ofcom

M2Z asks FCC to reject more AWS-3 interference tests

Lynnette Luna — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:10:51 -0400

M2Z Networks said it has submitted evidence to the FCC to confirm that no further interference testing is needed to auction off the AWS-3 spectrum, which will be designed for an operator willing to offer free broadband wireless services. T-Mobile has been a vocal opponent of the plan, saying the FCC is rushing into an auction without adequately testing for potential interference. T-Mobile is the largest spectrum holder in the adjacent AWS-1 band and is concerned about interference. M2Z and T-Mobile have been trading barbs over the issue. M2Z says its latest filing with the FCC specifically rebuts the false assertions of T-Mobile based on its recent test, but also provides reference to two recent additional tests on the exact same interference scenarios that were conducted by the International Telecommunications Union and the United Kingdom's spectrum regulator, Ofcom. The recent tests also contradict T-Mobile's assertions.

According to M2Z, the fact that T-Mobile and the other carriers are now seeking an additional fifth round of testing on mobile to mobile interference issues without addressing any of the countervailing evidence in front of the FCC is further proof that these large phone companies are using "interference testing" as a veiled attempt to prevent nationwide broadband competition. The FCC wants to create a 25-megahertz swath of spectrum that would support a nationwide license. The AWS-3 spectrum would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service, install a network-based Internet filtering system to block pornography and allow open access to third-party devices and applications.

For more:
- check out this release

Related stories:
M2Z: T-Mobile's interference argument over AWS-3 spectrum flawed. M2Z story
T-Mobile takes M2Z to task over AWS-3 auction arguments. T-Mobile story

Ofcom: No new wireless tech for 20 years

Wed, 07 May 2008 06:59:54 -0400

U.K. regulator Ofcom released a report called Tomorrow's Wireless World, which aimed to inform the government on how the wireless industry should be regulated during the next 20 years. Ofcom's head of research and development, William Webb said that Ofcom does not expect to see any new or different technology released during the next 20 years, but existing wireless technologies will be applied to new devices and services. Healthcare, transportation and food safety were chief among the future wireless services. Ofcom predicted sensors in cars would help prevent crashes or notify emergency services if and when they do and allergy sufferers could receive alerts when food products are unsafe for them. The report found that new spectrum will have to released to accommodate these future services but WiFi and existing cellular technologies will probably support them.

For more:
- read this BBC report

ALSO NOTED: Nokia factory saga; HSDPA spreads; and much more...

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:59:50 -0400

> Vodafone is a frontrunner for femtocell deployment. Article

> The saga continues for Nokia's factory closure. Article

> HSDPA deployments are spreading fast, according to the GSA. Article

> Nokia Siemens inks a deal with Italian MVNO Fastweb. Article

> 3G usage offers business case for 4G. Article

> Aircell reveals more details on air-to-ground service. Article

> AOL acquires Bebo for $850 million. Article

> Ofcom confirms mobile TV auction. Article

And Finally... Luxury handset maker Vertu celebrates its 10th year anniversary by launching five different colored handsets--each monogrammed with a "V." Slideshow

ALSO NOTED: Ofcom's new spectrum policy; Brin praises iPhone; and much more...

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:59:50 -0500

> Ofcom: U.K. government and Ministry of Defense can share and trade valuable spectrum. Article

> Google's Sergey Brin can't stop praising the iPhone. Article

> Linux looks to challenge Symbian, Microsoft in mobile phone market. Article

And Finally... SMS loans put Swedes in debt. Article

Ofcom's spectrum auction puts firms on edge

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:59:55 -0500

By the end of January, U.K. telecoms regulator Ofcom is due to release a policy statement detailing how its upcoming 3G spectrum auction will be run, what new services could be introduced over the air waves and which special conditions, if any, will be attached. The auction rules come after heated debate in the U.S. over the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction, which includes special "open access" rules for the winning bidder of the Upper C Block of spectrum.

Ofcom's spectrum auction has already been postponed once after firms rebuked Ofcom's initial plans to sell-off the spectrum as being premature and poorly conceived. The regulator has also come under fire for changing its stance on whether incumbents can use allocated 2G spectrum for 3G services, traditionally carriers could not. U.K. carrier 3 claims allowing them to do so would constitute discrimination against its business.

For more on the spectrum issues in the U.K.:
- read this article from the Times

Ofcom to release AWS spectrum

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:59:55 -0500

The U.K. regulatory body Ofcom has announced its plan to release spectrum that could support wireless broadband and advanced wireless services (AWS). The regulatory body said it would release the 2.6 GHz bands on a technology and service neutral basis. The announcement is part of a campaign to release about 400 MHz of spectrum over the next few years. Ofcom's CEO Ed Richards said the overall plan will make for the largest release of wireless spectrum in the U.K. ever. Richards said the spectrum is "suitable for a range of wireless services including WiMAX."

