Ofcom introduce spectrum leasing
Last week Ofcom published its conclusions from its earlier consultation on simplifying spectrum trading by introducing spectrum leasing. The concept is best explained through a couple …
‘White-spaces’ wi-fi trial in TV spectrum
A consortium including Microsoft, BBC, BT and BSkyB today announced a trial of the use of white-space spectrum for wireless broadband. The trial, mirroring a US …
UK 2G and 3G licences to become tradable from 4 July
Ofcom yesterday finalised proposals to enable trading of 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz spectrum licences (currently held by mobile network operators and used …
UK mobile operators create m-commerce joint venture
Last week, three of the UK’s four mobile network operators announced a mobile marketing and payments joint venture. The venture is subject to regulatory approval, …
Ofcom consults on exercising discretion to not order repayment in LLU dispute
Last week Ofcom started a consultation in relation to LLU charges in which is intending to not exercise its discretion to order repayment of overcharges. The circumstances …
Ofcom issue revised penalty guidelines
Ofcom today issued revised guidelines on the penalties they may impose on those breaching rules policed by Ofcom. The new guidelines replace prior guidelines dating …
Visa adds mobile payment and banking capabilities, as Google and MNOs launch contactless payment services
This week Visa Inc added significant incremental mobile payment and banking capabilities – acquiring Fundamo, a mobile money transfer software company and announcing a five …
Internet access a human right?
Human rights are clearly important. However, (and the watcher is nervous of stepping into Ken Clarke territory here) some are rather more fundamental than others …
Ofcom revise dispute resolution guidelines
Ofcom yesterday published revised guidelines for the handling of regulatory disputes. Whilst these revised guidelines are ostensibly a response to the revised European Regulatory Framework, as implemented …
Internet regulation: building consumer trust?
Today’s FT article by Vittorio Colao, CEO of Vodafone, highlights the importance of regulation for all the players in the on-line ecosystem – those building the pipes …