Ofcom Website | Using your mobile abroad
Ofcom have published updated information about using your mobile abroad, including tariffs for all the UK operators.
The advice includes replacing your SIM with a local one from the country visited, and getting your phone unlocked.
2006/07/17
2006/07/14
Ofcom statement on 412-414MHz paired with 422-424MHz
Ofcom is going to auction off the spectrum in the 412-414MHz paired with 422-424MHz band.
The 2MHz pair is being broken down into 4 bands of 0.5MHz each (412.0 - 412.5 and 422.0 - 422.5 MHz, etc) known as a, b, c and d.
Any bidder can try for any combination of a, b, c and d, which works out at 15 combinations. Each combination costs £50,000 per sub-band as a minimum fee (so a bid for just 'a' will cost £50,000, with 'a+b' £100,000 etc). It is a sealed bid auction and Ofcom will go through the bid process depending on the number of bidders.
Any bidders must coordinate with RAF Flyingdales as they also use this band for their radars (and have priority). There is a 40Km exclusion zone around the base.
Though the licenses are application neutral, it's expected that they will be used for communications services.
The award process will commence in the week beginning 11 September 2006. Ofcom expects that the application date will be Thursday, 14 September 2006.
The 2MHz pair is being broken down into 4 bands of 0.5MHz each (412.0 - 412.5 and 422.0 - 422.5 MHz, etc) known as a, b, c and d.
Any bidder can try for any combination of a, b, c and d, which works out at 15 combinations. Each combination costs £50,000 per sub-band as a minimum fee (so a bid for just 'a' will cost £50,000, with 'a+b' £100,000 etc). It is a sealed bid auction and Ofcom will go through the bid process depending on the number of bidders.
Any bidders must coordinate with RAF Flyingdales as they also use this band for their radars (and have priority). There is a 40Km exclusion zone around the base.
Though the licenses are application neutral, it's expected that they will be used for communications services.
The award process will commence in the week beginning 11 September 2006. Ofcom expects that the application date will be Thursday, 14 September 2006.
Legalising the use of low power FM transmitters for MP3 players
Ofcom is proposing to license excempt lower power FM transmitters for use with MP3 and other audio devices.
This is a complete turn-around as previously this has been a completely no go area. Maybe it's got something to do with there now being a European standard for such devices, which means the EU support them as a whole.
Ofcom are also proposing to make CB radio license excempt and also support Community Audio Distribution systems. They will also make the 169.4 -169.8125 MHz band available for lower power transmissions such as hearing aids, alarms and tracking systems.
This all comes under the Wireless Telegraphy Exemption Regulations 2003, which attempts to maximise the use of the congested spectrum.
The consultation finishes on 22nd Sept 2006 and Ofcom hope to make is all possible in December.
This is a complete turn-around as previously this has been a completely no go area. Maybe it's got something to do with there now being a European standard for such devices, which means the EU support them as a whole.
Ofcom are also proposing to make CB radio license excempt and also support Community Audio Distribution systems. They will also make the 169.4 -169.8125 MHz band available for lower power transmissions such as hearing aids, alarms and tracking systems.
This all comes under the Wireless Telegraphy Exemption Regulations 2003, which attempts to maximise the use of the congested spectrum.
The consultation finishes on 22nd Sept 2006 and Ofcom hope to make is all possible in December.
2006/07/12
Ofcom considering raising power limits in License Excempt bands
Ofcom has today issued a consultation on raising the power limits on the 2.4GHz band and the 5.8GHz lightly licensed band.
There are MOD users in 5.8GHz, but there is an EU directive which proposes to raise the power limit from 2W EIRP to 4W EIRP and Ofcom will comply with the recommendation and see no other changes from how it current operates.
Ofcom are considering raising the limit on 2.4GHz to 10W, this is a considerable increase as the current limit is 100mW EIRP.
They are considering 3 options: -
* Allow the increased power anywhere i.e. no geographic consideration.
* Allow the increased power in rural areas where effects are minimised. Devices would be required to be location aware and only transmit at higher powers if they were in appropriate areas.
* Allow increased power in all but large and major urban conurbations. Devices wouldn't need to be location aware, but there would be a mandatory registration scheme and users would need to adhere to a code so interference issues were minimised.
