an investigation into whether communications providers comply with General Condition 14.7 which states they must implement a dispute resolution process and belong to an independent dispute resolution scheme. Prior to the investigation Ofcom found that there had been complaints against various providers and they had not joined a relevant scheme. Ofcom are now satisfied that these providers have met their obligations.
Ofcom has approved two independent dispute resolution schemes, the Office of Telecommunications Ombudsman (Otelo) and the Communication and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).
Any provider of PECS (public electronic communications services) found not to be compliant can be issued a notice by Ofocm (under section 94 of the Communications Act 2003) and failing to act can mean a fine of up to 10% of the relevant turnover of the company.
Ofcom has conducted an investigation into whether communications providers comply with General Condition 14.7 which states they must implement a dispute resolution process and belong to an independent dispute resolution scheme. Prior to the investigation Ofcom found that there had been complaints against various providers and they had not joined a relevant scheme. Ofcom are now satisfied that these providers have met their obligations.
Ofcom has approved two independent dispute resolution schemes, the Office of Telecommunications Ombudsman (Otelo) and the Communication and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).
Any provider of PECS (public electronic communications services) found not to be compliant can be issued a notice by Ofocm (under section 94 of the Communications Act 2003) and failing to act can mean a fine of up to 10% of the relevant turnover of the company.
2008/09/16
Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2008 | Ofcom
Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2008 | Ofcom
Ofcom has published two statements following consultations which will amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act such that short range devices and various satellite services will become license exempt.
Ofcom also also making mobiles used in airplanes license exempt (the airplane operator having licensed the mobile service).
These should allow Ultra Wide Band and other short range services to operate.
Ofcom has published two statements following consultations which will amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act such that short range devices and various satellite services will become license exempt.
Ofcom also also making mobiles used in airplanes license exempt (the airplane operator having licensed the mobile service).
These should allow Ultra Wide Band and other short range services to operate.
FT.com / Home UK / UK - Project Kangaroo fights its corner in online TV battle
FT.com / Home UK / UK - Project Kangaroo fights its corner in online TV battle
Kangaroo is the joint venture by BBC Worldwide, Ch4 and ITV to put their video archives online. It'll be run by Ashley Highfield (who used to run BBC Online). They expect to have 10,000 hours of content, 75% which will be free (with advertising).
VirginMedia, BSkyB have complained to the Competition Commission that they will have an unfair advantage in the UK IPTV space. Time Warner and Disney have also voiced concerns. BT have also now joined in the backlash.
Kangaroo would have a huge competitive advantage as they would control a huge amount of content (especially with Auntie on board), but they would also be able to offer compelling content.
The UK infrastructure just needs to be able to keep up to support IPTV services - and that's probably one of the big issues, Sky/O2/Orange and other broadband network all must be considering high speed broadband services into the home (maybe via fibre) and the only way to justify investment is to kaunch their own IPTV services. Kangaroo has the ability for the services to flop before they even launch unless they can get access to Kangaroo's content.
Kangaroo is the joint venture by BBC Worldwide, Ch4 and ITV to put their video archives online. It'll be run by Ashley Highfield (who used to run BBC Online). They expect to have 10,000 hours of content, 75% which will be free (with advertising).
VirginMedia, BSkyB have complained to the Competition Commission that they will have an unfair advantage in the UK IPTV space. Time Warner and Disney have also voiced concerns. BT have also now joined in the backlash.
Kangaroo would have a huge competitive advantage as they would control a huge amount of content (especially with Auntie on board), but they would also be able to offer compelling content.
The UK infrastructure just needs to be able to keep up to support IPTV services - and that's probably one of the big issues, Sky/O2/Orange and other broadband network all must be considering high speed broadband services into the home (maybe via fibre) and the only way to justify investment is to kaunch their own IPTV services. Kangaroo has the ability for the services to flop before they even launch unless they can get access to Kangaroo's content.
2008/09/10
Revised statement of policy on the persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or service | Ofcom
Revised statement of policy on the persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or service | Ofcom
Ofcom is required under section 131 of the Communications Act to prepare a statement on the of its general policy with respect to its legal powers to deal with persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications services. It last did this in 2006.
