The following applications have met the requirements to bid for spectrum in the 10, 28, 32 and 40 GHz bands: -
Arqiva Limited;
British Telecommunications Plc;
Digiweb Ltd;
Faultbasic Ltd;
MLL Telecom Ltd;
Orange Personal Communications Services Limited;
Red-M Services Limited;
T-Mobile (UK) Ltd;
Transfinite Systems Ltd and
UK Broadband Ltd
They still have until January 30th 2008 to pull out if they wish.
More details at Ofcom
2008/01/28
2008/01/15
bit-tech.net | Homebrew WiFi-to-3G router
bit-tech.net | Homebrew WiFi-to-3G router
If you need to connect your laptop to the Interweb and only have a Windows Mobile 6 device (it may work with WM5) with 3G you can use Bluetooth or serial (in some circumstances).
Now there's a program that uses WiFi on the WM device that turns it into a router i.e. WiFi to 3G and devices can then connect to the WiFi and access the Internet.
Ensure that the 3G services is on a unlimited data plan or else the bills may be quite large.
The software is available from here.
If you need to connect your laptop to the Interweb and only have a Windows Mobile 6 device (it may work with WM5) with 3G you can use Bluetooth or serial (in some circumstances).
Now there's a program that uses WiFi on the WM device that turns it into a router i.e. WiFi to 3G and devices can then connect to the WiFi and access the Internet.
Ensure that the 3G services is on a unlimited data plan or else the bills may be quite large.
The software is available from here.
2008/01/10
What's new at MacExpo Jan 15th
What are Apple going to announce at MacExpo?
* New Cinema displays? Probably in-line with the new iMacs with glass screeens.
* MacBookUltra? Seems on the cards, an ultra portable MacBookPro which touch sensitive screen, gesture/handwriting support/etc. Probably solid-state disk for fast boot-up. MacOS X has already been ported to small devices, this could extend that so as well as using technologies such as Quickview to read documents on the go, they can be edited too.
* UltraDock? A docking system for the MacBookUltra that turns it into an iMac for use in the office etc.
* 3G iPhone? It's been on the cards ever since Apple launched the original version. Supporting HSPA it will also have push-email allowing corporate users to ween off their Blackberries.
* iTunes 7.6? Well it turns out that some DVDs have already been released that have versions of the film in WMV (Windows Media Video) and H.264 (the format the iPod uses). Insert this into a Mac and a dialog pops up saying "iTunes 7.6 required". iTunes is also likely to support downloading/renting videos from the iTunes store.
It's all rumour of curse, but the keynote is on Jan 15th about 5pm UK time.
* New Cinema displays? Probably in-line with the new iMacs with glass screeens.
* MacBookUltra? Seems on the cards, an ultra portable MacBookPro which touch sensitive screen, gesture/handwriting support/etc. Probably solid-state disk for fast boot-up. MacOS X has already been ported to small devices, this could extend that so as well as using technologies such as Quickview to read documents on the go, they can be edited too.
* UltraDock? A docking system for the MacBookUltra that turns it into an iMac for use in the office etc.
* 3G iPhone? It's been on the cards ever since Apple launched the original version. Supporting HSPA it will also have push-email allowing corporate users to ween off their Blackberries.
* iTunes 7.6? Well it turns out that some DVDs have already been released that have versions of the film in WMV (Windows Media Video) and H.264 (the format the iPod uses). Insert this into a Mac and a dialog pops up saying "iTunes 7.6 required". iTunes is also likely to support downloading/renting videos from the iTunes store.
It's all rumour of curse, but the keynote is on Jan 15th about 5pm UK time.
BT bets its future on broadband 20 times faster than now | Technology | The Guardian
BT bets its future on broadband 20 times faster than now | Technology | The Guardian
BT is to fibre 10,000 homes as part of a trial in Ebbsfleet next August. The system will support speeds of 100Mb/s (though this could probably be increased). It's a new build area so fibre will be part of the build-process and used instead of traditional copper telephony, presumably directly into BT's 21CN.
