Deutsch Telekom and FranceTelecom have agreed to join forces in the UK and T-Mobile will join forces with Orange to create the largest (by users) network which will control 38% of the market.
Vodafone and O2 (Telefonica) both lost out with bids of around £3.5b. The new network (T-Morange, O-Mobile?) will be controlled by Orange and the brands will continue to be separate for 18 months, then everything will come under the new combined brand.
It can be assumed that Orange and T-Mobile will work to combine network assets which could cause problems for 3 who have a RAN sharing agreement with Orange.
The combined networks definitely have strength moving forward, but they'll have to maintain their lead and offer some innovative services so customers don't migrate away. Hopefully they'll combine the best aspects of both networks, rather than the worst or they'll just end-up another has been.
2009/09/08
2009/09/05
Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac
It doesn't seem to be officially released by RIM yet, but it's in the wild and it works. It knows about different calendars and contact groups and it makes sensible decisions about what to do ye default and if it gets it wrong, no big deal as you just change it.
It will sync Calendars with iCal and Contacts with Address book, Notes can come from Apple Mail Note or Entourage (if it's installed) and Tasks from iCal. It will also sync music from iTunes (via playlists or all of it).
The software can be set-up for fast syncing (i.e. it will only be used with that computer) or multiple sync (where the Blackberry will be sync'ed with multiple Macs - which is slower). It also uses Apple's sync services which means it should play well with other sync programs (like Mobile Me).
Google Sync (on the Blackberry) confused things, but removing it and leaving syncing to Blackberry Desktop Manager cured that.
The Music Sync section even shows how much memory is available and what can be used for music/video etc. It's all very well put together.
Of course there's the obligatory Backup and Restore so the device memory can be saved on the Mac (well the application data anyway).
There's also a software update (for the Blackberry Desktop Manager itself) and for the software on the Blackberry including the system software. Applications can also be installed and removed via the app.
It might be a good idea to wait for RIM to officially release Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac (the Blackberry site states September) but the one out in the wild seems to be the official thing.
It will sync Calendars with iCal and Contacts with Address book, Notes can come from Apple Mail Note or Entourage (if it's installed) and Tasks from iCal. It will also sync music from iTunes (via playlists or all of it).
The software can be set-up for fast syncing (i.e. it will only be used with that computer) or multiple sync (where the Blackberry will be sync'ed with multiple Macs - which is slower). It also uses Apple's sync services which means it should play well with other sync programs (like Mobile Me).
Google Sync (on the Blackberry) confused things, but removing it and leaving syncing to Blackberry Desktop Manager cured that.
The Music Sync section even shows how much memory is available and what can be used for music/video etc. It's all very well put together.
Of course there's the obligatory Backup and Restore so the device memory can be saved on the Mac (well the application data anyway).
There's also a software update (for the Blackberry Desktop Manager itself) and for the software on the Blackberry including the system software. Applications can also be installed and removed via the app.
It might be a good idea to wait for RIM to officially release Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac (the Blackberry site states September) but the one out in the wild seems to be the official thing.
2009/09/03
Vonage iPhone app approved by Apple
Vonage runs a VoIP service and their aim is to replace the home's phone service and move it over to themselves.
They provide an ATA (or DECT systems) which plug into the IP connection and allows users to make calls. In the UK Vonage would really like to get hold of 'naked DSL' whereby BT (or other phone operator, but mainly BT) provide a 'wires only' service so a broadband provider can provide DSL, but there's no voice on the line. Currently this isn't possible. If it was, Vonage could bundle a DSL service with its phone offerings. Maybe when the UK has some kind of fiber offering they'll get a naked IP service.
Vonage have always offered a softphone so users can make and receive calls when away from home, an iPhone app would do the same. Though Vonage have quite a few users, they're not up there with Google and Google's Voice app still has not been approved.
It did take a while for Vonage to get approval, but Apple's reasoning was that Vonage needed to fix a few software issues. Apple have previous approved various other VoIP services (as long as they only work over WiFi and NOT 3G).
