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Monday, November 10, 2014

Ofcom moves closer to the next UK radio spectrum auction

Communications regulator Ofcom has invited potential bidders to comment on its proposals to auction spectrum in the 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz bands. This auction is expected to take place in around 12 to 18 months’ time, raising in excess of £50 million.

The radio spectrum is thought to be of particular interest to the mobile industry. A number of countries outside Europe - including China, India and Australia - have licensed the 2.3GHz frequency band for high-speed 4G mobile broadband networks, while the 3.4 GHz band is currently being used for 4G wireless broadband in six countries including the UK.

UK Broadband Limited uses the 3.4GHz spectrum in London for its ‘Relish’ mobile broadband service.

Ofcom intends to auction a total of 190MHz of spectrum in the two bands, which is the equivalent of around three-quarters of the 4G auction last year. The spectrum is currently used by the Ministry of Defence but is being freed up for civil use.

In addition, Ofcom plans to introduce a ‘safeguard cap’ that would prevent any mobile operator from holding more than 37% of relevant spectrum.

Philip Marnick, Ofcom Spectrum Group Director, said “Today marks an important step in ensuring that the UK has sufficient spectrum to support our wireless economy. It comes in response to the fast pace of change and innovation taking place in the communications sector, which is placing increased demands on how spectrum is used by all industries. One important way of meeting this demand is making new spectrum available and its use as flexible as possible.”

Responses to the consultation are required by 23rd January 2015. It follows an initial consultation last year.

[Ofcom proposals]

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Opinion Articles

SpinVox visit offers a few clues about the technology

Mark Bridge writes:

So, dear reader, let’s start at the beginning. Once upon a time, a mere five years ago, there was SpinVox. A company created with help from entrepreneur Christina Domecq – whose surname offers a clue to her family’s background – and Daniel Doulton, the man behind the Psion series 5. (Sherry and portable computers; two of my favourite products. But I digress).

The company’s promise was simple: to turn voicemail messages into SMS text messages.

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That just about covers it

Mark Bridge writes:

In my last article I looked forward to a world of cyborgs… but feared that decent battery life could stifle my dreams. And this week I’m on a similar theme, despairing that the UK’s mobile coverage problems probably won’t be solved before the Silver Jubilee of Vodafone and Cellnet’s networks.

To illustrate my worries, let me tell you a story.

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What price for a hands-free conversation?

Iain Graham writes:

When you get up tomorrow morning and get in the car, why don't you screw up three £20 notes and lob 'em out of the window?!  Oh, and whilst you are at it, take out your driving licence, and put three points in the penalties column!!

Why would you do that, I hear you ask?

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The Singularity is… errm… on its way, I think

Mark Bridge writes:

I’m an optimist. I’m not quite sure why I’m wired that way but I’m perfectly happy with it. Much as you’d expect, I suppose. And although I tend not to tap-dance in the gutter when it’s raining, I firmly believe that life is like a musical.

That’s probably why I’m such a fan of what’s become known as ‘the Singularity’; a point when technology and evolution are expected to combine. As computers become smarter, so they’ll be able to build smarter computers themselves – and before you know it they’ll be repairing people and improving the design. If all goes well I’ll look like a combination of Robocop and Jude Law.

“Fascinating”, I hear you say. “Bring on the medical nanobots. But what’s all this got to do with mobile phones?”

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Web Browser vs. Application Stores

James Rosewell writes:

Anyone involved in the mobile industry will have hardly failed to notice the hype surrounding mobile application stores led by Apple. Application stores provide a really simple way for consumers to install applications on their mobile phones. They’re so simple I heard Iain Graham had used one the other week!

However they don’t solve the fundamental problem of handset compatibility.

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