Communication industry regulator Ofcom has published a consultation about revising the licence fees paid by UK mobile networks for the 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum bands initially used for 2G and 3G services.

In December 2010, the Government told Ofcom to revise these fees in line with current market values.

Ofcom’s quarterly report of complaints against major UK telecoms and pay TV providers shows an overall drop between April and June 2013, mainly due to a fall in the number of landline and broadband complaints.

It’s the regulator’s tenth quarterly report.

The UK government has arranged a series of mobile alert tests to make sure members of the public can receive information in an emergency. It’s running trials in North Yorkshire, Glasgow and Suffolk with EE, O2 and Vodafone.

Two different technologies are being tested: location-based SMS text messaging and cell broadcast messages.

Mark Bridge writes:

So – we take a short break at the end of the August ‘silly season’ and one of the year’s biggest mobile-related rumours becomes fact. At least we’re back in time to report on the final stages of the Vodafone/Verizon deal. Yes, it looks as though Big Red will be picking up something like $130 billion for its 45% stake in Verizon Communications… possibly within the next few hours. Just don’t mention the tax, okay?

Telefónica UK has been chosen as one of the preferred communications service providers for the UK’s smart meter roll-out. Subject to contract, it’ll provide communications services across the Centre and South regions in a deal worth £1.5 billion over 15 years.

The provider for the North region is infrastructure company Arqiva, with a deal worth £625 million over 15 years.