Statement on consumer protection test for telephone number allocation | Ofcom
Ofcom is introducing further consumer protection by potentially restricting companies and individuals from allocations of premium rate numbers by maintaining lists of companies or individuals who have had complaints against them. These lists will be known as the CPT (consumer protection test) lists which will be maintained on Ofcom's website.
Anyone allocating PRS numbers should ensure their customers are not present on these lists and industry will self regulate.
The lists will be available from Jan 01 2009 or shortly after.
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30 Eylül 2008 Salı
Managing the spectrum above 275 GHz | Ofcom
Managing the spectrum above 275 GHz | Ofcom
Ofcom is planning to make spectrum above 275 GHz (to 3000 GHz) licence exempt.
There will be constraints as these bands are used by radio astronomy, but due to atmospheric attenuation (which is severe in these bands) interference should be minimal.
Current power masks for short range devices in 244-246 GHz will be used as a proxy with adjustments made for the greater attenuation.
Ofcom are hoping innovitive applications will come out of these bands (short range comms/collision detection/etc).
The World Radiocommunication Conference 2011 has an agenda item about the 275 - 3000 GHz band and Ofcom may have to modify the Standard Instrument allowing licence exempt use based on the outcome of the conference.
Ofcom is planning to make spectrum above 275 GHz (to 3000 GHz) licence exempt.
There will be constraints as these bands are used by radio astronomy, but due to atmospheric attenuation (which is severe in these bands) interference should be minimal.
Current power masks for short range devices in 244-246 GHz will be used as a proxy with adjustments made for the greater attenuation.
Ofcom are hoping innovitive applications will come out of these bands (short range comms/collision detection/etc).
The World Radiocommunication Conference 2011 has an agenda item about the 275 - 3000 GHz band and Ofcom may have to modify the Standard Instrument allowing licence exempt use based on the outcome of the conference.
BT withdraws Wi-Fi access to The Cloud • The Register
BT withdraws Wi-Fi access to The Cloud • The Register
BT Openzone has not renewed it's contract with The Cloud so Openzone users will not be able to use their WiFi hotspots.
The Cloud has lost a major user of minutes and must be struggling to compete with Openzone anyway. The Cloud have to maintain a cordial relationship as they buy most of their backhaul services from BT.
This could be a move by Openzone to kill the Cloud and then buy them in a firesale.
BT Openzone has not renewed it's contract with The Cloud so Openzone users will not be able to use their WiFi hotspots.
The Cloud has lost a major user of minutes and must be struggling to compete with Openzone anyway. The Cloud have to maintain a cordial relationship as they buy most of their backhaul services from BT.
This could be a move by Openzone to kill the Cloud and then buy them in a firesale.
28 Eylül 2008 Pazar
Green the Bailout by Thomas Friedman
America doesn’t just need a bailout. We need a buildup. We need to get back to making stuff based on real engineering, not just financial engineering.
26 Eylül 2008 Cuma
AstriCon : September 22-25, 2008 : Glendale, AZ
AstriCon : September 22-25, 2008 : Glendale, AZ
Skype have announced a channel driver for Asterisk the open source IP PBX from Digium. This will allow an Asterisk server to connect to Skype's network and have access to all of Skype's users and dial-out rates (and also dial-in capability).
The driver is currently in beta and there is a beta program available. The driver will be licensed on a per channel basis.
Very little information about the system has been released except it's a binary install but Astricon visitors seemed to like it. There are worries that it will still become a SuperNode if used on public Internet space which means other Skype users connect through that node - which can mean all your bandwidth been used.
Skype have announced a channel driver for Asterisk the open source IP PBX from Digium. This will allow an Asterisk server to connect to Skype's network and have access to all of Skype's users and dial-out rates (and also dial-in capability).
The driver is currently in beta and there is a beta program available. The driver will be licensed on a per channel basis.
Very little information about the system has been released except it's a binary install but Astricon visitors seemed to like it. There are worries that it will still become a SuperNode if used on public Internet space which means other Skype users connect through that node - which can mean all your bandwidth been used.
24 Eylül 2008 Çarşamba
23 Eylül 2008 Salı
Delivering super-fast broadband in the UK | Ofcom
Delivering super-fast broadband in the UK | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation (that finishes on 22 Dec 2008) on the future of super fast broadband in the UK.
Any one can respond and should do via the link above, then follow the "How to Respond".
Ofcom is holding a consultation (that finishes on 22 Dec 2008) on the future of super fast broadband in the UK.
Any one can respond and should do via the link above, then follow the "How to Respond".