This could give a much need boost to broadband services utilising both bands, but this completely ignores the health risks as 2.4GHz is the frequency microwave ovens use and 10W though low power could have significant health risks.
There are MOD users in 5.8GHz, but there is an EU directive which proposes to raise the power limit from 2W EIRP to 4W EIRP and Ofcom will comply with the recommendation and see no other changes from how it current operates.
Ofcom are considering raising the limit on 2.4GHz to 10W, this is a considerable increase as the current limit is 100mW EIRP.
They are considering 3 options: -
* Allow the increased power anywhere i.e. no geographic consideration.
* Allow the increased power in rural areas where effects are minimised. Devices would be required to be location aware and only transmit at higher powers if they were in appropriate areas.
* Allow increased power in all but large and major urban conurbations. Devices wouldn't need to be location aware, but there would be a mandatory registration scheme and users would need to adhere to a code so interference issues were minimised.
This could give a much need boost to broadband services utilising both bands, but this completely ignores the health risks as 2.4GHz is the frequency microwave ovens use and 10W though low power could have significant health risks.
Music Industry wants to "tax" distribution channels
AIM and various other music bodies held a press conference to introduce their new concept of "A value recognition right". Their view is that content is adding value to distribution channels like broadband, mobile phones, even Bluetooth and because it's adding value it should be licensable.
Arguments included that 60% of Internet traffic is Peer to Peer (initially they stated music P2P, but changed that to general P2P including services like Skype). People choose broadband because of music P2P, therefore they can license ISPs as part of the value add content chain.
Is it not the other way around, most people get broadband then find P2P easy to use, so use it?
Copy Levy (the relevent law) is really based on analogue and doesn't fit into the digital world, so they want to change the law so digital means charge the distribution players, not the consumer.
That's got to have something to do with the very bad press the music industry has got from suing private individuals, it's much easier to sue the broadband providers who are nasty big corporates and who cares about them? Except margins are so low in the broadband industry that having to pay music royalties etc may well criple the providers which will stifle an industry killing it instead of allowing it to grow and providing the digital economy that the government wants.
The industry are adament it's not a "stealth tax" - which of course it isn't, or maybe it is?
Arguments included that 60% of Internet traffic is Peer to Peer (initially they stated music P2P, but changed that to general P2P including services like Skype). People choose broadband because of music P2P, therefore they can license ISPs as part of the value add content chain.
Is it not the other way around, most people get broadband then find P2P easy to use, so use it?
Copy Levy (the relevent law) is really based on analogue and doesn't fit into the digital world, so they want to change the law so digital means charge the distribution players, not the consumer.
That's got to have something to do with the very bad press the music industry has got from suing private individuals, it's much easier to sue the broadband providers who are nasty big corporates and who cares about them? Except margins are so low in the broadband industry that having to pay music royalties etc may well criple the providers which will stifle an industry killing it instead of allowing it to grow and providing the digital economy that the government wants.
The industry are adament it's not a "stealth tax" - which of course it isn't, or maybe it is?
2006/07/10
Microsoft to release iPod'alike
It's rumoured MS are going to release a portable media player to rival the iPod, but it will have wireless networking so tracks can be downloaded straight into the unit.
They've already teamed up with MTV with a music site (Urgle), and the player will work with it.
Apple dominate the music download scene, both with the iTunes store and iPods.
They've already teamed up with MTV with a music site (Urgle), and the player will work with it.
Apple dominate the music download scene, both with the iTunes store and iPods.
2006/07/06
Startup Camp
A new site started by some Skype guys. Aims to foster entrepeneurs, investors etc.
See Startup Camp
So if you've got an idea head over there.
See Startup Camp
So if you've got an idea head over there.
2006/07/04
TomTom 910
The new TomTom GO series look better than the old. The software has also been upgraded and is a definate improvement, especially with the TomTom HOME Windows software which automagically manages updates of both the GO's software and content (i.e. safety camera database).
The navigation software has been improved, and if it knows the speed of the road warns you when you're breaking the speed limit and flashes when you're very over it.
The 910 has complete maps of Europe and the US and can do all sorts of music and picture bits and works with an iPod.
The major criticism is that accessories you might have for an older version, don't work with the new one.
The navigation software has been improved, and if it knows the speed of the road warns you when you're breaking the speed limit and flashes when you're very over it.
The 910 has complete maps of Europe and the US and can do all sorts of music and picture bits and works with an iPod.
