Headlines

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.

Optus scoops up remaining 2.1 GHz spectrum — by Michael Newlands

Australia’s second-largest telco, Optus, has dipped into the secondary market to double its 3G spectrum holdings in the country’s eight largest cities.

WiMAX camp appeals for early auction of UK 2.6 GHz centre gap — by Michael Newlands

With auctioning of 2.6 GHz in the UK getting pushed further and further back, government and regulators are being urged to sell the 50 MHz central block of TDD spectrum which could be used for WiMAX.

Dutch pick up the UK's auction baton — by Michael Newlands

The ground-breaking approach of using auction design to determine spectrum packaging seems to be off the agenda in the UK but should be tested in practice in the next few weeks in the Netherlands 2.6 GHz auction.

UK 2.6 GHz auction looks further away than ever — by Mike Newlands

A likely Competition Commission investigation, a new threat of legal action and a forthcoming general election means the release of this crucial band – originally planned for 2007 – may not happen until 2011 or 2012.

Neelie Kroes confirmed as Commissioner at second attempt — by Nathalie Vandystadt,

The Digital Agenda Commissioner has been branded “disappointing” by MEPs after a confirmation hearing. She also created confusion by appearing to overstep current Commission policy on the digital dividend.

UK’s Independent Spectrum Broker bemoans lack of political will — by Jonathan Watson

UK 2.6 GHz and 800 MHz auctions look likely to be delayed until 2011: meanwhile Kip Meek, appointed to resolve the UK’s refarming impasse, says spectrum is a “policy making orphan”

Bahrain undertakes wide-ranging spectrum review — by Martin Sims

Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is seeking stakeholders' help in drawing up a spectrum release plan.