Prosecution Statistics 2006/07 | Ofcom
Ofcom published details on the number of prosecutions and warning letters issued in the Financial Year 2006/7
There were 61 illegal broadcaster (i.e. pirate radio) prosecutions (and convictions), also 31 warning letters sent.
Citizen Band (CB) 1 prosecution (and conviction).
EMC (electromagnetic interference 1 prosecution/conviction and 1 warning.
RTTE (CE equipment - non compliance) 5 prosecutions/convictions and 22 warnings.
Others (Costal Radio) - 1 conviction/prosecution for a hoax call and 7 warnings.
So really a small part of Ofcom's work.
2008/02/25
2008/02/20
Virtual Hosting Blog » Wide Open VoIP: Top 50 Open Source VoIP Apps
Virtual Hosting Blog » Wide Open VoIP: Top 50 Open Source VoIP Apps
Quite a useful page for Open Source VoIP bits
Quite a useful page for Open Source VoIP bits
2008/02/07
Mobile Sector Assessment | Ofcom
Mobile Sector Assessment | Ofcom
Ofcom are holding an assessment on the mobile sector, this covers both mobile telephony and general wireless services.
Ofcom's have stated what they plan to assess, but welcome comments on their approach, preferrably by 31st March 2008.
Ofcom are holding an assessment on the mobile sector, this covers both mobile telephony and general wireless services.
Ofcom's have stated what they plan to assess, but welcome comments on their approach, preferrably by 31st March 2008.
Television Transmitter Location Maps | Ofcom
Television Transmitter Location Maps | Ofcom
Ofcom have published maps of the transmitters and coverage areas sand when they are going to be switched over to digitial. The maps are for guidance so that industry and viewers will know when switch-over will occur in their area.
The maps are available for: -
Anglia
Border
Central
Channel Islands
Granada
London
Meridian
South Wales
STV Central
STV North
Tyne Tees
Northern Ireland
Wales
West
Westcountry
Yorkshire
Ofcom have published maps of the transmitters and coverage areas sand when they are going to be switched over to digitial. The maps are for guidance so that industry and viewers will know when switch-over will occur in their area.
The maps are available for: -
Anglia
Border
Central
Channel Islands
Granada
London
Meridian
South Wales
STV Central
STV North
Tyne Tees
Northern Ireland
Wales
West
Westcountry
Yorkshire
2008/01/31
Notification under Section 107(6) of the Communications Act 2003 - Mapesbury Communications Limited | Ofcom
Notification under Section 107(6) of the Communications Act 2003 - Mapesbury Communications Limited | Ofcom
Mapesbury Communications or MCOM have applied for "Code Powers". If granted this will give them the rights to digs roads, erect masts etc.
MCOM were awarded a low power GSM license ("Guard Band") and are launching services under the UK01 brand.
Code powers should allow them to construct a GSM network and offer competing services with the current big 5 MNOs.
Mapesbury Communications or MCOM have applied for "Code Powers". If granted this will give them the rights to digs roads, erect masts etc.
MCOM were awarded a low power GSM license ("Guard Band") and are launching services under the UK01 brand.
Code powers should allow them to construct a GSM network and offer competing services with the current big 5 MNOs.
2008/01/28
10, 28, 32 and 40 GHz award
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
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
2008/01/15
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