One reason Apple may not like Google Voice is that it allegedly hooks into the dialer, so when a call is made Google will try and route it over Google's network if possible.
They provide an ATA (or DECT systems) which plug into the IP connection and allows users to make calls. In the UK Vonage would really like to get hold of 'naked DSL' whereby BT (or other phone operator, but mainly BT) provide a 'wires only' service so a broadband provider can provide DSL, but there's no voice on the line. Currently this isn't possible. If it was, Vonage could bundle a DSL service with its phone offerings. Maybe when the UK has some kind of fiber offering they'll get a naked IP service.
Vonage have always offered a softphone so users can make and receive calls when away from home, an iPhone app would do the same. Though Vonage have quite a few users, they're not up there with Google and Google's Voice app still has not been approved.
It did take a while for Vonage to get approval, but Apple's reasoning was that Vonage needed to fix a few software issues. Apple have previous approved various other VoIP services (as long as they only work over WiFi and NOT 3G).
One reason Apple may not like Google Voice is that it allegedly hooks into the dialer, so when a call is made Google will try and route it over Google's network if possible.
Snow Leopard isn't the perfect upgrade
Snow Leopard is Apple's latest incarnation of their MacOS X. Though MacOS X has been 64bit for a while, now is the first time that it's really 64bit and most of Apple's applications are also 64bit.
In their wisdom Apple have disabled certain functionality in the 64bit versions of some applications, including running plug-ins in Mail and Address Book. This is annoying since things like Plaxo no longer work properly. Sync'ing does work, but the plug-ins for Mail allowing the user to see if the email comes from a Plaxo user and the ability to add to the Address book don't (Mail starts and warns about the plug-in and moves it to a "disabled" folder).
It is possible to restore the functionality by going in to finder and getting the "info" for Mail.app and making it run in 32bit and then it turns into the old Mail with the plug-in functionality.
Apple say the disabling of plug-ins is to maintain system integrity as plug-in can alter the Mail/etc behaviour. Surely it's up to the user whether they want to run a plug-in or not, and badly behaved plug-ins will quickly be reported to various Internet forums and users can then disable them themselves.
Running 32bit Mail is an annoyance, as it runs slower than its 64bit version. Please Apple find a supported solution.
In their wisdom Apple have disabled certain functionality in the 64bit versions of some applications, including running plug-ins in Mail and Address Book. This is annoying since things like Plaxo no longer work properly. Sync'ing does work, but the plug-ins for Mail allowing the user to see if the email comes from a Plaxo user and the ability to add to the Address book don't (Mail starts and warns about the plug-in and moves it to a "disabled" folder).
It is possible to restore the functionality by going in to finder and getting the "info" for Mail.app and making it run in 32bit and then it turns into the old Mail with the plug-in functionality.
Apple say the disabling of plug-ins is to maintain system integrity as plug-in can alter the Mail/etc behaviour. Surely it's up to the user whether they want to run a plug-in or not, and badly behaved plug-ins will quickly be reported to various Internet forums and users can then disable them themselves.
Running 32bit Mail is an annoyance, as it runs slower than its 64bit version. Please Apple find a supported solution.
2009/09/01
Apple 'iPod relaunch' event
On Sept 9th 2009 Apple will be holding a "special" event in San Francisco (maybe with a video link to London).
The invite shows a silhouette with an iPod in their hand and "It's only rock and roll, but we like it," which could be an homage to the Rolling Stones classic tune.
Rumours abound, it could be a new version of iTunes (expected anyway) a new iPod Touch (64GB also expected at some point). It may even be the new Apple Tablet (which is widely anticipated- but probably more than an iPod relaunch).
Apple are notorious for not pre-announcing anything, though recently have been sneaking some info out.
The invite shows a silhouette with an iPod in their hand and "It's only rock and roll, but we like it," which could be an homage to the Rolling Stones classic tune.
