The Government has agreed to making grants available to the Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) sector as they currently use equipment which wireless transmits and the spectrum used is being re-allocated and they have to migrate from channel 69 to channel 38.
66% of PMSE licensed users have registered claims in the scheme and those that haven't need to register with Equiniiti (the administrators of the scheme) as soon as possible.
PMSE users will then have to return equipment using the old frequencies within the timescales they have agreed (though these may extended by agreement with Equiniiti).
2011/02/16
Ofcom will auction 2010 - 2025 MHz band
Ofcom has decided to auction the 2010 - 2025 MHz band instead of using for Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE). The band is currently unused.
This follows a consultation held in May last year after which it was decided that the opportunity cost of reserving the band for PMSE use was higher than expected. Also in Germany the band was auction and only achieved €5.7m. There was also little support for making the band license exempt.
The auction will not take place before Q1 2012 and Ofcom will hold a further consultation.
In the meantime the band can be used for PMSE and will be licensed under standard PMSE regulations from JFMG. The band will also be made available for PMSE during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This follows a consultation held in May last year after which it was decided that the opportunity cost of reserving the band for PMSE use was higher than expected. Also in Germany the band was auction and only achieved €5.7m. There was also little support for making the band license exempt.
The auction will not take place before Q1 2012 and Ofcom will hold a further consultation.
In the meantime the band can be used for PMSE and will be licensed under standard PMSE regulations from JFMG. The band will also be made available for PMSE during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
2011/02/09
ACS:Law turn themselves off
ACS:Law the legal firm that has become infamous due to their actions of trying to prosecute alleged illegal file sharers (and more infamous due to their exposing files containing lists of said filesharers). MediaCAT (the client of ACS:Law involved in the alleged file sharing cases) has also ceased trading.
In the past ACS:Law had said it had "ceased this type of litigation" as it had suffered a series of unfavourable court hearings.
ACS:Law was under investigation from the Information Commissioner's Office after the company allowed files containing alleged downloaders of pornography and file sharers to be made available on-line (though not deliberately it has to be said).
In the past it is alleged that ACS:Law offered cash to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for data on their subscribers.
The latest action may be as a result of recent court action where ACS:Law tried to discontinue the case against file sharers. However Judge Birss QC wasn't happy to do so and stated "I want to tell you that I am not happy. I am getting the impression with every twist and turn since I started looking at these cases that there is a desire to avoid any judicial scrutiny". Judge Birss is expected to rule on his finding this Thursday and many suspect that ACS:Law and MediaCAT ceased trading to avoid judicial scrutiny.
In the past ACS:Law had said it had "ceased this type of litigation" as it had suffered a series of unfavourable court hearings.
ACS:Law was under investigation from the Information Commissioner's Office after the company allowed files containing alleged downloaders of pornography and file sharers to be made available on-line (though not deliberately it has to be said).
In the past it is alleged that ACS:Law offered cash to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for data on their subscribers.
The latest action may be as a result of recent court action where ACS:Law tried to discontinue the case against file sharers. However Judge Birss QC wasn't happy to do so and stated "I want to tell you that I am not happy. I am getting the impression with every twist and turn since I started looking at these cases that there is a desire to avoid any judicial scrutiny". Judge Birss is expected to rule on his finding this Thursday and many suspect that ACS:Law and MediaCAT ceased trading to avoid judicial scrutiny.
2011/02/02
Ofcom wants to allow mobile operators to trade spectrum
Ofcom is holding two related consultations, the first is to allow mobile operators to trade spectrum in the 900MHz, 1800MHz (1.8GHz) and 2100MHz (2.1GHz) bands, the second is to vary the Wireless Telegraphy Act so that the 3G licenses can be changed to support a new coverage obligation, a change to licence duration, a revocation notice period of 5 years (such revocation not to be capable of taking effect before the period for which the licences were auctioned expires), a provision for Ofcom to charge annual licence fees from the end of 2021 (when the period for which the licences were auctioned expires) and a provision relating to spectrum trading.
The are many reasons to allow spectrum trading which benefit the UK as a whole especially financially as spectrum licenses generate around £40bn per annum for the UK (and account for around 3% of the GDP). Spectrum trading has also been directed from Government.