For more on the U.K.'s spectrum plans:
- read this article from Thompson

EU paves the way for in-flight mobile use

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 06:59:55 -0400

While plans for in-flight mobile phone use have been tabled in the U.S. for now, regulators in Europe seem to be paving the way for such services. The EU has recommended that member states approve of the new in-flight technology, which already has spectrum reserved for it, according a report from the BBC. Calls made from the air would be more expensive and U.K. regulator Ofcom said it would investigate any evidence of "excessive charges and abuses of competition" if any prices seem unfair. Mobile use is prohibited on planes currently because research has shown that it interferes with navigation bearing displays by up to five degrees.

For more on the EU's stance on in-flight wireless:
- read this article from the BBC

Google eyeing U.K. spectrum?

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:59:57 -0400

According to an unsourced report in the U.K.'s Guardian, Google is interested in bidding on the spectrum that Ofcom wants to auction next year. Yesterday, Ofcom announced its intent to loosen restrictions on 2G spectrum so that carriers in the country could build out their 3G services. While the report is still in rumor mode, it piggybacks on Google's efforts to convince the FCC to create "open access" requirements for the upcoming 700 MHz auction in the U.S. Google has said it would "probably" bid in the auction, which is slated to take place in late January. A recent lawsuit filed by Verizon Wireless against the FCC because of the "open access" provisions, however, could threaten to delay the auction, according to some analysts.

For more on Google's rumored U.K. spectrum plans:
- read this article from the Guardian

Ofcom to free up 2G spectrum for 3G use

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 06:59:56 -0400

The U.K.'s telecom regulator, Ofcom announced it wants to loosen up restrictions on the spectrum currently used for 2G mobile services. The spectrum includes two tiers: 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. O2 and Vodafone use the 900 MHz slice while O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange make use of the 1800 MHz portion. The current restrictions dictate that these spectrum blocks can only be used for 2G, but Ofcom wants them to be used for 3G services as well. That way, carriers could augment their 3G networks' download speeds, rural coverage and reception inside buildings. Ofcom plans to hold an auction for the spectrum but is currently seeking consultation from interested parties through November.

For more on Ofcom's plans:
- read this report from the BBC

ALSO NOTED: China's users buy 71.5M in H1; Ofcom says mobile Internet usage surging; and much more...

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:59:50 -0400

> China's domestic mobile phone sales in H1 topped 71.5 million. Article

> DoCoMo takes a hit during price war. Article (WSJ sub. req.)

> Ofcom: Mobile Internet usage about to explode. Report

> Latest study: Mobile usage slows brain function but heightens focused attention. Article

> IBM's new chipset technology will shave $1 dollar off every mobile device. Article

And Finally... AT&T is launching a $1.5 million grant program to help nonprofits integrate wireless services and hardware into education outreach. Release

ALSO NOTED: Google on iPhone, Facebook; Mobile erodes landline; and much more...

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 06:59:50 -0400

> Google's Mayer talks iPhone, Facebook. Article

> Mobile phones are eroding landlines in the U.K., according to Ofcom. Time on mobiles now account for more than one-third of time spent on phone calls for the first time. Article

> Wherify hires Jacqueline Nevilles as CFO. Release

And Finally... Samsung creates a sculpture out of 200 phones. Article

ALSO NOTED: Nielsen seals Telephia deal; Ofcom promotes UWB; and much more...

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 06:59:50 -0400

> Nielsen completes Telephia acquisition. Release

> Nokia taps JWT for network marketing agency. Release

> Ofcom scraps UWB licenses. Article

> Quebecor has $500M for wireless plans. Article

> BenQ keeps suing. Article

And Finally... Why carriers, in particular, should support smoking bans. Article

Ofcom: Two hours for number porting, not five days

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:59:57 -0400

The U.K.'s Office of Communications (Ofcom) announced proposals to reduce the time it takes to port a number from one mobile carrier to another to only two hours. Current regulations require carriers to port the number within five days, which many consumer groups said was too long. The two hour rule will go into effect in two years, in the meantime, carriers will have to port numbers within two days. Ofcom has also called for fixed and wireless voice carriers to create a central database of numbers, which would allow consumers to port any phone number to any carrier whether wireless or wireline.

