Headlines

Ofcom appoints new CEO — by Martin Sims

The UK regulator has appointed Ed Richards to replace Steven Carter as Chief Executive Officer.

MEPs endorse flexibility but remain concerned about the 'public interest' — by Martin Sims

Their report is still being finalised but MEPs from the European Parliament’s industry committee seem broadly in favour of the spectrum liberalisation agenda proposed by the Commission.

Editorial: The digital dividend dilemma — by Martin Sims

Revising RRC-06 to aid the introduction of non-broadcast services in the digital dividend bands will be complicated and time-consuming. But could doing nothing be even worse?

MEPs debate spectrum policy — by Martin Sims

A hearing on spectrum policy is being held at the European Parliament tomorrow evening (3.10.06).

The quiet revolution buried in the arcane detail — by Martin Sims

A genuinely technology neutral spectrum licensing regime for a converged world may no longer be a pipe dream. EU member states have just provided some of the information required for the European Commission to formulate such a policy for adoption by 2010.

Spectrum usage rights debate inches forward — by Martin Sims

UK communications regulator Ofcom is planning to use one of its upcoming auctions to trial the introduction of Spectrum Usage Rights (SURs).

Trading will not bridge the digital divide — by Martin Sims

A technology neutral approach to spectrum licensing is popular in Africa but there is little appetite for full liberalisation. Quite right too, says one of Europe’s leading liberalisers.

The FCC “TV Whitespace” controversy back under spotlight — by Martin Sims

In May 2004 the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) made a controversial proposal to better utilise the broadcast spectrum which never saw the light of day. It has now resurfaced and here former FCC employee, Michael Marcus, examines the detail.

National security impacts auction outcome — by Martin Sims

The US Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) auction closed this month with T-Mobile topping the bids at around $4.2 million but revenues generated may have been dampened by national security concerns.

All eyes on Europe's double D — by Martin Sims

The European Commission (EC) has been feeling its way in the dark as it moves to define a policy for future use of the digital dividend. A tentative position is emerging, but some stakeholders wonder if Commissioners are dreaming.

Critics unconvinced by FCC "white space" plans — by Martin Sims

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced plans for unlicensed devices to gain access to the coveted television broadcast spectrum below 900 MHz, but is this anything more than a ploy to appease Congress?

South Africa aims for 2010 digital kick off — by Martin Sims

The World Cup is driving South African policy makers to quickly define a strategy for digital migration with an unofficial target for dual illumination of the two networks set to begin in 2008.

Spectrum auctions: beware the minefield — by Martin Sims

Thinking about bidding for one of Ofcom’s upcoming spectrum auctions? Be warned - it is more complex than it looks.

NextGenTel wins Norway’s 2.3 GHz auction — by Martin Sims

It took a day and 16 rounds to conclude the Norwegian 2.3 GHz auction. NextGenTel made the highest bid forking out EUR 850 000 for its licence to use the frequencies 2301 to 2323 MHz.

Opinion: Evolution not revolution for Europe's radio spectrum arrangements — by Martin Sims

Competition is the only way to create spectrum flexibility in Europe and for its broadcasters that means distinguishing between content creation and delivery, argues Professor of Economics Gérard Pogorel.

PolicyTracker September e-Edition available for download — by Martin Sims

UK readers will be particularly interested in our exclusive report on the result of the GSM gateways case but our top story this month is the mounting pressure to harmonise the digital dividend.

Legal ruling gives boost to GSM gateways — by Martin Sims

The UK’s Competition Appeals Tribunal has dismissed claims by the regulator Ofcom that a banned technique used to cut the cost of calling mobile phones breached laws on the use of spectrum.

European Commission steps up pressure over digital dividend — by Martin Sims

Member states are being asked to specify their position on reallocating analogue TV frequencies as opinion shifts towards pan-European co-ordination.

PMSE spectrum users fear the future — by Martin Sims

Pan-European harmonisation of spectrum for Programme Making and Special Events is not an option, says Ofcom. What then is the future of UK radio mic users post digital switchover?

Danish authorities rethink spectrum management — by Martin Sims

Denmark has set in motion a revamp of its existing frequency plan, indicating a move away from a traditional command and control approach to a more flexible take on spectrum management.