This will also allow Everything Everywhere (the combined Orange and T-Mobile) to effective get rid of 2 x 15MHz pairs of spectrum from their 1800MHz allowance, which was agreed with the EU as part of the merger conditions. Everything Everywhere will be able to trade directly, as part of the digital divide spectrum (800MHz and 2.6GHz) or give it back to Ofcom who can re-award it.
This is likely to have a major impact when the 800MHz and 2.6GHz licenses are awarded as some entities may have a large chunk of additional spectrum (though companies such a 3 are hoping that there will be sub 1GHz spectrum caps) and can therefore free-up existing mobile spectrum.
The spectrum trading consultation may be responded to here and the WTA variance consultation here.
The are many reasons to allow spectrum trading which benefit the UK as a whole especially financially as spectrum licenses generate around £40bn per annum for the UK (and account for around 3% of the GDP). Spectrum trading has also been directed from Government.
This will also allow Everything Everywhere (the combined Orange and T-Mobile) to effective get rid of 2 x 15MHz pairs of spectrum from their 1800MHz allowance, which was agreed with the EU as part of the merger conditions. Everything Everywhere will be able to trade directly, as part of the digital divide spectrum (800MHz and 2.6GHz) or give it back to Ofcom who can re-award it.
This is likely to have a major impact when the 800MHz and 2.6GHz licenses are awarded as some entities may have a large chunk of additional spectrum (though companies such a 3 are hoping that there will be sub 1GHz spectrum caps) and can therefore free-up existing mobile spectrum.
The spectrum trading consultation may be responded to here and the WTA variance consultation here.
2011/01/20
Ofcom proposes WBA charge controls
Ofcom the super regulator is holding a consultation on placing charge controls on BT for their Wholesale Broadband Access (WBA) services in areas where they are still a monopoly.
This should see price reductions to ISPs of between 10.75% and 14.75%. As part of the consultation Ofcom have also proposed changes to the cost of capital estimates for BT.
Stakeholders can respond on-line and the consultation closes on 31 March 2011 and Ofcom want to implement the changes after that.
This should see price reductions to ISPs of between 10.75% and 14.75%. As part of the consultation Ofcom have also proposed changes to the cost of capital estimates for BT.
Stakeholders can respond on-line and the consultation closes on 31 March 2011 and Ofcom want to implement the changes after that.
2011/01/19
Ofcom delegates PMSE to Arqiva
Ofcom (subject to terms) has awarded Arqiva the contract to handle all Program making and special events (PMSE) licensing following a tender process.
Ofcom has not yet set pricing or amended the Wireless Telegraphy Act (WTA) and has deferred the decision as even though the current pricing regime was due to change at the end of 2011.
Ofcom has not yet set pricing or amended the Wireless Telegraphy Act (WTA) and has deferred the decision as even though the current pricing regime was due to change at the end of 2011.
2010/12/17
Ofcom wants numbers to be easier to use
Ofcom the Super Regulator is holding a consultation on non-geiographic numbers and making them easier to understand and fixing the several issues that exist i.e. 0800 numbers not being free from mobiles (companies should also publish 03 numbers which are always local and can be included in call bundles).
The full ranges in question are 03, 05, 070/076, 080, 0845, 0870, 083/4, 0871, 09, 116 and 118.
Ofcom wants charges made clearer and so premium rate numbers would have to state something like "this call will cost £1.50 per minute plus your network operator's charges".
More information is available from the Ofcom site. The consultation closes on 10th March 2011 and stakeholders may respond on-line.
The full ranges in question are 03, 05, 070/076, 080, 0845, 0870, 083/4, 0871, 09, 116 and 118.
Ofcom wants charges made clearer and so premium rate numbers would have to state something like "this call will cost £1.50 per minute plus your network operator's charges".
More information is available from the Ofcom site. The consultation closes on 10th March 2011 and stakeholders may respond on-line.
2010/12/13
Ofcom reservers 2.6GHz for wireless cameras during Olympics
Ofcom the Super Regulator has published a statement on the 2.6GHz (2600MHz) band which is being reserved for use by wireless cameras during the London Olympic Games.