Rumours abound, it could be a new version of iTunes (expected anyway) a new iPod Touch (64GB also expected at some point). It may even be the new Apple Tablet (which is widely anticipated- but probably more than an iPod relaunch).
Apple are notorious for not pre-announcing anything, though recently have been sneaking some info out.
2009/08/28
Spotify goes iPhone and US (soon)
Spotify the Swedish music streaming company (which has players for Mac and Windows) has now launched an iPhone version.
It's been in the queue with Apple for about a month, but was finally given approval yesterday. Many feared it wouldn't make the app store as it competes with Apple's own iTunes service.
Spotify on iPhone will only be available to users who subscribe to their £9.99 per month service, though the application is a free download. Spotify expect the iPhone app to drive new customers to their premium services.
The app allows sync'ed playlists with the desktop version and other features.
US customers still have to wait until Spotify complete licensing deals with the stakeholders in the US, but a launch there is expected next year, though some lucky US people have had pre-launch invites.
Spotify is also rumored to be in talks with Facebook who have been lacking a music service so far, a FB/Spotify tie-up would seriously impinge MySpace's youth music market.
Whichever way you look at it, Spotify are a company to watch, hopefully they'll not get bought out by Facebook or other US giant and can be a genuine European success story.
It's been in the queue with Apple for about a month, but was finally given approval yesterday. Many feared it wouldn't make the app store as it competes with Apple's own iTunes service.
Spotify on iPhone will only be available to users who subscribe to their £9.99 per month service, though the application is a free download. Spotify expect the iPhone app to drive new customers to their premium services.
The app allows sync'ed playlists with the desktop version and other features.
US customers still have to wait until Spotify complete licensing deals with the stakeholders in the US, but a launch there is expected next year, though some lucky US people have had pre-launch invites.
Spotify is also rumored to be in talks with Facebook who have been lacking a music service so far, a FB/Spotify tie-up would seriously impinge MySpace's youth music market.
Whichever way you look at it, Spotify are a company to watch, hopefully they'll not get bought out by Facebook or other US giant and can be a genuine European success story.
2009/08/24
Google transports 600GB of data per day
Google's municipal WiFi network in Mountain View, CA is now transporting more than 600GB of data per day.
Tropos built and maintains the network for Google, which offers free WiFi in about 12 square miles around Mountain View.
The traffic volumes have doubled over the last 2 years and much of the increased traffic can be attributed to iPhones and other devices with built-in WiFi.
AT&T is also seeing increased device usage in its hotspots, but muni WiFi has not succeeded on the whole.
Tropos built and maintains the network for Google, which offers free WiFi in about 12 square miles around Mountain View.
The traffic volumes have doubled over the last 2 years and much of the increased traffic can be attributed to iPhones and other devices with built-in WiFi.
AT&T is also seeing increased device usage in its hotspots, but muni WiFi has not succeeded on the whole.
Apple haven't "rejected" Google Voice
Apple's response to the FCC investigation over allegations of Apple rejecting Google's Google Voice app are unfounded, maybe.
Apple is still considering whether it should allow the application into the app store. It has not consulted with the MNOs and it's still in internal discussions.
Of course Apple's indecision is pretty much equivalent to them rejecting it, at least until they make a decision as a non-decision means no entry into the app store.
If Google Voice is allowed in, it could mean a change in policy for other VoIP applications which "intercept" the dialer.
Apple is still considering whether it should allow the application into the app store. It has not consulted with the MNOs and it's still in internal discussions.
Of course Apple's indecision is pretty much equivalent to them rejecting it, at least until they make a decision as a non-decision means no entry into the app store.
If Google Voice is allowed in, it could mean a change in policy for other VoIP applications which "intercept" the dialer.
Nokia announces now Booklet
Nokia has announced a new Windows laptop (or Booklet as they call it). It utilises the Intel Atom processor and comes with WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G built-in. It also incorporates A-GPS, an SD card reader and an HDMI port.
It does this all while having an impressive 12 hours battery life. It's also only weighs 1.25Kg and is less than 2cm thick while having an HD glass LCD panel.