The service will be put in by BT Openreach meaning it will be available to other ISPs and media players as well as BT.
Though copper is currently the norm, fibre for all new-builds should be thought about. Unfortunately this doesn't cover existing infrastructure so current homes will be stuck with DSL services for a while. It's been estimated to replace the current copper would cost around £10bn and if BT did it, it would lead them into a regulatory nightmare.
BT is to fibre 10,000 homes as part of a trial in Ebbsfleet next August. The system will support speeds of 100Mb/s (though this could probably be increased). It's a new build area so fibre will be part of the build-process and used instead of traditional copper telephony, presumably directly into BT's 21CN.
The service will be put in by BT Openreach meaning it will be available to other ISPs and media players as well as BT.
Though copper is currently the norm, fibre for all new-builds should be thought about. Unfortunately this doesn't cover existing infrastructure so current homes will be stuck with DSL services for a while. It's been estimated to replace the current copper would cost around £10bn and if BT did it, it would lead them into a regulatory nightmare.
Apple released new Quad Core MacPros
Ahead of next week's MacExpo in SanFran Apple have updated their MacPros with new Quad Core CPUs. Each machine can take 2 processors (so that's 8 cores), 4 hard disks (SATA or SAS), 1 or 2 16x SuperDrives, an Airport (WiFi 802.11n) and a SAS RAID controller.
The stock video card is an NVIDIA 8800, but this can be downgraded to an ATI card. However the system can now hold 4 of the ATI cards allowing a MacPro to drive 4 cinema displays simultaneously. The top of the range card is an NVidia FX4600.
If buying one, wait until Apple announces their new Cinema displays which should be at MacExpo.
The stock video card is an NVIDIA 8800, but this can be downgraded to an ATI card. However the system can now hold 4 of the ATI cards allowing a MacPro to drive 4 cinema displays simultaneously. The top of the range card is an NVidia FX4600.
If buying one, wait until Apple announces their new Cinema displays which should be at MacExpo.
telecoms.com
telecoms.com
It had to happen and now T-Mobile is offering unlimited WiFi with it's Web'n'Walk Plus and Max for £12.50 per month. Users can use any of T-Mobile's HotSpots at Starbucks, Texaco service stations and other locations.
O2 have already bundled free WiFi into their iPhone plans using The Cloud's WiFi network and BT bundle WiFi with their Internet access products.
WiFi isn't particularly good for large widescale networks, but is cheap for high speed data access compared to 3G, so it should save T-Mobile money in the long run.
It had to happen and now T-Mobile is offering unlimited WiFi with it's Web'n'Walk Plus and Max for £12.50 per month. Users can use any of T-Mobile's HotSpots at Starbucks, Texaco service stations and other locations.
O2 have already bundled free WiFi into their iPhone plans using The Cloud's WiFi network and BT bundle WiFi with their Internet access products.
WiFi isn't particularly good for large widescale networks, but is cheap for high speed data access compared to 3G, so it should save T-Mobile money in the long run.
2007/12/17
Removal of the requirement for pre-call announcements on 070 numbers | Ofcom
Removal of the requirement for pre-call announcements on 070 numbers | Ofcom
In a similar move to 087 numbers, Ofcom have just removed the requirement for operators of 070 personal number to have pre-call announcements (PCA) if the call rate is above 20p per minute.
Ofcom removed the limitation as alarm and other services use 070 numbers and the PCA caused some to time-out, which may endanger human life.
070 numbers are notoriously used for scams such as dialing mobile phones and dropping the call instataneously as users confuse the missed call with a mobile number (all mobile numbers start 07), so Ofcom are still considering moving personal numbers off the 070 range.
Controlled Premium Rate Services (“CPRS”) made on 070 numbers rather than 09 are still subject to PRS regulations and PhonepayPlus will take action on abusers of 070 services (above 10ppm charging).
