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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