The 2.6GHz band has been contentious as Ofcom initially wanted to auction it in 2007 but were blocked by the mobile operators. The auction has now slipped until late 2012 at the earliest, especially now since the Olympics are taking place from 27 July until 9 September 2012.
There has been some worry about interference to Civil Aviation Authority radars that operate in 2.7GHz from wireless mobile camera, but Ofcom deemed that they only transmit at low power so interference issues are minimal.
The 2.6GHz band has been contentious as Ofcom initially wanted to auction it in 2007 but were blocked by the mobile operators. The auction has now slipped until late 2012 at the earliest, especially now since the Olympics are taking place from 27 July until 9 September 2012.
There has been some worry about interference to Civil Aviation Authority radars that operate in 2.7GHz from wireless mobile camera, but Ofcom deemed that they only transmit at low power so interference issues are minimal.
2010/12/07
Canon's EF lenses can suit everybody
Canon have a wide range of lenses available that can be used to suit every occasion and situation. All the EF lenses will fit every model of Canon EOS cameras and Canon have produced a video to show what's available.
Canon probably produce the widest range of lenses from multipurpose cost-effective ones through extremely expensive dedicated lenses that professional photographers use.
Canon probably produce the widest range of lenses from multipurpose cost-effective ones through extremely expensive dedicated lenses that professional photographers use.
2010/11/25
Ofcom to start charging for number allocation
Ofcom, the super regulator is holding a consultation on the future of number in the UK. There's nothing too exciting about that, except that in certain areas numbers are running out and (there's 680 regional codes in the UK and 58 of those have less than 100 blocks available - numbers are allocated in blocks of 1,000).
Though many other countries have charged for number allocation, the UK has remained the exception. Now Ofcom intends to pilot charging in these number restricted areas and will charge 10p per number per year. That's above the European average of 7p pa (pricing varies from 0.06p to 27p).
Ofcom has seen a large rise in the allocation of number blocks with the likes of VoIP providers and other new entrants who can request numbers directly from Ofcom in-line with the Communications Act which allows anyone to become a Communications Provider.
Unfortunately Ofcom has to allocate 1,000 number blocks as the UK has not migrated to NGN's (next generation networks) as fast as Ofcom had hoped and old equipment can only take these large blocks (Ofcom used to allocate 10,000 number blocks, so there's some improvement).
If everyone had adopted ENUM then numbers could be allocated individually, but that's a long way off and unlikely to ever be adopted by everyone.
Though currently this is only a consultation, it's likely to be implemented and then there's no reason they wont expand this to all areas and even implement retrospective charges for existing number blocks, which could be expensive for providers holding large blocks of numbers.
The consultation is available from here, it ends on 18 February 2011 and it's possible to respond on-line.
Though many other countries have charged for number allocation, the UK has remained the exception. Now Ofcom intends to pilot charging in these number restricted areas and will charge 10p per number per year. That's above the European average of 7p pa (pricing varies from 0.06p to 27p).
Ofcom has seen a large rise in the allocation of number blocks with the likes of VoIP providers and other new entrants who can request numbers directly from Ofcom in-line with the Communications Act which allows anyone to become a Communications Provider.
Unfortunately Ofcom has to allocate 1,000 number blocks as the UK has not migrated to NGN's (next generation networks) as fast as Ofcom had hoped and old equipment can only take these large blocks (Ofcom used to allocate 10,000 number blocks, so there's some improvement).
If everyone had adopted ENUM then numbers could be allocated individually, but that's a long way off and unlikely to ever be adopted by everyone.
Though currently this is only a consultation, it's likely to be implemented and then there's no reason they wont expand this to all areas and even implement retrospective charges for existing number blocks, which could be expensive for providers holding large blocks of numbers.
The consultation is available from here, it ends on 18 February 2011 and it's possible to respond on-line.
2010/11/19
Ofcom wants mobile phone license exempt on boats
Ofcom is holding a consultation to make mobile terminals (phone) license exempt when used on boats.
