As part of its move towards spectrum-efficient technologies, the Australian regulator is consulting on its proposals to allow mobile operators to deploy femtocells using existing apparatus licences which authorise use of  specific devices.  Femtocells have been deployed in spectrum-licensed areas, usually covering urban areas, at 2.1 GHz since 2011. The… Read more...

One of those 'horizontal' consultations which should have some impact on DG InfoSoc. The programme will integrate a number of existing and future projects inluding ICT focused programmes; Modinis, eEcontent, eTen. Read more...

Directives adopted in March provide legal framework for boosting electronic procurement. This consultation forms part of a strategy to assist member states implement them correctly. Read more...

The US regulator is seeking comment on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at significantly advancing communications interoperability for the country's first responders. According to the FCC proposal document, the order supports the build out of robust, secure and dedicated mobile broadband networks enabling public safety broadband users to share… Read more...

South Africa has issued its revised draft spectrum regulations to a public consultation.  The revisions address "anomalies" that the regulator, ICASA, found in the draft regulations from 2011.  The draft rules established the regulatory framework for assigning spectrum licences in South Africa. The processes described in the regulations are designed to be… Read more...

The UK regulator is seeking comments on legislation it proposes bringing into effect in November 2010. This would involve replacing the Wireless Telegraphy act of 2006 with new regulations. These would liberalise current licence exemption criteria for high density fixed satellite services, railway level crossing radar, underwater system use below… Read more...

Following the November 30 deadline for written responses to its consultation paper , the NCC has set a deadline of December 7th for the submission of replies to the responses. There will then be a physical consultation open to the public on December 16, with major stakeholders entitled to a… Read more...

Ofcom is conducting what should be the final consultation before the UK implements an EC Directive ordering liberalisation of the 900 and 1800 MHz bands, which are currently reserved for GSM. Subject to responses to this consultation, and the passage of a government direction now before Parliament, Ofcom intends to… Read more...

BEREC, the body that represents national regulatory authorities in the EU, has issued a consultation on its work programme for 2014. The document identifies four themes in its work programme: infrastructure, consumer protection, services (boosting the internal market), and quality control of its own work. The document reiterates its support… Read more...

India's telecoms ministry has published a draft of the country's new national telecoms policy. It is intended to replace the current policy, which dates back to 1999. In particular, the new policy intends to make granting spectrum a much more liberalised and transparent process than the much-criticised system it is… Read more...