Ofcom held a consultation in Dec 2007 and is going to make a new statement later this year.
Since the last statement nuisance calls have dropped significantly, but BT still receives aorund 80,000 complaints a year - which is unacceptable.
Ofcom is required under section 131 of the Communications Act to prepare a statement on the of its general policy with respect to its legal powers to deal with persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications services. It last did this in 2006.
Ofcom held a consultation in Dec 2007 and is going to make a new statement later this year.
Since the last statement nuisance calls have dropped significantly, but BT still receives aorund 80,000 complaints a year - which is unacceptable.
2008/09/08
Own-initiative enforcement programme into VoIP providers’ compliance with General Condition 4 (Emergency Call Numbers) | Ofcom
Own-initiative enforcement programme into VoIP providers’ compliance with General Condition 4 (Emergency Call Numbers) | Ofcom
The Communications Act has a set of General Conditions that all communications providers must adhere to. On Sept 8th 2008 General Condition 4 amendments mean that all VoIP providers who provide access to the PSTN (i.e. public phone network) MUST provide 999/112 services.
Ofcom today have started an enforcement initiative that will collect information from VoIP providers, network operators and call handling agents (who pass calls to the Emergency Services) so they can monitor and if necessary enforce compliance.
This could be a major headache for smaller VoIP providers who may not be aware of their obligations under the Communications Act and this specifically may incur costs.
The Communications Act has a set of General Conditions that all communications providers must adhere to. On Sept 8th 2008 General Condition 4 amendments mean that all VoIP providers who provide access to the PSTN (i.e. public phone network) MUST provide 999/112 services.
Ofcom today have started an enforcement initiative that will collect information from VoIP providers, network operators and call handling agents (who pass calls to the Emergency Services) so they can monitor and if necessary enforce compliance.
This could be a major headache for smaller VoIP providers who may not be aware of their obligations under the Communications Act and this specifically may incur costs.
2008/09/05
Business Radio Reform | Ofcom
Business Radio Reform | Ofcom
Ofcom has published the changes it is making to the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations for Business Radio.
They are simplifying the license regime (from 21 licenses classes to 5), to allow spectrum trading and transfer of licenses and a new license regime to support the new licenses, but based on the existing fee structure.
The new license regime will take some time to implement and old licenses will need to be migrated to the new regime. New licenses will be issued when the new regime comes into force.
Ofcom has published the changes it is making to the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations for Business Radio.
They are simplifying the license regime (from 21 licenses classes to 5), to allow spectrum trading and transfer of licenses and a new license regime to support the new licenses, but based on the existing fee structure.
The new license regime will take some time to implement and old licenses will need to be migrated to the new regime. New licenses will be issued when the new regime comes into force.
2008/09/03
Requests from BT for variation to, and exemption from, its Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to IPStream in certain geographic markets and Wavestream National | Ofcom
Requests from BT for variation to, and exemption from, its Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to IPStream in certain geographic markets and Wavestream National | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on whether BT can vary their IP Stream pricing in areas where they don't have significant market power (SMP). They want to be able to offer variable pricing and variable pricing to different customers.
Ofcom is proposing to allow BT these changes.
This follows Ofcom's market analysis which showed that BT no longer has SMP in broadband for large areas of the UK (covering around 69% of the population) due to local loop unbundling (LLU) operator competition.
The consultation closes on 01/10/2008
Ofcom is holding a consultation on whether BT can vary their IP Stream pricing in areas where they don't have significant market power (SMP). They want to be able to offer variable pricing and variable pricing to different customers.
Ofcom is proposing to allow BT these changes.
This follows Ofcom's market analysis which showed that BT no longer has SMP in broadband for large areas of the UK (covering around 69% of the population) due to local loop unbundling (LLU) operator competition.
The consultation closes on 01/10/2008
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of H2O Networks Ltd | Ofcom
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of H2O Networks Ltd | Ofcom
H20 Networks have been granted the electronics communication code. This gives them the right to dig roads and other areas to install infrastructure (and they can apply to dig across private land without the landowners permission).
Ofcom only issues the code to responsible companies who provide UK infrastructure and have been known to take it away from companies.