In a similar move to 087 numbers, Ofcom have just removed the requirement for operators of 070 personal number to have pre-call announcements (PCA) if the call rate is above 20p per minute.
Ofcom removed the limitation as alarm and other services use 070 numbers and the PCA caused some to time-out, which may endanger human life.
070 numbers are notoriously used for scams such as dialing mobile phones and dropping the call instataneously as users confuse the missed call with a mobile number (all mobile numbers start 07), so Ofcom are still considering moving personal numbers off the 070 range.
Controlled Premium Rate Services (“CPRS”) made on 070 numbers rather than 09 are still subject to PRS regulations and PhonepayPlus will take action on abusers of 070 services (above 10ppm charging).
2007/12/06
Regulation of VoIP Services: Access to the Emergency Services | Ofcom
Regulation of VoIP Services: Access to the Emergency Services | Ofcom
By September 2008 anyone providing VoIP services will need to provide access to the Emergency Services (in the UK 999 or 112). Previously only PATS (public access telephony services) were obliged to provide 999 services, now any PECS (public electronics cummincations system) provider will need to provide access to 999.
The only exemption is web-based "click to call" services as they can be seen as distinct and they do not have to provide access.
By September 2008 anyone providing VoIP services will need to provide access to the Emergency Services (in the UK 999 or 112). Previously only PATS (public access telephony services) were obliged to provide 999 services, now any PECS (public electronics cummincations system) provider will need to provide access to 999.
The only exemption is web-based "click to call" services as they can be seen as distinct and they do not have to provide access.
Licence-Exemption Framework Review | Ofcom
Licence-Exemption Framework Review | Ofcom
Ofcom has published a statement on the framework for managing spectrum used by licence-exempt devices.
This is a long document and is based on results of Ofcom's previous Spectrum Framework Review.
Much of it is to do with whether it's possible to regulate at all (like in the 2.4GHz band) and how other areas should be managed.
It also covers things like UWB which will become prevalent in the future.
Ofcom has published a statement on the framework for managing spectrum used by licence-exempt devices.
This is a long document and is based on results of Ofcom's previous Spectrum Framework Review.
Much of it is to do with whether it's possible to regulate at all (like in the 2.4GHz band) and how other areas should be managed.
It also covers things like UWB which will become prevalent in the future.
Amendment to the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (11th Edition) | Ofcom
Amendment to the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (11th Edition) | Ofcom
Ofcom is consulting on the amendment to the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (11th Edition) which closes on 5pm on 16 January 2008.
PhonepayPlus is the industry body formerly known as ICSTIS who are the industry body for Premium Rate Services.
Ofcom works with PhoneypayPlus for the regulation of PRS though they are independent organisations.
Ofcom is consulting on the amendment to the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (11th Edition) which closes on 5pm on 16 January 2008.
PhonepayPlus is the industry body formerly known as ICSTIS who are the industry body for Premium Rate Services.
Ofcom works with PhoneypayPlus for the regulation of PRS though they are independent organisations.
2007/12/03
Statement on the making of regulations in connection with the award of 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz | Ofcom
Statement on the making of regulations in connection with the award of 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz | Ofcom
Ofcom has made 4 statutory instruments which will come into force on December 21st 2007 relating to the 4 awards of spectrum. They are also expecting applications to be entered on the 16th Jan 2008 (which will be confirmed after the SIs come into force).
Various of these allocations didn't really amount to anything last time they were licensed (the 10GHz licenses returned their licenses), but with new technology available there may be renewed interest.
Ofcom has made 4 statutory instruments which will come into force on December 21st 2007 relating to the 4 awards of spectrum. They are also expecting applications to be entered on the 16th Jan 2008 (which will be confirmed after the SIs come into force).
Various of these allocations didn't really amount to anything last time they were licensed (the 10GHz licenses returned their licenses), but with new technology available there may be renewed interest.
Ofcom sets industry deadline for two hour mobile number porting | Ofcom
Ofcom sets industry deadline for two hour mobile number porting | Ofcom
Ofcom has published timescales for mobile operators to implement 2 hour port times.