For more on Ofcom's proposal:
- see this article from Thomson Financial

EU committee backs roaming fee cap

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 20:01:38 -0400

The European Union, which now has more phones than people, has backed plans to cut the cost of mobile phone "roaming" fees through compulsory price limits that could cut the costs of such calls by two-thirds in some cases. The parliament is eager to get the limits imposed through a final vote in time for summer vacation. The plans also call on carriers to send roaming users texts that explain the roaming rates with a "warning" icon that reminds the users about the increased costs.

EU Parliament member Paul Rubig, who spearheaded the initiative, said that "We are not fixing prices, we are setting a maximum level which may not be exceeded." And likened the current roaming billing situation to an absurd dining experience: "You don't order a meal and only find out a few weeks later what it cost when the bill comes in," Rubig quipped.

The EU has been toying with the idea of capping roaming fees for years now. Recent maneuvers included a proposal by German EU member to cap fees at 49 euro cents a minute. The EU's commissioner for information, society and media, Vivian Reding also wrote a letter to U.K. regulatory body Ofcom arguing that its new tariff rules for interconnect fees between carriers were too high.

For more on the EU's plans to cap roaming fees:
- see this article from The Guardian

ALSO NOTED: Verizon-SD; LG-Google; and much more...

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 20:01:30 -0400

> Verizon Wireless and SanDisk bow a 4GB micro SD card. Release

> LG announced that it will install Google software on its phones. Article (WSJ sub. req.)

> British carriers slam Ofcom's mobile price cuts. Article

SPOTLIGHT: Ofcom regulates wholesale charges

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:01:32 -0400

In other, non-CTIA news, British regulator Ofcom has put limits on the fees a carrier can charge another carrier for connecting calls on their networks to be between £400 million and £500 million. The regulator said the ruling should save landline users about £8 a year, but will not affect mobile users. The ruling specifically affects calls connected from a fixed line network to a mobile network. Article

BT to re-enter mobile market?

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 19:01:38 -0500

British Telecom exited the wireless industry when it "hived off" its mobile carrier subsidiary O2 five years ago. According to a report in The Independent, BT plans to bid in the massive spectrum auction that Ofcom announced yesterday, which will include spectrum geared at advanced wireless services and WiMAX. The spectrum will be sold off in two tranches, but Ofcom does not expect the government to make as much as the £23 million it made from the 2000 3G auction.

For more on BT's rumored re-entrance into wireless:
- see this article from AFX

Ofcom to auction AWS/WiMAX spectrum

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 19:01:38 -0500

Ofcom announced that it would auction off three licensing bands of radio spectrum for mobile broadband and advanced wireless services like mobile TV. The licenses include spectrum bands: 2500-2690 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz and 2290-2300 MHz. Ofcom noted, "We expect fierce bidding and high prices, and we're not going to impose requirements on the bidders." WiMAX looks to be the sector Ofcom is courting with the move, but the official list of potential uses is as follows:

mobile broadband wireless services, offering high-speed, high-capacity mobile data connections using technologies such as WiMAX;
mobile multimedia services, such as mobile television;
advanced mobile services using technologies such as UMTS and its evolutions; and
mobile broadcast, such as wireless cameras for outside broadcasts and temporary or portable video links.

While some of the spectrum going to the auction block was originally set aside for 3G services, analysts wonder whether the 3G sector would have enough money to participate.

For more on Ofcom's upcoming auction:
- see this article in The Register

Ofcom to rethink mobile rates after EU input

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 19:01:35 -0500

After the EU's telecom commissioner Viviane Reding sent a "letter of comment" to the U.K. telecom regulator, Ofcom, arguing that the U.K.'s new tariff rules for interconnect fees between operators are too high and could slow the transition to cheaper phone calls, Ofcom has announced its intent to "rethink" its proposals. One U.K. carrier, Orange, which would be affected by such a regulation, seems to be proactively counteracting any effects to its bottom line: Last week, the firm informed its broadband customers that if they require a migration authorization code (MAC) to change ISPs, only the first one would be free. "Repeated requests for MACs will be charged at £12 to cover administration fees," Orange said.

For more on the EU's pressure on Ofcom:
- see this article from earlier in the week
- and check out this piece from Computing.co.uk on Ofcom's response

Chutes & Ladders: Ofcom's new head

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 20:01:35 -0400

Ed Richards, former media advisor to U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, has assumed the role of chief executive at Ofcom, the U.K.'s equivalent to the FCC. Richards joined the Ofcom board in 2003 and just last year became the group's COO. The convergence of media and telecom and the resultant debate over roaming charges is the primary issue facing Richards in the year ahead. He takes over from the original Ofcom chief, Stephen Carter, who served as the agency's head since its founding in 2001.

For more on Ofcom's new chief:
- see this WSJ article (sub. req.)