The major criticism is that accessories you might have for an older version, don't work with the new one.
GPS or GNSS signal repeaters
Ofcom has today released a statement on the use of GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) or other RNSS (Radionavigation Satellite system) repeaters.
Though there is a specification for this type of equipment (Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000 SI 730), users still need a license to utilise such equipment in the UK.
Ofcom have the ability to prosecute users under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 as broadcasting without a license is potentially an offence under the Act.
Whether they do prosecute is another matter, however they can prosecute importers of equipment as knowingly selling such equipment which can only be used illegally can also be an offence.
Though there is a specification for this type of equipment (Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000 SI 730), users still need a license to utilise such equipment in the UK.
Ofcom have the ability to prosecute users under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 as broadcasting without a license is potentially an offence under the Act.
Whether they do prosecute is another matter, however they can prosecute importers of equipment as knowingly selling such equipment which can only be used illegally can also be an offence.
2006/07/03
El Reg article
I got my first article published by The Register, it's why WiMAX won't fly in the UK.
2006/06/30
Voice pricing - when will it hit zero?
Both fixed line telcos and VoIP service providers are moving to flat rate bundles with all you can eat national dialing. This is all based on people not actually using their phone all the time, as in Europe termination charging still occurs on the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
BT's new broadband packages start at £9.95 (for the first 6 months) which includes free evening and weekend calls. Vonage's service costs £7.99 per month with free anytime packages (but you need a broadband package on top of that).
The broadband offerings may not quite be what they seem as they are bandwidth capped, so using the phone all the time may push the user over their limit (so extra charges may apply - BT may not count VoIP packets, it not clear).
Even with landline packages, Carphone Warehouse's TalkTalk packages include all you can eat national dialing for £10 per month (and they throw in broadband).
When BT release their 21CN network, it's going to cost them more to bill (UK) calls than to charge for them - or at least flat rate them.
Skype offers sensible international rates, but even they are being forced into price drops as the competition hots up, signing up in the US now gives completely free calls to the US and other countries.
As everyone moves to zero or flat rate calls the telcos are going to struggle, they're used to billing minutes and have an industry out of it. They are going to suffer badly when their revenues decline. More consolidation, more firms going belly-up. That all sounds good initially, but then there's actually less competition and the market will end up with a few super Telco/ISPs.
It all comes down to Bell heads vs Net heads, and the Net heads are winning, though there's trouble in that area too as the US is fighting to make content providers pay more for people accessing their services, VoIP may fall into that category.
What's good for the consumer in the short run, may be disasterous for the industry and thus competition long term.
BT's new broadband packages start at £9.95 (for the first 6 months) which includes free evening and weekend calls. Vonage's service costs £7.99 per month with free anytime packages (but you need a broadband package on top of that).
The broadband offerings may not quite be what they seem as they are bandwidth capped, so using the phone all the time may push the user over their limit (so extra charges may apply - BT may not count VoIP packets, it not clear).
Even with landline packages, Carphone Warehouse's TalkTalk packages include all you can eat national dialing for £10 per month (and they throw in broadband).
When BT release their 21CN network, it's going to cost them more to bill (UK) calls than to charge for them - or at least flat rate them.
Skype offers sensible international rates, but even they are being forced into price drops as the competition hots up, signing up in the US now gives completely free calls to the US and other countries.
As everyone moves to zero or flat rate calls the telcos are going to struggle, they're used to billing minutes and have an industry out of it. They are going to suffer badly when their revenues decline. More consolidation, more firms going belly-up. That all sounds good initially, but then there's actually less competition and the market will end up with a few super Telco/ISPs.
It all comes down to Bell heads vs Net heads, and the Net heads are winning, though there's trouble in that area too as the US is fighting to make content providers pay more for people accessing their services, VoIP may fall into that category.
What's good for the consumer in the short run, may be disasterous for the industry and thus competition long term.
Top 10 Broadband providers
Point Topic have released figures about the number of broadband lines in the UK, BT lead the pack with almost 2.5m customers, followed by NTL (1.7m) and AOL (1.3m).