Ofcom has already published a date of April 2008 for moving the current 5 day period to 2 hours and now in September 2009 operators will have to reduce the porting time to 2 hours.
Ofcom are also making the operators implement a database for efficient porting and routing of calls.
Ofcom has published timescales for mobile operators to implement 2 hour port times.
Ofcom has already published a date of April 2008 for moving the current 5 day period to 2 hours and now in September 2009 operators will have to reduce the porting time to 2 hours.
Ofcom are also making the operators implement a database for efficient porting and routing of calls.
All eyes on London as Ofcom plans spectrum use for the 2012 Olympics | Ofcom
All eyes on London as Ofcom plans spectrum use for the 2012 Olympics | Ofcom
Ofcom are consulting on spectrum for the London 2012 Olympics.
There is a requirement for Private Mobile Radio, audio links (commentary etc) and outside broadcasts.
Anyone wanting to participate should respond.
Ofcom are consulting on spectrum for the London 2012 Olympics.
There is a requirement for Private Mobile Radio, audio links (commentary etc) and outside broadcasts.
Anyone wanting to participate should respond.
2007/11/22
UK Broadband application for licence variation | Ofcom
UK Broadband application for licence variation | Ofcom
Ofcom consulted on permitting a variation in UK Broadband's 3.5GHz license.
The variation asked that UK Broadband to allowed to: -
* use the license in a technology neutral manner (i.e. they can decide what technology to use).
* remove the limitation of only fixed terminals.
* increase the maximum in-band power level to +29dBW/MHz.
Ofcom are planning to grant the variation but limit mobile terminals to 5dBW/MHz and issue the new license as soon as is practical.
This may stimulate UK Broadband's growth, though they are still only offering limited coverage and limited areas.
Ofcom consulted on permitting a variation in UK Broadband's 3.5GHz license.
The variation asked that UK Broadband to allowed to: -
* use the license in a technology neutral manner (i.e. they can decide what technology to use).
* remove the limitation of only fixed terminals.
* increase the maximum in-band power level to +29dBW/MHz.
Ofcom are planning to grant the variation but limit mobile terminals to 5dBW/MHz and issue the new license as soon as is practical.
This may stimulate UK Broadband's growth, though they are still only offering limited coverage and limited areas.
2007/11/21
Skype make users change numbers
Introducing the 3 Skypephone
It seems users in the UK with 020 7 numbers are being forced to change them by mid December 2007, that's about 2 weeks.
When BT make changes they give about 2 years notice.
It seems the numbers allocated belong to Gamma Telecom, so has Skype had a falling out with them? Or did they change UK providers and they don't have a porting agreement with Gamma. Whatever the story is, users are not happy - especially users who have printed their SkypeIn details on business cards.
As Skype are not UK based, Ofcom who would normally stop things like this happening, cant really do much, though new EU regulations might change that as well as Ofcom regulations forcing anyone who operates in the UK to abide by UK regulations.
It seems users in the UK with 020 7 numbers are being forced to change them by mid December 2007, that's about 2 weeks.
When BT make changes they give about 2 years notice.
It seems the numbers allocated belong to Gamma Telecom, so has Skype had a falling out with them? Or did they change UK providers and they don't have a porting agreement with Gamma. Whatever the story is, users are not happy - especially users who have printed their SkypeIn details on business cards.
As Skype are not UK based, Ofcom who would normally stop things like this happening, cant really do much, though new EU regulations might change that as well as Ofcom regulations forcing anyone who operates in the UK to abide by UK regulations.
Upgrading Digital Terrestrial Television | Ofcom
Upgrading Digital Terrestrial Television | Ofcom
There are currently 6 DTT multiplexes and 3 are used for Public Service Broadcasting. Ofcom is planning to clear one of these mutliplexes (Multiplex B, licensed by Ofcom to BBC Free to View Ltd) by moving the existing programming to spare channels in other multiplexes.