Super-complaint on the cost of calls made by prisoners | Ofcom
Super-complaint on the cost of calls made by prisoners | Ofcom
The National Consumer Council (“NCC”), The Scottish Consumer Council (“SCC”) and the Welsh Consumer Council (“WCC”), supported by the Prison Reform Trust have complained to Ofcom about the pricing of telephony services (mainly calls) for prisoners.
BT run telephony services for HM Prison Service Trust in England and Wales and Siemens Enterprise Communications Ltd run services for Scottish Prison Service in Scotland. Currently all other providers are locked out from providing any kind of services.
The complaint states the high cost of calls are unrelated to the cost of provision, the charges for the systems are high when the cost of ICT is generally dropping, the T&C's of the existing contract explicitly seek to prevent competition and that the contracts themselves are secretive.
Ofcom will ensure that NCC has presented a reasoned case for further investigation and if so it will further investigate and make a decision as what to do by Sept 22nd 2008.
The National Consumer Council (“NCC”), The Scottish Consumer Council (“SCC”) and the Welsh Consumer Council (“WCC”), supported by the Prison Reform Trust have complained to Ofcom about the pricing of telephony services (mainly calls) for prisoners.
BT run telephony services for HM Prison Service Trust in England and Wales and Siemens Enterprise Communications Ltd run services for Scottish Prison Service in Scotland. Currently all other providers are locked out from providing any kind of services.
The complaint states the high cost of calls are unrelated to the cost of provision, the charges for the systems are high when the cost of ICT is generally dropping, the T&C's of the existing contract explicitly seek to prevent competition and that the contracts themselves are secretive.
Ofcom will ensure that NCC has presented a reasoned case for further investigation and if so it will further investigate and make a decision as what to do by Sept 22nd 2008.
LloydsTSB offer mobile banking
Lloyds have released a Java app for mobile phones that allows their customers real control over their bank accounts.
Customers can move money between accounts (say a current account and savings account), add credit cards, check balances, statements etc.
Though textual in nature (so it should work on most handsets) it's easy to use and does allow a customer access to basic account functions.
Assuming the customer has set most of their accounts on-line through traditional means (like on-line banking), the mobile client should then be able to access those accounts.
Hopefully all access from the client to the back-end services are secure (though there was no way to tell).
It's a lot easier to use than older WAP propositions.
Customers can move money between accounts (say a current account and savings account), add credit cards, check balances, statements etc.
Though textual in nature (so it should work on most handsets) it's easy to use and does allow a customer access to basic account functions.
Assuming the customer has set most of their accounts on-line through traditional means (like on-line banking), the mobile client should then be able to access those accounts.
Hopefully all access from the client to the back-end services are secure (though there was no way to tell).
It's a lot easier to use than older WAP propositions.
19 Eylül 2008 Cuma
Visa Launches Carbon Offset Card For Business
Visa Europe is launching a new ‘green’ Visa card to business cardholders in industry and Government across Europe. Visa’s 4,600 member banks across Europe will be able to issue business Visa cards that offset carbon emissions as part of RePay’s ClimaCount compensation program that Visa says supports sustainable projects. Every time a payment is made with the Visa card, the carbon emissions of the product or service is established and the emissions is offset through a project such as forestry or renewable energy.
SonyEricsson Xperia X1
SonyEricsson are holding a launch event in the Truman Buildings in Brick Lane tonight (19/09/08).
It's been delayed for some time, but the wait is now over. Their first Windows Mobile device - which is meant to be highly customisable.
It's been delayed for some time, but the wait is now over. Their first Windows Mobile device - which is meant to be highly customisable.
Blackberry Bold
Initial thoughts: -
* It's bigger than the Curve (but not much).
* It looks more metallic, but sort of feels 'plastic'.
* Screen slight bigger, but looks much better.
* Keyboard flatter than Curve, but just as easy to type.
As to functionality that will have to wait until Orange do some magic.
* It's bigger than the Curve (but not much).
* It looks more metallic, but sort of feels 'plastic'.
* Screen slight bigger, but looks much better.
* Keyboard flatter than Curve, but just as easy to type.
As to functionality that will have to wait until Orange do some magic.
Second Ofcom own-initiative investigation against various Communications Providers about enforcement of the requirement to implement and comply with a Dispute Resolution Scheme | Ofcom
Second Ofcom own-initiative investigation against various Communications Providers about enforcement of the requirement to implement and comply with a Dispute Resolution Scheme | Ofcom: "General Condition 14.7"
Ofcom has conducted an investigation into whether communications providers comply with General Condition 14.7 which states they must implement a dispute resolution process and belong to an independent dispute resolution scheme. Prior to the investigation Ofcom found that there had been complaints against various providers and they had not joined a relevant scheme. Ofcom are now satisfied that these providers have met their obligations.