Nokia haven't released full specs or pricing which will be announced at the forthcoming Nokia World.
Though running Windows, it will still offer the Ovi suite which will be pre-installed.
Nokia is obviously making a statement before Apple come out with their 10" ultra portable.
It does this all while having an impressive 12 hours battery life. It's also only weighs 1.25Kg and is less than 2cm thick while having an HD glass LCD panel.
Nokia haven't released full specs or pricing which will be announced at the forthcoming Nokia World.
Though running Windows, it will still offer the Ovi suite which will be pre-installed.
Nokia is obviously making a statement before Apple come out with their 10" ultra portable.
2009/08/21
Twitter adding Geolocation to API
In the near future the Twitter API will be extended with the ability to geotag the tweet. The user will have to enable adding geo information to the tweet (for privacy reasons) but this will be a genuinely useful addition to the service. It will also allow a whole new slew of geo enabled applications that can get very interesting information from gthe Twitter stream.
Initially the new API will be released to a limited number of platform developers (who are generally the people writing Twitter clients) before opening it to the general public.
Twitter are also developing further additions which will enable commercial users of Twitter to gain increased functionality from the service, though @ev (Evan Williams) has said the service will always be free for ordinary users.
Initially the new API will be released to a limited number of platform developers (who are generally the people writing Twitter clients) before opening it to the general public.
Twitter are also developing further additions which will enable commercial users of Twitter to gain increased functionality from the service, though @ev (Evan Williams) has said the service will always be free for ordinary users.
2009/08/13
Femto cells to be big?
Ubiquisys has just raised $11m as they expect the Femto cell market to explode.
Why is everyone so surprised? Femto cells in the home using the customer's broadband connection makes sense for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as they remove some of the backhaul requirements which is an incredibly expensive operational cost.
As new data services are launched like HSPDA+ which offer 20Mb/s or so download speeds and eventually LTE (or even WiMAX) the backhaul requirements just get worse.
Currently the MNOs restrict the in-premise cells to just a few users, but in the future it's likely the femto cells will be given away for free, the customer gets "free" or greatly reduced call charges and free or cheap data. However at some point the MNOs will allow 3rd party users on to the cells for calls and data. They can then use in-home cells for micro fill and offloading traffic from the main cell sites.
This only is really practical for 3G femto cells as they will co-operate with neighbouring cells and not interfere on the radio side of things. Unfortunately 2G femto cells still need to be frequency planned which causes a nightmare if they are randomly deployed (unless they have their own spectrum to sit in, which is available in the old GSM Guard Bands - but of the MNOs only O2 has a low power guard band license).
Vodafone have taken the initiative in the UK and it's surely only a matter of time before the other operators follow suit with their own femto cell rollouts.
Why is everyone so surprised? Femto cells in the home using the customer's broadband connection makes sense for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as they remove some of the backhaul requirements which is an incredibly expensive operational cost.
As new data services are launched like HSPDA+ which offer 20Mb/s or so download speeds and eventually LTE (or even WiMAX) the backhaul requirements just get worse.
Currently the MNOs restrict the in-premise cells to just a few users, but in the future it's likely the femto cells will be given away for free, the customer gets "free" or greatly reduced call charges and free or cheap data. However at some point the MNOs will allow 3rd party users on to the cells for calls and data. They can then use in-home cells for micro fill and offloading traffic from the main cell sites.
This only is really practical for 3G femto cells as they will co-operate with neighbouring cells and not interfere on the radio side of things. Unfortunately 2G femto cells still need to be frequency planned which causes a nightmare if they are randomly deployed (unless they have their own spectrum to sit in, which is available in the old GSM Guard Bands - but of the MNOs only O2 has a low power guard band license).
Vodafone have taken the initiative in the UK and it's surely only a matter of time before the other operators follow suit with their own femto cell rollouts.
2009/08/11
Consultation on the way forward for the future use of the band 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz | Ofcom
Consultation on the way forward for the future use of the band 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz bands.