Multiplex B will then utilise new standards DVB-T2 (instead of DVB-T which gives and improvement of about 30%) and MPEG4 (instead of MPEG2, a 50% saving in bandwidth).
This could be completed by late 2009/early 2010 in the Granada area while HD broadcasts could start by 2012, with the rest of the country as the digital switchover occurs.
Users could utilise their existing set-top-boxes to view existing channels, but the new channels would only be available to new boxes supporting the DVB-T2 and MPEG4 standards.
Ofcom proposes to invite organisations with Public Service Broadcaster status – principally the BBC, the Channel 3, 4 and 5 licensees and S4C – to set out how they would use the upgraded capacity on Multiplex B.
This is good news as it will allow HD broadcasts on a free-to-air platform. Unfortunately most users will need new STBs, Linux users will rejoice as platforms such as MythTV and other DTT systems can already decode MPEG4.
The consultation closes on 31/01/2008
There are currently 6 DTT multiplexes and 3 are used for Public Service Broadcasting. Ofcom is planning to clear one of these mutliplexes (Multiplex B, licensed by Ofcom to BBC Free to View Ltd) by moving the existing programming to spare channels in other multiplexes.
Multiplex B will then utilise new standards DVB-T2 (instead of DVB-T which gives and improvement of about 30%) and MPEG4 (instead of MPEG2, a 50% saving in bandwidth).
This could be completed by late 2009/early 2010 in the Granada area while HD broadcasts could start by 2012, with the rest of the country as the digital switchover occurs.
Users could utilise their existing set-top-boxes to view existing channels, but the new channels would only be available to new boxes supporting the DVB-T2 and MPEG4 standards.
Ofcom proposes to invite organisations with Public Service Broadcaster status – principally the BBC, the Channel 3, 4 and 5 licensees and S4C – to set out how they would use the upgraded capacity on Multiplex B.
This is good news as it will allow HD broadcasts on a free-to-air platform. Unfortunately most users will need new STBs, Linux users will rejoice as platforms such as MythTV and other DTT systems can already decode MPEG4.
The consultation closes on 31/01/2008
2007/11/15
Review of the wholesale broadband access markets 2006/07 | Ofcom
Review of the wholesale broadband access markets 2006/07 | Ofcom
The consultation relates to broadband in the UK. Ofcom has segmented the UK into areas where BT or Kingston Commuications (KCOM) are the only providers of broadband and then were there are other operators in the exchanges.
The breakdown is: -
* those geographic areas covered by exchanges where KCOM is the only operator (“the Hull area”).
* those geographic areas covered by exchanges where BT is the only operator (“Market 1”);
those geographic areas covered by exchanges where there are 2 or 3 Principal Operators AND exchanges where there are 4 or more Principal Operators but where the exchange serves less than 10,000 premises (“Market 2”).
* those geographic areas covered by exchanges where there are 4 or more Principal Operators and where the exchange serves 10,000 or more premises (“Market 3”).
Ofcom has decided that it is a requirement to provide Network Access on reasonable requests, requirement not to discriminate unduly, requirement to publish a reference offer, requirement to notify terms and conditions, requirement to publish technical information, and requirement to have accounting separation.
The most significant bit is that in Market 3 areas Ofcom has decided that (in terms of broadband) BT no longer has significant market power (SMP) and it will be revoked in those areas.
The consultation relates to broadband in the UK. Ofcom has segmented the UK into areas where BT or Kingston Commuications (KCOM) are the only providers of broadband and then were there are other operators in the exchanges.
The breakdown is: -
* those geographic areas covered by exchanges where KCOM is the only operator (“the Hull area”).
* those geographic areas covered by exchanges where BT is the only operator (“Market 1”);
those geographic areas covered by exchanges where there are 2 or 3 Principal Operators AND exchanges where there are 4 or more Principal Operators but where the exchange serves less than 10,000 premises (“Market 2”).
* those geographic areas covered by exchanges where there are 4 or more Principal Operators and where the exchange serves 10,000 or more premises (“Market 3”).