Ofcom has approved two independent dispute resolution schemes, the Office of Telecommunications Ombudsman (Otelo) and the Communication and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).
Any provider of PECS (public electronic communications services) found not to be compliant can be issued a notice by Ofocm (under section 94 of the Communications Act 2003) and failing to act can mean a fine of up to 10% of the relevant turnover of the company.
Ofcom has conducted an investigation into whether communications providers comply with General Condition 14.7 which states they must implement a dispute resolution process and belong to an independent dispute resolution scheme. Prior to the investigation Ofcom found that there had been complaints against various providers and they had not joined a relevant scheme. Ofcom are now satisfied that these providers have met their obligations.
Ofcom has approved two independent dispute resolution schemes, the Office of Telecommunications Ombudsman (Otelo) and the Communication and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).
Any provider of PECS (public electronic communications services) found not to be compliant can be issued a notice by Ofocm (under section 94 of the Communications Act 2003) and failing to act can mean a fine of up to 10% of the relevant turnover of the company.
17 Eylül 2008 Çarşamba
IBM Launches Virtual Green Data Center in Second Life
The world’s first interactive green data center is on the IBM Virtual Business Center Island in Second Life and is staffed by live multi-lingual sales avatars five days a week. This is estimated to provide millions of dollars in cost savings to IBM customers in travel expenses and will offset CO2 emissions.
Joanne Bald, program director, ibm.com 3-D Internet says, “It allows our customers and potential clients to interact with IBM’s green portfolio in a very environmentally-friendly way. No airplanes burning fuel or rental cars... not even the hassle and time of travel arrangements.”
Joanne Bald, program director, ibm.com 3-D Internet says, “It allows our customers and potential clients to interact with IBM’s green portfolio in a very environmentally-friendly way. No airplanes burning fuel or rental cars... not even the hassle and time of travel arrangements.”
16 Eylül 2008 Salı
Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2008 | Ofcom
Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2008 | Ofcom
Ofcom has published two statements following consultations which will amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act such that short range devices and various satellite services will become license exempt.
Ofcom also also making mobiles used in airplanes license exempt (the airplane operator having licensed the mobile service).
These should allow Ultra Wide Band and other short range services to operate.
Ofcom has published two statements following consultations which will amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act such that short range devices and various satellite services will become license exempt.
Ofcom also also making mobiles used in airplanes license exempt (the airplane operator having licensed the mobile service).
These should allow Ultra Wide Band and other short range services to operate.
FT.com / Home UK / UK - Project Kangaroo fights its corner in online TV battle
FT.com / Home UK / UK - Project Kangaroo fights its corner in online TV battle
Kangaroo is the joint venture by BBC Worldwide, Ch4 and ITV to put their video archives online. It'll be run by Ashley Highfield (who used to run BBC Online). They expect to have 10,000 hours of content, 75% which will be free (with advertising).
VirginMedia, BSkyB have complained to the Competition Commission that they will have an unfair advantage in the UK IPTV space. Time Warner and Disney have also voiced concerns. BT have also now joined in the backlash.
Kangaroo would have a huge competitive advantage as they would control a huge amount of content (especially with Auntie on board), but they would also be able to offer compelling content.
The UK infrastructure just needs to be able to keep up to support IPTV services - and that's probably one of the big issues, Sky/O2/Orange and other broadband network all must be considering high speed broadband services into the home (maybe via fibre) and the only way to justify investment is to kaunch their own IPTV services. Kangaroo has the ability for the services to flop before they even launch unless they can get access to Kangaroo's content.
Kangaroo is the joint venture by BBC Worldwide, Ch4 and ITV to put their video archives online. It'll be run by Ashley Highfield (who used to run BBC Online). They expect to have 10,000 hours of content, 75% which will be free (with advertising).
VirginMedia, BSkyB have complained to the Competition Commission that they will have an unfair advantage in the UK IPTV space. Time Warner and Disney have also voiced concerns. BT have also now joined in the backlash.
Kangaroo would have a huge competitive advantage as they would control a huge amount of content (especially with Auntie on board), but they would also be able to offer compelling content.
The UK infrastructure just needs to be able to keep up to support IPTV services - and that's probably one of the big issues, Sky/O2/Orange and other broadband network all must be considering high speed broadband services into the home (maybe via fibre) and the only way to justify investment is to kaunch their own IPTV services. Kangaroo has the ability for the services to flop before they even launch unless they can get access to Kangaroo's content.
11 Eylül 2008 Perşembe
10 Eylül 2008 Çarşamba
Revised statement of policy on the persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or service | Ofcom
Revised statement of policy on the persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or service | Ofcom
Ofcom is required under section 131 of the Communications Act to prepare a statement on the of its general policy with respect to its legal powers to deal with persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications services. It last did this in 2006.