Generally the boat (like a cruise liner) will have one or more pico cells on-board and then connect back to a base station. Ofcom will license the mobile base-stations and then the phone licenses are part of that. This is in-line with harmonise European legislation on marine communication service on board vessels.
The consultation is available on Ofcom's site and runs from 19/11/10 to 22/12/10.
Stakeholders can respond on-line.
Generally the boat (like a cruise liner) will have one or more pico cells on-board and then connect back to a base station. Ofcom will license the mobile base-stations and then the phone licenses are part of that. This is in-line with harmonise European legislation on marine communication service on board vessels.
The consultation is available on Ofcom's site and runs from 19/11/10 to 22/12/10.
Stakeholders can respond on-line.
2010/11/18
HTC Wildfire fired into the wild
HTC have released their new Wildfire phone running Android 2.1 (Eclair) and HTC Sense with a suite of social networking tools built in (Facebook, Twitter and Flickr) and many more on Android Marketplace.
The CPU isn't brilliant (only 528MHz) and the display is only QVGA (240 x 320) and os 3.2", but it does have a 5MP auto-focus camera with flash, 512MB ROM and 384MB RAM. It supports 3G, EDGE, GPRS and WiFi (b/g), Bluetooth 2.1 and an FM radio.
There's a multitude of sensors, including G-Sensor, digital compass, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor.
Here's a video of what it can do
More info can be found at the HTC site.
The CPU isn't brilliant (only 528MHz) and the display is only QVGA (240 x 320) and os 3.2", but it does have a 5MP auto-focus camera with flash, 512MB ROM and 384MB RAM. It supports 3G, EDGE, GPRS and WiFi (b/g), Bluetooth 2.1 and an FM radio.
There's a multitude of sensors, including G-Sensor, digital compass, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor.
Here's a video of what it can do
More info can be found at the HTC site.
Qualcomm Snapdragons pack more byte for buck
Yesterday Qualcomm announced their new Snapdragon MSM8960™ chipset. Though based on the original (ARM) Snapdragon system, the new chip is dual core with the new micro-architecture that delivers 5 times the performance while using 75% less power.
The processor has a built-in mult-modem support all 3G modes as well as LTE, new graphics that operate at 4 times the speed and built-in support for WLAN, GPS, Bluetooth and FM.
The chip is based on a 28nm process and will be available in early 2011.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon is already used in many high-end smart-phones and tablets and the new chip should really give them a lead in the high end market against rivals such as Samsung and even Apple.
The processor has a built-in mult-modem support all 3G modes as well as LTE, new graphics that operate at 4 times the speed and built-in support for WLAN, GPS, Bluetooth and FM.
The chip is based on a 28nm process and will be available in early 2011.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon is already used in many high-end smart-phones and tablets and the new chip should really give them a lead in the high end market against rivals such as Samsung and even Apple.
2010/11/17
Ofcom consultation on "whitespace" use and Gelocation
There's lots of spectrum around, but it's a crowded space and so much of it is licensed by Ofcom i.e. in order to utilise equipment that transmits or receives data in that spectrum a "use" license is required. This is why a TV license is required. Mobile phones also require a license, but that's paid as part of the license that the mobile network operators have (and have paid for).
Various parts of the spectrum have been made license exempt such as 2.4GHz which is used by WiFi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth and other systems like Zigbee. Licenses exempt status means that a user doesn't need to get a specific license if they use the equipment in accordance with the rules that Ofcom have published (i.e. Ofcom publish a "blanket" license and as long as the equipment in use doesn't get used outside the licensing framework, then the use doesn't need to get a license themselves). Any WiFi or Bluetooth systems will comply with Ofcom's licensing regime.
In the past Ofcom has bowed to public pressure and made certain equipment license exempt such as low power FM transmitters than can connect to MP3 and other music devices and transmit a short range to a radio (usually in a car). As they're low power, they wont interfere with the commercial radio stations (at least to other users) who have paid a lot of money for the licenses to transmit in the commercial radio bands.