Ofcom has decided that it is a requirement to provide Network Access on reasonable requests, requirement not to discriminate unduly, requirement to publish a reference offer, requirement to notify terms and conditions, requirement to publish technical information, and requirement to have accounting separation.
The most significant bit is that in Market 3 areas Ofcom has decided that (in terms of broadband) BT no longer has significant market power (SMP) and it will be revoked in those areas.
2007/11/14
Raising Confidence in Telephone Numbers | Ofcom
Raising Confidence in Telephone Numbers | Ofcom
Ofcom introduced the 03 range (which are charged at local rate) to encourage companies to migrate from 0870 numbers. To this end, Ofcom were going to mandate the anyone using 0870 services would have to pre-announce the call rate before the call was connected to make the consumer aware of any charges. This was to have taken place in Feb 2007.
Ofcom have been made aware that some automatic emergency services (alarms etc) make use of 0870 numbers and these would be adversely affected by the pre-announcement (they would time out and therefore the call would not complete).
Ofcom are working with the affected service providers and hope to bring in the new regulations in the spring of next year.
Ofcom introduced the 03 range (which are charged at local rate) to encourage companies to migrate from 0870 numbers. To this end, Ofcom were going to mandate the anyone using 0870 services would have to pre-announce the call rate before the call was connected to make the consumer aware of any charges. This was to have taken place in Feb 2007.
Ofcom have been made aware that some automatic emergency services (alarms etc) make use of 0870 numbers and these would be adversely affected by the pre-announcement (they would time out and therefore the call would not complete).
Ofcom are working with the affected service providers and hope to bring in the new regulations in the spring of next year.
Wireless Telegraphy Licence Exemption - Automotive Short Range Radar | Ofcom
Wireless Telegraphy Licence Exemption - Automotive Short Range Radar | Ofcom
Ofcom are consulting on the use of automotive short range radar that operates in the 24GHz band (21.65 to 26.65 GHz), following an EU directive to make this band available.
Automotive equipment may interfere with radio astronomy systems which also use this band, so Ofcom wish to have exclusion zones around radio astronomy sites and equipment must automatically or manually deactivate around such sites.
The consultation closes on 31St Decemeber 2007.
Ofcom are consulting on the use of automotive short range radar that operates in the 24GHz band (21.65 to 26.65 GHz), following an EU directive to make this band available.
Automotive equipment may interfere with radio astronomy systems which also use this band, so Ofcom wish to have exclusion zones around radio astronomy sites and equipment must automatically or manually deactivate around such sites.
The consultation closes on 31St Decemeber 2007.
2007/11/13
Numbering Policy | Ofcom
Numbering Policy | Ofcom
In March 2007 Ofcom mandated that all next Sexual Enterntainment Services must use numbers starting with a 098 prefix and this came into force on Thu 08/11/07. Existing services running on 0909 and 0909 can continue to use these ranges, though no new 0908/0909 numbers will be allocated.
On Monday 09/11/07 Ofcom also opened up the 0902 and 0903 number ranges for PRS (premium rate services) which can be applied for using the S9 “The Numbering Application Form”.
Ofcom also announced that the new 03 number range is being used and there have been over 13 million numbers allocated to more than 80 providers. 03 numbers are expected to replace 084/087 numbers for public organisations etc.
In March 2007 Ofcom mandated that all next Sexual Enterntainment Services must use numbers starting with a 098 prefix and this came into force on Thu 08/11/07. Existing services running on 0909 and 0909 can continue to use these ranges, though no new 0908/0909 numbers will be allocated.
On Monday 09/11/07 Ofcom also opened up the 0902 and 0903 number ranges for PRS (premium rate services) which can be applied for using the S9 “The Numbering Application Form”.
Ofcom also announced that the new 03 number range is being used and there have been over 13 million numbers allocated to more than 80 providers. 03 numbers are expected to replace 084/087 numbers for public organisations etc.
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