Company Q4 2005 Q1 2006
BT Retail 2229 2481
NTL 1625 1726
AOL 1150 1300
Telewest 1005 1096
Tiscali 934 1085
Wanadoo 906 986
Pipex 283 311
PlusNet 176 194
Virgin.net 167 193
Tesco 120 132
Others 1218 1227
Total 9813 10730
These figures don't take into account the NTL/Telewest merger which puts them squarely in the lead with a combined number of nearly 3m ahead of BT's 2.5m.
They also don't take into account Carphone Warehouse, who took on 340,000 broadband customers as part of their TalkTalk service in the first month or so.
Wandadoo (now Orange) will also likely jump significantly as they now offer free broadband with any Orange mobile package over £30/month.
It looks like they'll only be a few operators left in the near future with other providers being forced to sell-out to to the bigger players as margins erode and more bundle offerings come into play.
There will always be BT, but NTL/Telewest still have large numbers of customers and with the purchase of Virgin Mobile can offer a quad play (voice, tv, internet and mobile - so they have the potential to stay ahead of the game), but Carphone Warehouse shouldn't be forgotten and Orange are making a big push.
In 5 years times, don't bet on many other telecoms providers being left in the game.
Company Q4 2005 Q1 2006
BT Retail 2229 2481
NTL 1625 1726
AOL 1150 1300
Telewest 1005 1096
Tiscali 934 1085
Wanadoo 906 986
Pipex 283 311
PlusNet 176 194
Virgin.net 167 193
Tesco 120 132
Others 1218 1227
Total 9813 10730
These figures don't take into account the NTL/Telewest merger which puts them squarely in the lead with a combined number of nearly 3m ahead of BT's 2.5m.
They also don't take into account Carphone Warehouse, who took on 340,000 broadband customers as part of their TalkTalk service in the first month or so.
Wandadoo (now Orange) will also likely jump significantly as they now offer free broadband with any Orange mobile package over £30/month.
It looks like they'll only be a few operators left in the near future with other providers being forced to sell-out to to the bigger players as margins erode and more bundle offerings come into play.
There will always be BT, but NTL/Telewest still have large numbers of customers and with the purchase of Virgin Mobile can offer a quad play (voice, tv, internet and mobile - so they have the potential to stay ahead of the game), but Carphone Warehouse shouldn't be forgotten and Orange are making a big push.
In 5 years times, don't bet on many other telecoms providers being left in the game.
UK plans for digital switchover win International backing
Ofcom petitioned the ITU's (International Telecommunications Union) Regional Radiocommunication Conference to allocate the frequencies for digital terrestrial TV (Freeview) so it can be received across the UK (reaching about 98.5% of the population, which is equivalent to existing analogue broadcasts).
There is also concensus to release the analogue channels (after switchover) in a technology neutral manner (with restrictions).
This has been hard work for Ofcom, but a rewarding outcome.
There is also concensus to release the analogue channels (after switchover) in a technology neutral manner (with restrictions).
This has been hard work for Ofcom, but a rewarding outcome.
BT announces Home Hub
This is BT's major entry into the converged home network offering broadband, voice (over IP) and in the future TV.
There's a range of equipment that comes with it, and it's very iPod'esque. A wireless hub and a VoIP phone.
Currently pricing is £9.95 per month for 8Mb/s ADSL including free evening and weekend calls (max duration 60 minutes to 01/01 numbers) for the first 6 months, then it's £17.99 per month.
Also included is 250 minutes per month of BT Openzone WiFi access, which should appeal to home business users as they can just connect via a hotspot and get access to their normal services.
Later this year BT Vision will be included which brings in IPTV.
Other broadband companies will struggle to keep up, and before they know it, BT will launch their 21st Century Network and then the battle will really hot up.
There's a range of equipment that comes with it, and it's very iPod'esque. A wireless hub and a VoIP phone.
Currently pricing is £9.95 per month for 8Mb/s ADSL including free evening and weekend calls (max duration 60 minutes to 01/01 numbers) for the first 6 months, then it's £17.99 per month.
Also included is 250 minutes per month of BT Openzone WiFi access, which should appeal to home business users as they can just connect via a hotspot and get access to their normal services.
Later this year BT Vision will be included which brings in IPTV.
Other broadband companies will struggle to keep up, and before they know it, BT will launch their 21st Century Network and then the battle will really hot up.
Adobe releases Flash 9
The latest and greatest version of the Flash player is out. This seems to iron out the detection bugs that plagued the v8 player after Microsoft made some security updates to Internet Explorer.
