Headlines

Time is running out to tackle satellite's spectrum shortfall, insiders say — by Scott Billquist, Geneva Correspondent

International scientific and technological bodies as well as some countries are raising concerns about mobile satellite allocations being suggested for consideration at WRC-12

Dutch 2.6 GHz auction attracts nine entrants — by Michael Newlands

Thanks to restrictions which ensure the bulk of spectrum is reserved for newcomers to the local telecoms market, the upcoming Dutch 2.6 GHz auction has attracted nine bidders.

FCC publishes national broadband plan explaining how to free up 500MHz — by Dugie Standeford

Reaction to the spectrum plan has been generally positive, but one FCC commissioner has raised concerns about damaging the public interest.

Satellite and aeronautical interests disagree over changes to coordination procedures — by Scott Billquist, Geneva Correspondent

Stakeholders are divided on whether new approaches are needed to ease the deployment of aeronautical services by the mobile satellite community

Auctions and trades to set the framework for UK spectrum — by Michael Newlands

If the British government-sponsored spectrum modernisation programme manages to get through the legislative process and possible legal action, it will result in a liberalised spectrum market driven by the laws of supply and demand.

E-Plus and O2 apply for suspension of German 800 MHz auction — by Michael Newlands

Germany’s “super auction” of 350 MHz of spectrum in four bands may have to be delayed due to legal action from two of the country’s four incumbent mobile operators.

Passage of UK spectrum proposals depends on the Tories and BT — by Michael Newlands

The UK government's plans for digital mobile spectrum look unlikely to be included in the normal business of this parliament but could get agreement in a special “unfinished business” session if they get multi-party consensus.

UK Government makes decision on mobile spectrum — by Michael Newlands

Ministers have announced that they are backing a package of measures very similar to that suggested by the UK regulator some years ago. The 2.6 GHz centre band is to be auctioned as soon as possible.

New Commissioner adopts a broader view of spectrum — by Nathalie Vandystadt, Brussels correspondent

Neelie Kroes is emphasising the many uses of spectrum and its contribution to economic recovery

Date announced for MEPs' spectrum summit — by Dugie Standeford

The European Parliament and Commission are cosponsoring a 22-23 March spectrum mini-conference to gather stakeholder input on the strategic issues for future spectrum policy.

UK spectrum leasing postponed until after election — by Michael Newlands

The proposed introduction of spectrum leasing is the latest Ofcom liberalisation proposal to be put on ice by the British government to the dismay of aspiring band managers.

T-Mobile/Orange merger approval leaves spectrum reallocation in limbo — by Mike Newlands

An unexpectedly swift green light from the European Commission raises a host of questions about the way forward on equitable spectrum distribution among the UK's mobile operators.

A case study of spectrum rebanding: the U.S. 800 Mhz band — by Robert Kelly

OPINION: Lawyer Robert Kelly, who has been involved in the US 800 MHz process from the start, says moving users out of bands can take a long time but the principles can easily be applied elsewhere.

FCC plans to free up 500 Mhz over next decade — by Dugie Standeford

Details have started to emerge of the US national broadband plan. Proposals are set to include the auction of the 700 MHz D Block and spectrum voluntarily relinquished by broadcasters.

Bahrain plans for spectrum release — by Michael Newlands

Bahrain may make some public sector bands available for commercial use as well as applying technology neutrality more widely as part of a major spectrum release plan just trailed by the Telecoms Regulatory Authority.

WRC preparatory talks look positive for cognitive proponents — by Scott Billquist, Geneva Correspondent

A key area of debate is whether the technology should be restricted to particular bands

Who should relinquish spectrum for US recession-busting plan? — by Dugie Standeford

As the US Federal Communications Commission prepares to unveil its national broadband plan, proposals to claw back spectrum from federal agencies and broadcasters are being met with resistance.

Can femtocells contain the mobile data explosion? — by Martin Sims, Barcelona

Femtocells can double the capacity of a mobile network without requiring any additional spectrum, says the chairman of the technology's lobby group. But the biggest challenge may be finding the business model.

Google boss nearly answers the big question — by Martin Sims in Barcelona

Google's CEO, Eric Schmidt, says he sees the mobile industry as partners, not competitors. He had encouraging words for the WiMAX fraternity and for spectrum policy geeks he almost solved one of the great mysteries...

Increase in base station power limits likely to face opposition — by Dugie Standeford

A proposal by UK regulator Ofcom to boost permitted power limits for 3G and 2 GHz MSS/CGC licenses should increase coverage but has been criticised by a campaign group.