The last consultation was held in Summer 2006, but the conditions have changed since then.
It's likely that the GSM directive will be amended such that the 900MHz and other bands can be refarmed for 3G use. This means the 917 - 921 MHz which is adjacent to this band will need to be controlled such that 3G interference is minimised.
Ofcom are considering the band for UMTS use and systems such as LTE could work in the band.
Ofcom are also considering allowing short range devices such as RFID systems to operate in this band in a light licensing regime as interference is likely to be very localised.
The consultation closes on the 3rd of Nov 2009.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on the 872 - 876 MHz paired with 917 - 921 MHz bands.
The last consultation was held in Summer 2006, but the conditions have changed since then.
It's likely that the GSM directive will be amended such that the 900MHz and other bands can be refarmed for 3G use. This means the 917 - 921 MHz which is adjacent to this band will need to be controlled such that 3G interference is minimised.
Ofcom are considering the band for UMTS use and systems such as LTE could work in the band.
Ofcom are also considering allowing short range devices such as RFID systems to operate in this band in a light licensing regime as interference is likely to be very localised.
The consultation closes on the 3rd of Nov 2009.
2009/08/04
Blackberry App World updates itself
Blackberry has updated it's App World application to v1.1 which promises faster image and icon loading and other improvements such as showing the available memory and suggesting ways of gaining more memory such as moving applications on to SD storage.
There are now about 2,000 applications on App World which is still a tiny amount compared to Apple's efforts, but at least there are some.
There are now about 2,000 applications on App World which is still a tiny amount compared to Apple's efforts, but at least there are some.
2009/07/30
Skype for Asterisk Open Beta
Digium have announced their Skype for Asterisk Open Beta which anyone can get a license key (and chan_skype software) for the Asterisk open source IP PBX.
The open beta will close on Aug 7th and the licenses will expire on Aug 31st so if you apply now, that gives about a month's worth of testing,
You need to register on Digium's site to make a purchase which will cost all of $0.
The Skype software and license is available to buy here.
This allows an Asterisk PBX to log into Skype which then acts as a channel driver so calls can be sent through the channel.
The open beta will close on Aug 7th and the licenses will expire on Aug 31st so if you apply now, that gives about a month's worth of testing,
You need to register on Digium's site to make a purchase which will cost all of $0.
The Skype software and license is available to buy here.
This allows an Asterisk PBX to log into Skype which then acts as a channel driver so calls can be sent through the channel.
2009/07/28
Virgin Mobile Sprints away
Sprint is acquiring Virgin Mobile USA for $483m. Sprint is already a shareholder (13.1%) and Virgin is an MVNO on Sprint's network.
Sprint will gain advantages by reducing operational requirements.
This will give Virgin a small cash boost, but the whole group is still up for sale.
Sprint will gain advantages by reducing operational requirements.
This will give Virgin a small cash boost, but the whole group is still up for sale.
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 modifying a direction applying the Electronic Communications Code in the case of Airwave Solutions Limited | Ofcom
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 modifying a direction applying the Electronic Communications Code in the case of Airwave Solutions Limited | Ofcom
Ofcom has granted Airwave a variance in the appliance of the Communications Code such that they are now able to build a private mobile radio network for The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralmypic Games.
airwave already have a license which allows them to build mobile networks for the emergency services and other public organisations, this just gives them the ability to provide the same type of network for the Olympics in the Stratford area.
Ofcom has granted Airwave a variance in the appliance of the Communications Code such that they are now able to build a private mobile radio network for The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralmypic Games.
airwave already have a license which allows them to build mobile networks for the emergency services and other public organisations, this just gives them the ability to provide the same type of network for the Olympics in the Stratford area.
2009/07/27
O2 UK follow Vodafone with SMS access to Twitter
UK O2 users can now send tweets from the mobile phone using SMS (and of course receive them via SMS too).
The system is set-up like the already working Vodafone system where device updates are enable per user and/or for replies and/or direct messages.
Messages are sent to (ro come from) 86444.