It's available for Windows and MacOS X (10.1 or higher) and supports IE, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera and Safari (and a few others).
Available from Adobe's site.
It's available for Windows and MacOS X (10.1 or higher) and supports IE, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera and Safari (and a few others).
Available from Adobe's site.
2006/06/29
Skype Hardware Jamboree
Skype today held a press day where they showed off the latest hardware that was compatible with the Skype software.
Some companies there were unexpected - like Motorola who were showing their latest headphones which are Bluetooth and work with music players and Skype alike. They had a "box" of a media device (no actual device on show) which is Bluetooth bidirectional system which plugs into the HiFi (with real cables) but Bluetooth to PC/iPod/Headphones and does magic between everything. They also had some Oakley sunglasses with Motorola Bluetooth inside which were reasonably light.
Sennheiser has some nice headphones too.
Sandisk had an interesting system, a USB memory dongle that come pre-installed with various apps (including Skype). If you try and delete the apps it doesn't work as they reside in protected memory, though they can be upgraded. You plug the dongle into your PC and it copies various configurations in to itself, then when you plug it into a laptop, there they are - all the same configs. It even works with Outlook so your contacts/Emails/notes/etc go into the dongle, which will then configure Outlook on the laptop (if it's installed). However if Outlook isn't on the laptop it pretends to be Outlook and everything is still there for you, any new calendar entries or mail/etc are sync'ed back to Outlook when the dongle's plugged back into the PC.
Creative had some new web cams, D-Link a Skype ATA (analogue telephone adapater) which means you don't need a PC to run Skype and turns into into a Vonage like service where you just connect the box to the LAN and a normal phone into the box.
Once again (this seems to be a recurring theme at techie exhibitions, launches, anything that needs bandwidth) connectivity wasn't good, so most things had to be demonstrated locally - 1Mb/s ADSL just isn't sensible for that many people.
One things for certain, Skype will be everywhere and it's getting easier to use. Now they need to make some money.
Some companies there were unexpected - like Motorola who were showing their latest headphones which are Bluetooth and work with music players and Skype alike. They had a "box" of a media device (no actual device on show) which is Bluetooth bidirectional system which plugs into the HiFi (with real cables) but Bluetooth to PC/iPod/Headphones and does magic between everything. They also had some Oakley sunglasses with Motorola Bluetooth inside which were reasonably light.
Sennheiser has some nice headphones too.
Sandisk had an interesting system, a USB memory dongle that come pre-installed with various apps (including Skype). If you try and delete the apps it doesn't work as they reside in protected memory, though they can be upgraded. You plug the dongle into your PC and it copies various configurations in to itself, then when you plug it into a laptop, there they are - all the same configs. It even works with Outlook so your contacts/Emails/notes/etc go into the dongle, which will then configure Outlook on the laptop (if it's installed). However if Outlook isn't on the laptop it pretends to be Outlook and everything is still there for you, any new calendar entries or mail/etc are sync'ed back to Outlook when the dongle's plugged back into the PC.
Creative had some new web cams, D-Link a Skype ATA (analogue telephone adapater) which means you don't need a PC to run Skype and turns into into a Vonage like service where you just connect the box to the LAN and a normal phone into the box.
Once again (this seems to be a recurring theme at techie exhibitions, launches, anything that needs bandwidth) connectivity wasn't good, so most things had to be demonstrated locally - 1Mb/s ADSL just isn't sensible for that many people.
One things for certain, Skype will be everywhere and it's getting easier to use. Now they need to make some money.
Ofcom announces release of spectrum suitable for new broadband services
Ofcom Website | Ofcom announces release of spectrum suitable for new broadband services
Ofcom is proposing to offer spectrum in the 10GHz, 28GHz and 32GHz bands which can be used for broadband (or other) services.
Likely uses are: -
* Broadcast wireless/video links which could be used in the 2012 London Olympics.
* High bandwidth fixed links (backhaul)
* Broadband access in 10GHz and 28GHz
Ofcom is proposing 12 licenses, which will consist of the following: -
* 10 GHz – a single UK-wide licence of 2x100 MHz;
* 28 GHz – two UK-wide licences each of 2x112 MHz, plus three geographically limited licences each of 2x112 MHz which can only operate in certain areas
* 32 GHz – six UK-wide licences each of 2x126 MHz.