H20 Networks have been granted the electronics communication code. This gives them the right to dig roads and other areas to install infrastructure (and they can apply to dig across private land without the landowners permission).
Ofcom only issues the code to responsible companies who provide UK infrastructure and have been known to take it away from companies.
2008/08/18
Assessment of the theoretical limits of copper in the last mile | Ofcom
Assessment of the theoretical limits of copper in the last mile | Ofcom
Ofcom has conducted research into the maximum speeds of copper delivery of broadband. This was done to ascertain theoretical rather than practical speeds.
Ofcom conducted the research as the use of bandwidth heavy applications like IPTV are being deployed.
If the DSL modems are hosted in the exchange then around 18% of the population will fall within 2Km of the exchange and achieve bandwidths of 50Mb/s or greater.
If the modems are housed in street cabinets then almost 100% of the population is within 2Km of the street cab and could achieve 50Mb/s or greater.
Now it just needs someone to install fibre to the street cabs or even fibre to the home.
Ofcom has conducted research into the maximum speeds of copper delivery of broadband. This was done to ascertain theoretical rather than practical speeds.
Ofcom conducted the research as the use of bandwidth heavy applications like IPTV are being deployed.
If the DSL modems are hosted in the exchange then around 18% of the population will fall within 2Km of the exchange and achieve bandwidths of 50Mb/s or greater.
If the modems are housed in street cabinets then almost 100% of the population is within 2Km of the street cab and could achieve 50Mb/s or greater.
Now it just needs someone to install fibre to the street cabs or even fibre to the home.
2008/08/14
Low power licence-exemption limits above 10GHz | Ofcom
Low power licence-exemption limits above 10GHz | Ofcom
Ofcom is proposing to increase the power limits of license-exempt systems above 10GHz.
Systems such as UWB (ultra wide band) can operate up to 10.6GHz on a license exempt basis, but they are limited in spectral mask. Power loss over distance increases as the frequency increases, so frequencies over 10GHz were not considered. Thus high power systems at high frequencies will have the same interference as low power system at low frequencies.
This new consultation proposes to increase the limits above 10GHz (on a non-interference non-protected basis) in-line with current spectral masks extrapolated at the higher frequencies.
This should allow new equipment to come on the market and very high transfer rates to be achieved.
The consultation closes on 31/10/08
Ofcom is proposing to increase the power limits of license-exempt systems above 10GHz.
Systems such as UWB (ultra wide band) can operate up to 10.6GHz on a license exempt basis, but they are limited in spectral mask. Power loss over distance increases as the frequency increases, so frequencies over 10GHz were not considered. Thus high power systems at high frequencies will have the same interference as low power system at low frequencies.
This new consultation proposes to increase the limits above 10GHz (on a non-interference non-protected basis) in-line with current spectral masks extrapolated at the higher frequencies.
This should allow new equipment to come on the market and very high transfer rates to be achieved.
The consultation closes on 31/10/08
Ofcom Website | 2.6GHz spectrum award update
Ofcom Website | 2.6GHz spectrum award update
Currently Ofcom are in dispute with T-Mobile and O2 who have taken Ofcom to court concerning the release of spectrum on the 2010MHz and 2.6GHz bands.
Ofcom was hoping to release the spectrum in July or August of 2008, due to the court case this was delayed until September or October. As the court case has not been resolved Ofcom have now postponed these dates too, though they are trying to get the court case expedited as they believe it is in the public interest to release the spectrum for auction as soon as possible.
Initially these bands were reserved for IMT 2000 (3G) use while Ofcom want to release them on a technology neutral basis as many services could operate in these bands such as WiMAX.
Currently Ofcom are in dispute with T-Mobile and O2 who have taken Ofcom to court concerning the release of spectrum on the 2010MHz and 2.6GHz bands.
Ofcom was hoping to release the spectrum in July or August of 2008, due to the court case this was delayed until September or October. As the court case has not been resolved Ofcom have now postponed these dates too, though they are trying to get the court case expedited as they believe it is in the public interest to release the spectrum for auction as soon as possible.
