Headlines

Research findings support mobile sector’s push for more spectrum — by Dugie Standeford

Substantial mobile data growth is not only likely but also affordable for operators, according to a new report by Plum Consulting. The findings “broadly support” the mobile sector’s push for more spectrum, says Brian Williamson, an analyst at the firm.

State-backed consortium enters Hungary’s mobile market — by Jonathan Watson

A fourth mobile operator is expected to begin operations in Hungary this year following the success of a consortium formed by state-backed companies in the country’s 900 MHz spectrum auction.

Brazil builds unique conditions into 450 MHz and 2.6 GHz auctions — by Michael Newlands

The Brazilian regulator Anatel has come up with some novel licensing conditions for an April auction of 450 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum, which it hopes will help bring the Internet to the rural poor and encourage equipment vendors to manufacture in Brazil.

Ofcom prepares extra spectrum for “biggest media event in history” — by Michael Newlands

UK regulator Ofcom has published an update on its plans to provide the large amount of extra spectrum which is expected to be required for the London Olympic Games later this year.

Mobile operators press for paired spectrum in 2 GHz band — by Dugie Standeford

European spectrum regulators have been too quick to dismiss the idea of pairing 1900–1920 MHz with 2090–2110 MHz to extend mobile broadband services, several operators say.

450 MHz band attracts increasing attention worldwide — by Michael Newlands

Although the spectrum bands generating the most interest at present are those at 700 and 800 MHz – the so-called digital dividend – the 400 MHz band is also starting to attract a great deal of interest from regulators and operators around the world.

Brussels questions Hungarian regulator’s spectrum licensing decision — by Dugie Standeford

A recent licensing decision by the Hungarian spectrum regulator has sparked fears, including from the European Commission, that the government is edging away from democratic principles. The National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) dismissed the criticism as “sheer political provocation”. Meanwhile, the state could become the country’s fourth mobile operator following a 900 MHz auction.

Pakistan expects hotly-contested 3G auction — by Michael Newlands

Following a direct order from the Prime Minister to Pakistan’s telecoms regulator, the country’s long-delayed 3G auction will take place on March 29. Thanks to some clever manoeuvring to sidestep legal barriers, the way has been cleared for new entrants to take part.

France's ANFR to host international spectrum economics forum — by Dugie Standeford

France’s industry, energy and digital economy minister has called for an international conference on the value of spectrum.

US officials claim support for WRC agenda but many issues remain open — by Dugie Standeford

There is “broad support” for US positions at WRC-12 but a lot of deal-making remains to be done, key officials said at a press briefing held last week. Mobile broadband, unmanned aircraft systems and international satellite regulations are still top priorities.

Ofcom proposes to boost 800 MHz licence coverage obligation to 98 per cent of UK population — by Michael Newlands

While Ofcom’s u-turn on sub-1 GHz spectrum (see story below) was the regulator’s most eye-catching change of heart in its second 4G auction consultation document, other important points were also raised.

Ofcom u-turn could see EE in early launch of LTE 1800 — by Michael Newlands

In its second consultation document on the proposed “4G” auction of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum, the UK regulator has backtracked on a commitment to ensure all operators have access to sub-1 GHz spectrum. This means those operators currently without 900 MHz spectrum are not guaranteed any at 800 MHz either.

Mobile broadband tops Arab countries’ agenda for WRC-12 — by Dugie Standeford

Arab states’ priorities for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) include extending mobile broadband services into the 694–790 MHz band and pressing for further studies on the use of software-defined and cognitive radio systems.

Aussies start countdown to 4G auction — by Michael Newlands

At a press briefing today, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) launched a process that will culminate in an auction of 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum before the end of this year.

Everything Everywhere prepares to sell 1800 MHz spectrum — by Jonathan Watson

UK mobile operator Everything Everywhere plans to put 25 per cent of its 1800 MHz spectrum up for auction in the next month, according to a report in today’s Financial Times.

Latvian 2.6 GHz spectrum auction nets €3.39 million — by Juris Kaza

Latvia's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) sucessfully auctioned four out of five available blocks of spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band in a two-day auction held on 2-3 January in the capital city of Riga. The auction was for 15-year licences to use the frequencies starting from 1 January 2014.

Free misses out on French 800 MHz spectrum — by Jonathan Watson

Only three of France’s four main mobile operators won a share of the 800 MHz spectrum auctioned at the end of last year – Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom.

Norway plans 800 MHz auction in first half of 2012 — by Juris Kaza

Norway intends to auction spectrum in the 790–862 MHz band in the second quarter of 2012, according to Jarl Fjerdingby, a senior advisor to the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications.

LTE arrives in three Latin American countries — by Michael Newlands

South America’s first three LTE services, one TDD and two FDD, launched in the space of a week late last year, each using network equipment from a different vendor.

Poland plans 1800 MHz auction — by Jaroslaw Adamowski

Poland’s Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) aims to hold an auction of spectrum suitable for LTE in the 1800 MHz band as soon as possible in the first quarter of 2012, according to UKE president Anna Strezynska.