The consultation closes Sept 7, 2006 and the licenses will be offered in 2007.
Ofcom is proposing to offer spectrum in the 10GHz, 28GHz and 32GHz bands which can be used for broadband (or other) services.
Likely uses are: -
* Broadcast wireless/video links which could be used in the 2012 London Olympics.
* High bandwidth fixed links (backhaul)
* Broadband access in 10GHz and 28GHz
Ofcom is proposing 12 licenses, which will consist of the following: -
* 10 GHz – a single UK-wide licence of 2x100 MHz;
* 28 GHz – two UK-wide licences each of 2x112 MHz, plus three geographically limited licences each of 2x112 MHz which can only operate in certain areas
* 32 GHz – six UK-wide licences each of 2x126 MHz.
The consultation closes Sept 7, 2006 and the licenses will be offered in 2007.
2006/06/26
Google updates Picasa with Web Gallery
Google acquired an image organisation tool known as Picasa, then updated it as Picasa2 and made it all free.
Now Picasa2 has been updated again (in beta) and it links to a Google hosted web gallery. Currently invite only (or if you have a Google Mail account you can apply for one, they're given out on a first come first serve as available basis). You get 250MB of space, though for $25 per annum that goes up to 6GB (though as with other Google services the space will probably increase for no additional cost).
What's next in-line? Printing services and all that goes with it?
Follow the link for my test where you can get more info from Google.
Now Picasa2 has been updated again (in beta) and it links to a Google hosted web gallery. Currently invite only (or if you have a Google Mail account you can apply for one, they're given out on a first come first serve as available basis). You get 250MB of space, though for $25 per annum that goes up to 6GB (though as with other Google services the space will probably increase for no additional cost).
What's next in-line? Printing services and all that goes with it?
Follow the link for my test where you can get more info from Google.
Google adds ads to video
Google is trialing the addition of advertising to some of the premium videos available through Google Video. There'll be a banner ad as the video plays (in the video player system) and a streaming video ad at the end of the video.
Google haven't said how long the trial will last, though it will be trialed on about 2,000 videos and advertisers can specify the videos they want their ads with.
Google haven't said how long the trial will last, though it will be trialed on about 2,000 videos and advertisers can specify the videos they want their ads with.
Sealand burns
There is a small old fort of the coast of England (about 7 miles out) built during the war which was occupied after it was disused by the military, to become Sealand. They declared independance, though they aren't really recognised by any international organisation as seperate country.
In the dot com boom someone decided Sealand would make a great off-shore hosting centre, not prone to UK laws etc. and Havenco was set-up. Any links to or from the old fort would have to pass in or out of another country - or maybe via satellite.
This weekend a fire broke out after an electrical fault with a generator. It seems it was a major blaze. The UK Coastguard attended the fire with a "fireboat" and dumped a lot of water on the building after an RF helicoptor winched the only crew member on site (a generator maintenace person) to safety and on to Ipswich hospital. The fireboat spent about 4 hours putting the fireout.
It's likely that ammount of water, on top of the fire damage, may well put Sealand out of action permanently.
As Sealand has declared itself independant, who should pay for all the efforts that went into the exercise? The RLNI (lifeboats) are completely paid for by donations, but the RAF helicopter which winched the maintenance guy to safety is paid for by the British Government (well all the tax payers), maybe a big bill to the self-proclaimed King of Sealand.
In the dot com boom someone decided Sealand would make a great off-shore hosting centre, not prone to UK laws etc. and Havenco was set-up. Any links to or from the old fort would have to pass in or out of another country - or maybe via satellite.
This weekend a fire broke out after an electrical fault with a generator. It seems it was a major blaze. The UK Coastguard attended the fire with a "fireboat" and dumped a lot of water on the building after an RF helicoptor winched the only crew member on site (a generator maintenace person) to safety and on to Ipswich hospital. The fireboat spent about 4 hours putting the fireout.
It's likely that ammount of water, on top of the fire damage, may well put Sealand out of action permanently.
As Sealand has declared itself independant, who should pay for all the efforts that went into the exercise? The RLNI (lifeboats) are completely paid for by donations, but the RAF helicopter which winched the maintenance guy to safety is paid for by the British Government (well all the tax payers), maybe a big bill to the self-proclaimed King of Sealand.
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