Ofcom held a consultation in Dec 2007 and is going to make a new statement later this year.
Since the last statement nuisance calls have dropped significantly, but BT still receives aorund 80,000 complaints a year - which is unacceptable.
Ofcom is required under section 131 of the Communications Act to prepare a statement on the of its general policy with respect to its legal powers to deal with persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications services. It last did this in 2006.
Ofcom held a consultation in Dec 2007 and is going to make a new statement later this year.
Since the last statement nuisance calls have dropped significantly, but BT still receives aorund 80,000 complaints a year - which is unacceptable.
8 Eylül 2008 Pazartesi
Own-initiative enforcement programme into VoIP providers’ compliance with General Condition 4 (Emergency Call Numbers) | Ofcom
Own-initiative enforcement programme into VoIP providers’ compliance with General Condition 4 (Emergency Call Numbers) | Ofcom
The Communications Act has a set of General Conditions that all communications providers must adhere to. On Sept 8th 2008 General Condition 4 amendments mean that all VoIP providers who provide access to the PSTN (i.e. public phone network) MUST provide 999/112 services.
Ofcom today have started an enforcement initiative that will collect information from VoIP providers, network operators and call handling agents (who pass calls to the Emergency Services) so they can monitor and if necessary enforce compliance.
This could be a major headache for smaller VoIP providers who may not be aware of their obligations under the Communications Act and this specifically may incur costs.
The Communications Act has a set of General Conditions that all communications providers must adhere to. On Sept 8th 2008 General Condition 4 amendments mean that all VoIP providers who provide access to the PSTN (i.e. public phone network) MUST provide 999/112 services.
Ofcom today have started an enforcement initiative that will collect information from VoIP providers, network operators and call handling agents (who pass calls to the Emergency Services) so they can monitor and if necessary enforce compliance.
This could be a major headache for smaller VoIP providers who may not be aware of their obligations under the Communications Act and this specifically may incur costs.
5 Eylül 2008 Cuma
Business Radio Reform | Ofcom
Business Radio Reform | Ofcom
Ofcom has published the changes it is making to the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations for Business Radio.
They are simplifying the license regime (from 21 licenses classes to 5), to allow spectrum trading and transfer of licenses and a new license regime to support the new licenses, but based on the existing fee structure.
The new license regime will take some time to implement and old licenses will need to be migrated to the new regime. New licenses will be issued when the new regime comes into force.
Ofcom has published the changes it is making to the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations for Business Radio.
They are simplifying the license regime (from 21 licenses classes to 5), to allow spectrum trading and transfer of licenses and a new license regime to support the new licenses, but based on the existing fee structure.
The new license regime will take some time to implement and old licenses will need to be migrated to the new regime. New licenses will be issued when the new regime comes into force.
3 Eylül 2008 Çarşamba
Requests from BT for variation to, and exemption from, its Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to IPStream in certain geographic markets and Wavestream National | Ofcom
Requests from BT for variation to, and exemption from, its Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to IPStream in certain geographic markets and Wavestream National | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on whether BT can vary their IP Stream pricing in areas where they don't have significant market power (SMP). They want to be able to offer variable pricing and variable pricing to different customers.
Ofcom is proposing to allow BT these changes.
This follows Ofcom's market analysis which showed that BT no longer has SMP in broadband for large areas of the UK (covering around 69% of the population) due to local loop unbundling (LLU) operator competition.
The consultation closes on 01/10/2008
Ofcom is holding a consultation on whether BT can vary their IP Stream pricing in areas where they don't have significant market power (SMP). They want to be able to offer variable pricing and variable pricing to different customers.
Ofcom is proposing to allow BT these changes.
This follows Ofcom's market analysis which showed that BT no longer has SMP in broadband for large areas of the UK (covering around 69% of the population) due to local loop unbundling (LLU) operator competition.
The consultation closes on 01/10/2008
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of H2O Networks Ltd | Ofcom
Direction under Section 106(3) of the Communications Act 2003 applying the electronic communications code in the case of H2O Networks Ltd | Ofcom
H20 Networks have been granted the electronics communication code. This gives them the right to dig roads and other areas to install infrastructure (and they can apply to dig across private land without the landowners permission).
Ofcom only issues the code to responsible companies who provide UK infrastructure and have been known to take it away from companies.
H20 Networks have been granted the electronics communication code. This gives them the right to dig roads and other areas to install infrastructure (and they can apply to dig across private land without the landowners permission).
Ofcom only issues the code to responsible companies who provide UK infrastructure and have been known to take it away from companies.