Sending messages to your phone is free while sending messages to Twitter will cost a the same as a standard SMS, though they can be included in any SMS bundle deal. O2 are operating a fair use policy whereby if you receive more than 600 messages per month, you'll be asked to cut your usage down.
It now only a matter of time before the other MNOs follow suit.
The system is set-up like the already working Vodafone system where device updates are enable per user and/or for replies and/or direct messages.
Messages are sent to (ro come from) 86444.
Sending messages to your phone is free while sending messages to Twitter will cost a the same as a standard SMS, though they can be included in any SMS bundle deal. O2 are operating a fair use policy whereby if you receive more than 600 messages per month, you'll be asked to cut your usage down.
It now only a matter of time before the other MNOs follow suit.
Orange and even O2 may bid against Vodafone for T-Mobile UK - Rethink Wireless
Orange and even O2 may bid against Vodafone for T-Mobile UK - Rethink Wireless
It looks like O2 and even Orange may enter the fray to purchase T-Mobile UK, even though Orange have stated they're not in the game (insiders believe they owuld put an offer in just to stop Vodafone).
However Deutsche Telekom may hold on to the struggling T-Mobile to give Richard Moat (T-Mobile's UK CEO) time to turn the company around.
It looks like O2 and even Orange may enter the fray to purchase T-Mobile UK, even though Orange have stated they're not in the game (insiders believe they owuld put an offer in just to stop Vodafone).
However Deutsche Telekom may hold on to the struggling T-Mobile to give Richard Moat (T-Mobile's UK CEO) time to turn the company around.
Ericsson wins Nortel assets but Q2 results impacted by downturn - Rethink Wireless
Ericsson wins Nortel assets but Q2 results impacted by downturn - Rethink Wireless
Ericsson has won the bidding to buy the wireless assets of Nortel. They paid $1.3bn which was considerably larger than $650m initially offered by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN).
This will put Ericsson in a good position to get into the CDMA migration LTE game in North America. it's surprising that NSN let the Nortel assets get away since the wireless division was profitable and both the Swedes and Fins have been trying to expand operations in the North American markets.
Nortel also has a well regarded LTE IP portfolio which now goes to Ericsson too. Ericsson now becomes the second largest CDMA provider only down from ZTE.
However on the same day Ericsson published their results which were "disappointing".
Ericsson has won the bidding to buy the wireless assets of Nortel. They paid $1.3bn which was considerably larger than $650m initially offered by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN).
This will put Ericsson in a good position to get into the CDMA migration LTE game in North America. it's surprising that NSN let the Nortel assets get away since the wireless division was profitable and both the Swedes and Fins have been trying to expand operations in the North American markets.
Nortel also has a well regarded LTE IP portfolio which now goes to Ericsson too. Ericsson now becomes the second largest CDMA provider only down from ZTE.
However on the same day Ericsson published their results which were "disappointing".
2009/07/24
BBC Dumps Commercial Internet-TV Plan - WSJ.com
BBC Dumps Commercial Internet-TV Plan - WSJ.com
Project Kangaroo jumps its last jump and is being closed down and the technology sold to Arquiva Ltd (the technology bit that came out of NTL).
Kangaroo was effectively killed last February after BSkyB complained that they'd get too much of an advantage in the emerging VoD/IPTV market and the Competition Commission agreed with them.
BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the Beeb) is still interested in distributing content over the Internet and is looking at other ways of now doing this.
BBC's iPlayer already supports on-demand and downloaded content and could be modified to support a pay TV model.
Project Kangaroo jumps its last jump and is being closed down and the technology sold to Arquiva Ltd (the technology bit that came out of NTL).
Kangaroo was effectively killed last February after BSkyB complained that they'd get too much of an advantage in the emerging VoD/IPTV market and the Competition Commission agreed with them.
BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the Beeb) is still interested in distributing content over the Internet and is looking at other ways of now doing this.
BBC's iPlayer already supports on-demand and downloaded content and could be modified to support a pay TV model.
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