Auctions special report

Can auctions decide which technologies should use a particular band? 

That's the key question when we consider the results of the 2.6 GHz auction in the Netherlands, Europe's first to allow the market to determine the FDD/TDD split. 

We debate the outcome, which was a disappointment to some and look at the lessons from the recent 2.6 GHz auction in Norway. We also examine the progress of spectrum release in Denmark, Germany, India and the Philippines and Hong Kong. 

Another fascinating story has come out of Norway this month: they are planning to auction the 10 GHz band on an e-Bay type website.

The full contents list for the May issue is below and the printed edition is also available as a PDF. Click on a link to take a trial of the only newsletter devoted to spectrum management!

regards

Martin Sims, Managing Editor, PolicyTracker

What's new this month?

Auctions special report

Spectrum caps blamed for unsatisfactory outcome of Dutch auction — by Michael Newlands

Dutch 2.6 GHz auction: only FDD licenses sold — by Michael Newlands

Does Norway's 2.6 GHz auction suggest we should stick to the European plan? — by Jonathan Watson

Indian officials predict $12 billion revenues from 3G/BWA auctions — by Michael Newlands

Bidding continues in German and Danish auctions — by Michael Newlands

Key spectrum auctions upcoming in Hong Kong — by Michael Newlands

Norway to sell 10 GHz license via eBay-type auction site — by Michael Newlands

Court bars switch from 3G beauty contest to auction — by Michael Newlands

Other stories

Editorial: lessons from UK's refarming failure — by Martin Sims, Managing Editor

Governments need to stand firm behind regulators threatened with legal action rather than starting the consultation process all over again.

Time division variant of LTE faces its first test this summer — by Michael Newlands

The world’s two biggest telecoms markets, China and India, may see the first rollout of time division duplex (TD)-LTE as early as 2011 when frequency division duplex (FD)–LTE is only starting to gain traction.

WiMAX growth shows maturing ecosystem — by Michael Newlands

With much of the telecoms media spotlight on the emergence of TD-LTE and the first commercial launch of an LTE network it is easy to overlook the significance of WiMAX subscriber growth and the potential impact of new multi-mode devices.

Why don't the public believe the scientists? — by Martin Sims, Managing editor, PolicyTracker

Scientists say there is no evidence of a health risk from mobile phones or base stations, yet large sections of the public believe there is a danger, hindering the deployment of new networks. It’s partly the media's fault, argues Martin Sims.

International concerns about UK plan to price aeronautical spectrum — by Scott Billquist, Geneva Correspondent

The International Civil Aviation Organization is objecting to pricing proposals being considered in the UK and other countries.

Campaign by public safety users starts to bear fruit — by Dugie Standeford

European policymakers are warming to the idea that emergency services need more spectrum. The problem is where to find it.