2009/03/26

UK01 the 6th UK network

UK01 are a new mobile operator in the UK offering localised GSM hotzones. Currently you buy a UK01 SIM (or get one for free) and buy minutes - on-line through the UK01 site or via local outlets (Pazone or epay).

The UK01 rates are very competitive, especially to non UK numbers - though UK rates are too bad, 1p per minute to a landline, 8p to a mobile and text messages cost 3p (though bundle deals are available).

UK01 are planning to offer a SIMless service soon, whereby users have to manually select the UK01 network on the phone. Normally the network doesn't recognise the EMEI and so rejects the connection, however UK01 welcome the EMEI and immediately register it. The phone then receives an SMS with the UK01 phone number (which can immediately receive calls) and tells the user how they can buy credit to make outgoing calls.

Coverage is currently limited to areas within Newham, but UK01 is planning to expand into neighbouring boroughs and even across the whole of London.

UK01 has already sold thousands of SIMs and is generating hundreds of thousands of call minutes per month, which isn't bad for a new operator - especially one that's operating in such a small area.

UK01 are definitely a network to watch, they could be extremely disruptive to the MNOs.

Twitter via SMS in the UK

Vodafone have opened up their network to Twitter users, but only for Vodafone customers.

Twitter users set-up their accounts within the Devices section of their profile, then add their mobile number.

While mobile, send a tweet to 86444 and it will go to your feed.

Messages from Twitter don't cost you anything? While SMS messages to Twitter are charged at standard network rates and included in any bundles and message allowance (though the first few messages don't seem to be counted).

It's likely other UK MNOs will follow suit just to keep the status quo - though maybe this a pre-emptive strike by Vodafone to block other networks or even purchase Twitter.

Ofcom 2.6GHz spectrum Auction

Though T-Mobile has dropped their intention to take Ofcom to Judicial Review, O2 have now taken Ofcom to Judicial review and are attempting to include T-Mobile's intention even though T-Mobile pulled out. This will occur in April.

It has now also been ported that there is the potential for interference to radars operating in the 2.7GHz band which include airport radar. Therefore at least initially there will need to be coordination between 2.6GHz licensees and radar operators (such as the CAA and some ship types operated by the MoD and others).

At some point in the future the radar systems will be adjusted such that interference from 2.6GHz will be minimised.

Ofcom is still intending to launch the auction as soon as the judicial review has taken place (assuming it goes there way).

2009/03/25

Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium

Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium

Twitter blamed for global economic downturn, stranger things have happened ...

2009/03/23

Inkd | Our dashboard for managing your Inkd account.

Inkd | The World's First Market for Original Print Design.

Today Inkd have launched, another creation of Curios Office.

Inkd was originally known as Pressplane who have been very secretive about what they've been doing, now all is revealed.

Inkd is all about designers creating office stationary templates and being able to sell this to companies wanting their own designs, but not being able to afford (or have the resources available) of doing it by themselves. Designers upload their templates and customers download and customise them.

Customers are charged for the templates and designers get a cut of the fee. The more designers that sign-up and upload templates, the more customers will be attracted to the site. All uploaded work is checked by Inkd staff to ensure its quality and meets Inkd's guidelines.

Curious Office launched a successful site for artists/photographers called ImageKind which was sold to Cafe Press.

Kelly Smith is the brains behind Curious Office/ImageKind and Pressplane/Inkd.

Hopefully Inkd will be another successful venture.