Another big chunk of spectrum is in the TV bands and some of this is reserved so that interference between bands doesn't happen. The TV bands have much better propagation characteristics than say 2.4GHz which is used by WiFi and Ofcom are looking at ways of using the "dead" space for short-range low power devices which could be used say to transmit video signals between systems in the home. The whitespace could also be used for higher power rural broadband access.
They would work by looking at the bands and finding these dead areas known as whitespace and then those frequencies would be potential candidates for local transmission. However this could rapidly lead to interference between neighbouring systems (say in a neighbours house), so Ofcom wants the systems to consult a geolocation database (hosted by Ofcom) that the system could register with and ensure the whitespace was suitable for use in that area.
There would be a "master" device that would communicate with Ofcom's database and report the power and frequencies it was using and any connected devices (slaves, that wouldn't need to connect to the database themselves). The whitespace devices will be license exempt. Though Ofcom will initially run any database required, they don't evisage running the database in the future as that is best left to commercial organisations and Ofcom would like interested parties to contact them.
Though Ofcom are consulting now (the consultation runs from 09/11/10 to 07/12/10) they don't expect whitespace devices to appear until 2014.
Interested parties can respond to the consultation on-line.
Various parts of the spectrum have been made license exempt such as 2.4GHz which is used by WiFi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth and other systems like Zigbee. Licenses exempt status means that a user doesn't need to get a specific license if they use the equipment in accordance with the rules that Ofcom have published (i.e. Ofcom publish a "blanket" license and as long as the equipment in use doesn't get used outside the licensing framework, then the use doesn't need to get a license themselves). Any WiFi or Bluetooth systems will comply with Ofcom's licensing regime.
In the past Ofcom has bowed to public pressure and made certain equipment license exempt such as low power FM transmitters than can connect to MP3 and other music devices and transmit a short range to a radio (usually in a car). As they're low power, they wont interfere with the commercial radio stations (at least to other users) who have paid a lot of money for the licenses to transmit in the commercial radio bands.
Another big chunk of spectrum is in the TV bands and some of this is reserved so that interference between bands doesn't happen. The TV bands have much better propagation characteristics than say 2.4GHz which is used by WiFi and Ofcom are looking at ways of using the "dead" space for short-range low power devices which could be used say to transmit video signals between systems in the home. The whitespace could also be used for higher power rural broadband access.
They would work by looking at the bands and finding these dead areas known as whitespace and then those frequencies would be potential candidates for local transmission. However this could rapidly lead to interference between neighbouring systems (say in a neighbours house), so Ofcom wants the systems to consult a geolocation database (hosted by Ofcom) that the system could register with and ensure the whitespace was suitable for use in that area.
There would be a "master" device that would communicate with Ofcom's database and report the power and frequencies it was using and any connected devices (slaves, that wouldn't need to connect to the database themselves). The whitespace devices will be license exempt. Though Ofcom will initially run any database required, they don't evisage running the database in the future as that is best left to commercial organisations and Ofcom would like interested parties to contact them.
Though Ofcom are consulting now (the consultation runs from 09/11/10 to 07/12/10) they don't expect whitespace devices to appear until 2014.
Interested parties can respond to the consultation on-line.
Ofcom issues new spectrum for Transportable Earth Stations
Due to the demand for extra capacity for Transportable Earth Stations (TES) i.e. mobile satellite systems, Ofcom has made available more spectrum for its use.
The following frequencies may be used for satellite uplinks
C band: 5925 - 7075 MHz
Ka band: 27.5 - 27.8185 GHz, 28.4545 - 28.8265 GHz, 29.4625 - 30 GHz
The pricing for licenses will be equivalent to those in the Ku band (13.78 - 14.5 GHz).
This follows a previous Ofcom consultation and though most responses were favourable, there were some objections from fixed earth station users, though Ofcom felt that opening up the C and Ka bands was more favourable than doing nothing with them.
The full statement may be seen on Ofcom's site
The following frequencies may be used for satellite uplinks
C band: 5925 - 7075 MHz
Ka band: 27.5 - 27.8185 GHz, 28.4545 - 28.8265 GHz, 29.4625 - 30 GHz
The pricing for licenses will be equivalent to those in the Ku band (13.78 - 14.5 GHz).
