Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is preparing to auction spectrum in the 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. The regulator has opted for a unique approach to the simultaneous multi-round ascending (SMRA) auction format that includes assignment of generic lots at the end, arguing that this offers… Read more...

Our lead story this month assesses the responses to the FCC's plans for spectrum incentive auctions. We also examine auction plans in Australia, Iceland, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore and Uruguay, consider the latest research into "5G" technology and ask whether ultra wideband is making a comeback. Read more...

UK public broadcaster the BBC has renewed its call for the regulator Ofcom to abandon its plan to make the corporation pay for the spectrum it uses. Read more...

Broadcasters and wireless microphone operators remain cautious about FCC incentive auction plans, but there's strong support from the wireless and other sectors for more unlicensed spectrum, responses filed in the agency's rulemaking proceeding show. The big unknown continues to be if, and how many, broadcasters will relinquish spectrum. Read more...

The US and UK have so far been the trailblazers in opening the way for wireless broadband in the TV white spaces (TVWS). But now Japanese companies have developed prototype equipment meeting new IEEE standards and France has approved field tests. Read more...

A recent consultation and public hearing held by Brazilian regulator Anatel suggest the country could be moving closer to the deregulated introduction of femtocells. Read more...

Telefonica has reached an agreement with the Peruvian government to renew its licences in the 850 and 1900 MHz bands for a further 18 years, but with stricter conditions. Read more...

UK regulator Ofcom announced this morning that the country’s “4G” auction is underway, with all seven bidders that qualified to take part still involved in the process. Read more...

Expressions of interest from operators around the world are expected in two new mobile licences to be awarded via beauty contest by the government of Myanmar (Burma), the last major Asian country with extremely low telephone penetration. Read more...

German regulator the Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA) has published a discussion paper presenting possible scenarios for future mobile spectrum allocations. The scenarios focus in particular on the 900 and 1800 MHz GSM bands, where the existing licences are due to expire at the end of 2016. Read more...