Initially these bands were reserved for IMT 2000 (3G) use while Ofcom want to release them on a technology neutral basis as many services could operate in these bands such as WiMAX.
2008/08/11
Euro Tech News now Speech enabled
This blog has now been speech enabled using the Talklets accessibility software-as-a-service from Textic Ltd.
Talklets comes in various flavours, the simplest being a toolbar which floats at the bottom of the browser - this involves installing 1 line of Javascript code on every web page.
There are also more complicated versions, from a simple toolbox like the one on this site, to a toolbox which contains all the Talklets features.
Talklets allows sites to meet their Disability Discrimination legislation requirements for website owners as it is the onus of the website owner to make their site compliant without the user having to install any software or tools. Talklets also has other benefits for website owners as users tend to stay around longer while listening to text being read. E-Commerce sites also see revenue increases as users go through to purchase. The are indirect savings as well as users tend to use on-line help rather than go to call centres if the help is read to them.
As the system is SaaS any enhancements made to the server side are automatically made available to the website owner and their users.
There is a free 14 day trial of the software available from Textic's site.
Talklets comes in various flavours, the simplest being a toolbar which floats at the bottom of the browser - this involves installing 1 line of Javascript code on every web page.
There are also more complicated versions, from a simple toolbox like the one on this site, to a toolbox which contains all the Talklets features.
Talklets allows sites to meet their Disability Discrimination legislation requirements for website owners as it is the onus of the website owner to make their site compliant without the user having to install any software or tools. Talklets also has other benefits for website owners as users tend to stay around longer while listening to text being read. E-Commerce sites also see revenue increases as users go through to purchase. The are indirect savings as well as users tend to use on-line help rather than go to call centres if the help is read to them.
As the system is SaaS any enhancements made to the server side are automatically made available to the website owner and their users.
There is a free 14 day trial of the software available from Textic's site.
2008/08/01
Ebbsfleet Fibre to the Home Pilot - Consent for non-uniform pricing of retail telephony services under Universal Service Condition 1 | Ofcom
Ebbsfleet Fibre to the Home Pilot - Consent for non-uniform pricing of retail telephony services under Universal Service Condition 1 | Ofcom
BT Retail have asked Ofcom to allow it to vary its pricing for certain retail services in the fibre-to-the-home trial at Ebbsfleet in Surrey to the initial 300 homes (to encourage the take-up of voice and other services delivered over fibre).
Ofcom received 7 responses to the consultation and has decided to allow BT to continue with the trial.
BT should be encouraged to provide fibre to the home and roll fibre out to urban areas as quickly as possible.
BT Retail have asked Ofcom to allow it to vary its pricing for certain retail services in the fibre-to-the-home trial at Ebbsfleet in Surrey to the initial 300 homes (to encourage the take-up of voice and other services delivered over fibre).
Ofcom received 7 responses to the consultation and has decided to allow BT to continue with the trial.
BT should be encouraged to provide fibre to the home and roll fibre out to urban areas as quickly as possible.
2008/07/31
NVIDIA speeds folding proteins
Stanford University has been running the Folding@Home project for a while. This uses a highly complex mathematical system to see how proteins fold, proteins that fold in a different manner are thought to be part of the process that leads to certain diseases.
NVIDIA GPUs are really highly optimised engines that can work on mathematical data in a very parallel manner (that's really what a lot graphics programming is). They have a programming interface into the GPUs and the NVIDIA folding@home client uses that interface. It can speed up mathematical operations by up to about 140x compared to a standard CPU.
A team running the NVIDIA client has moved to the top 0.1% of the folding@home teams in under a month.
Other mathematical solutions may also speed up drastically using this technology, unfortunately NVIDIA have charged for access to their CUDA libraries.
NVIDIA GPUs are really highly optimised engines that can work on mathematical data in a very parallel manner (that's really what a lot graphics programming is). They have a programming interface into the GPUs and the NVIDIA folding@home client uses that interface. It can speed up mathematical operations by up to about 140x compared to a standard CPU.
A team running the NVIDIA client has moved to the top 0.1% of the folding@home teams in under a month.
Other mathematical solutions may also speed up drastically using this technology, unfortunately NVIDIA have charged for access to their CUDA libraries.
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