This follows a previous Ofcom consultation and though most responses were favourable, there were some objections from fixed earth station users, though Ofcom felt that opening up the C and Ka bands was more favourable than doing nothing with them.
The full statement may be seen on Ofcom's site
2010/11/02
Nokia releases MeeGo v1.1
Nokia has released version 1.1 of the MeeGo Operating System (OS) which contains Linux Kernel 2.6.35, X.org server 1.9.0, Web Runtime, Qt 4.7, and Qt Mobility 1.0.2. It's available in several versions optimised for the devices that they run on i.e. MeeGo for Handsets, MeeGo for Netbooks, MeeGo for In-Vehicle Entertainment.
The Netbook version is actually 2 versions, one with the completely open source Google Chromium browser and the other with Google's Chrome browser which requires the suer to agree to Google's EULA.
Though the handset version supports Nokia's N900, they say it works but it's not really for end-users yet and the the user interface (UI) isn't ready for prime-time.
The IVE release supports text-to-speech using the open source Festival speech engine and speech recognition using PocketSphynx (which is based on the open source Sphynx speech-to-text system).
Though Nokia are developing MeeGo (which is the combination of Nokia Maemo OS and Intel's Moblin OS) it may be another dead-end OS as Android is starting to dominate the smart-phone market and Google will release their ChromeOS for Netbooks (though Android is already being used on tablets).
Qt (the cross-platform toolset that Nokia acquired with Trolltech) is the key technology that Nokia want to push (it sits on top of MeeGo and Symbian as well as MacOS and Windows) and MeeGo may just be a way to ensure they have an in-house development platform that's use don live devices, but that cant be a long-term strategy (MeeGo is only officially supported on the N900 and Aava devices in terms of handsets).
MeeGo version 1.2 can be expected in 6 months i.e. April and will include a more polished UI and other new features.
The Netbook version is actually 2 versions, one with the completely open source Google Chromium browser and the other with Google's Chrome browser which requires the suer to agree to Google's EULA.
Though the handset version supports Nokia's N900, they say it works but it's not really for end-users yet and the the user interface (UI) isn't ready for prime-time.
The IVE release supports text-to-speech using the open source Festival speech engine and speech recognition using PocketSphynx (which is based on the open source Sphynx speech-to-text system).
Though Nokia are developing MeeGo (which is the combination of Nokia Maemo OS and Intel's Moblin OS) it may be another dead-end OS as Android is starting to dominate the smart-phone market and Google will release their ChromeOS for Netbooks (though Android is already being used on tablets).
Qt (the cross-platform toolset that Nokia acquired with Trolltech) is the key technology that Nokia want to push (it sits on top of MeeGo and Symbian as well as MacOS and Windows) and MeeGo may just be a way to ensure they have an in-house development platform that's use don live devices, but that cant be a long-term strategy (MeeGo is only officially supported on the N900 and Aava devices in terms of handsets).
MeeGo version 1.2 can be expected in 6 months i.e. April and will include a more polished UI and other new features.
2010/10/28
Ofcom proposes to allow GSM refarming
As expected, Ofcom the super regulator is proposing to allow GSM refarming such that mobile network operators can utilise their GSM/PCN frequencies for 3G (UMTS) use.
This is in-line with European legislation and Ofcom have already written a statement to the Government showing the consumer benefit and thus it is expected that Government will change the Wireless Telegraphy Act to allow the frequencies to be reused.
Ofcom's proposal is available here.
This is still a potential minefield as now Everything Everywhere (the combined entity of T-Mobile and Orange) have excess spectrum according to their licenses and there's still debate as to how much spectrum Vodafone and O2 should have in 900MHz which has much better in-building characteristics than the PCN networks at 1.8GHz (or 1800MHz) and 2.1GHz (2100MHz) of 3G. Once everything settles, it will be better for the consumer as allowing 3G use in both 900MHz and 1800MHz will allow the networks to phase out GSM and replace with 3G services allowing for greater data capacity etc.
This is in-line with European legislation and Ofcom have already written a statement to the Government showing the consumer benefit and thus it is expected that Government will change the Wireless Telegraphy Act to allow the frequencies to be reused.
Ofcom's proposal is available here.
This is still a potential minefield as now Everything Everywhere (the combined entity of T-Mobile and Orange) have excess spectrum according to their licenses and there's still debate as to how much spectrum Vodafone and O2 should have in 900MHz which has much better in-building characteristics than the PCN networks at 1.8GHz (or 1800MHz) and 2.1GHz (2100MHz) of 3G. Once everything settles, it will be better for the consumer as allowing 3G use in both 900MHz and 1800MHz will allow the networks to phase out GSM and replace with 3G services allowing for greater data capacity etc.
2010/10/21
DBVu in line-up for Best Startup 2010
It's the time of year again when TechCrunch Europe host the Europas and DBVu have been nominated for a Best New Startup 2010 so please get voting.
It would be a great honour to get shortlisted.
It would be a great honour to get shortlisted.
2010/10/20
Ofcom liberalises the WTA
Ofcom the super regulator will changes to the Wireless Telegraphy Act to come into force on 1st November 2010 that will allow the following to be used in a license exempt manner: -
* Railway level-crossing radars at 24 GHz.
* Fixed Wireless Services (FWS) at 59.1 to 63.9 GHz.
* 900 and 1800 MHz Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) terminals.
The changes also liberalise the technical specifications for the following: -
* Short Range Devices (SRDs) below 30 MHz when operating underwater.
* High Density Fixed Satellite Services (HDFSS).
* SRDs covered by the Commission Decision of 30 June 2010 amending Decision 2006/771/EC on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices (the SRD Decision).
Though railway enthusiasts may be happy that railway crossing radars no longer need a license, the interesting ones for the general public are that FWS at 59.1 to 63.9 GHz (60GHz) are now license exempt as are 900 and 1800 MHz UMTS (i.e. 3G) terminals.
FWS at 60GHz will allow for very high-speed short range wireless links which will be suitable for in-room transmissions e.g. video links from a set-top-box to a TV mounted on a wall without using wires. Equipment is also expected for connecting USB equipment over wireless.
The 3G terminals at 900/1800 MHz opens the way for refarming the 2G networks so that they can be used for 3G services. When Ofcom sort this out, it should increase 3G coverage and make life easier for everyone.
The full statement is available from Ofcom.
* Railway level-crossing radars at 24 GHz.
* Fixed Wireless Services (FWS) at 59.1 to 63.9 GHz.
* 900 and 1800 MHz Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) terminals.
The changes also liberalise the technical specifications for the following: -
* Short Range Devices (SRDs) below 30 MHz when operating underwater.
* High Density Fixed Satellite Services (HDFSS).
* SRDs covered by the Commission Decision of 30 June 2010 amending Decision 2006/771/EC on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices (the SRD Decision).
Though railway enthusiasts may be happy that railway crossing radars no longer need a license, the interesting ones for the general public are that FWS at 59.1 to 63.9 GHz (60GHz) are now license exempt as are 900 and 1800 MHz UMTS (i.e. 3G) terminals.
FWS at 60GHz will allow for very high-speed short range wireless links which will be suitable for in-room transmissions e.g. video links from a set-top-box to a TV mounted on a wall without using wires. Equipment is also expected for connecting USB equipment over wireless.
The 3G terminals at 900/1800 MHz opens the way for refarming the 2G networks so that they can be used for 3G services. When Ofcom sort this out, it should increase 3G coverage and make life easier for everyone.
The full statement is available from Ofcom.
Ofcom reviews Alternative Dispute Resolution Schemes
Anyone offering a communication service is obliged to register with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Service so that if consumers are not able to resolve a dispute with their provider, they have the option to take it further through an ADR.
Currently there are two approved ADRs who are CISAS and Otelo.
Ofcom is obliged to review how the ADRs on a regular basis, so is consulting on how they doing.
The consultation is available on Ofcom's site.
Currently there are two approved ADRs who are CISAS and Otelo.
Ofcom is obliged to review how the ADRs on a regular basis, so is consulting on how they doing.
The consultation is available on Ofcom's site.
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