UK01 are a new mobile operator in the UK offering localised GSM hotzones. Currently you buy a UK01 SIM (or get one for free) and buy minutes - on-line through the UK01 site or via local outlets (Pazone or epay).
The UK01 rates are very competitive, especially to non UK numbers - though UK rates are too bad, 1p per minute to a landline, 8p to a mobile and text messages cost 3p (though bundle deals are available).
UK01 are planning to offer a SIMless service soon, whereby users have to manually select the UK01 network on the phone. Normally the network doesn't recognise the EMEI and so rejects the connection, however UK01 welcome the EMEI and immediately register it. The phone then receives an SMS with the UK01 phone number (which can immediately receive calls) and tells the user how they can buy credit to make outgoing calls.
Coverage is currently limited to areas within Newham, but UK01 is planning to expand into neighbouring boroughs and even across the whole of London.
UK01 has already sold thousands of SIMs and is generating hundreds of thousands of call minutes per month, which isn't bad for a new operator - especially one that's operating in such a small area.
UK01 are definitely a network to watch, they could be extremely disruptive to the MNOs.
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26 Mart 2009 Perşembe
Twitter via SMS in the UK
Vodafone have opened up their network to Twitter users, but only for Vodafone customers.
Twitter users set-up their accounts within the Devices section of their profile, then add their mobile number.
While mobile, send a tweet to 86444 and it will go to your feed.
Messages from Twitter don't cost you anything? While SMS messages to Twitter are charged at standard network rates and included in any bundles and message allowance (though the first few messages don't seem to be counted).
It's likely other UK MNOs will follow suit just to keep the status quo - though maybe this a pre-emptive strike by Vodafone to block other networks or even purchase Twitter.
Twitter users set-up their accounts within the Devices section of their profile, then add their mobile number.
While mobile, send a tweet to 86444 and it will go to your feed.
Messages from Twitter don't cost you anything? While SMS messages to Twitter are charged at standard network rates and included in any bundles and message allowance (though the first few messages don't seem to be counted).
It's likely other UK MNOs will follow suit just to keep the status quo - though maybe this a pre-emptive strike by Vodafone to block other networks or even purchase Twitter.
Ofcom 2.6GHz spectrum Auction
Though T-Mobile has dropped their intention to take Ofcom to Judicial Review, O2 have now taken Ofcom to Judicial review and are attempting to include T-Mobile's intention even though T-Mobile pulled out. This will occur in April.
It has now also been ported that there is the potential for interference to radars operating in the 2.7GHz band which include airport radar. Therefore at least initially there will need to be coordination between 2.6GHz licensees and radar operators (such as the CAA and some ship types operated by the MoD and others).
At some point in the future the radar systems will be adjusted such that interference from 2.6GHz will be minimised.
Ofcom is still intending to launch the auction as soon as the judicial review has taken place (assuming it goes there way).
It has now also been ported that there is the potential for interference to radars operating in the 2.7GHz band which include airport radar. Therefore at least initially there will need to be coordination between 2.6GHz licensees and radar operators (such as the CAA and some ship types operated by the MoD and others).
At some point in the future the radar systems will be adjusted such that interference from 2.6GHz will be minimised.
Ofcom is still intending to launch the auction as soon as the judicial review has taken place (assuming it goes there way).
25 Mart 2009 Çarşamba
Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium
Economist Blames Twitter for Down Economy - Twitter Moratorium
Twitter blamed for global economic downturn, stranger things have happened ...
Twitter blamed for global economic downturn, stranger things have happened ...
23 Mart 2009 Pazartesi
Inkd | Our dashboard for managing your Inkd account.
Inkd | The World's First Market for Original Print Design.
Today Inkd have launched, another creation of Curios Office.
Inkd was originally known as Pressplane who have been very secretive about what they've been doing, now all is revealed.
Inkd is all about designers creating office stationary templates and being able to sell this to companies wanting their own designs, but not being able to afford (or have the resources available) of doing it by themselves. Designers upload their templates and customers download and customise them.
Customers are charged for the templates and designers get a cut of the fee. The more designers that sign-up and upload templates, the more customers will be attracted to the site. All uploaded work is checked by Inkd staff to ensure its quality and meets Inkd's guidelines.
Curious Office launched a successful site for artists/photographers called ImageKind which was sold to Cafe Press.
Kelly Smith is the brains behind Curious Office/ImageKind and Pressplane/Inkd.
Hopefully Inkd will be another successful venture.
Today Inkd have launched, another creation of Curios Office.
Inkd was originally known as Pressplane who have been very secretive about what they've been doing, now all is revealed.
Inkd is all about designers creating office stationary templates and being able to sell this to companies wanting their own designs, but not being able to afford (or have the resources available) of doing it by themselves. Designers upload their templates and customers download and customise them.
Customers are charged for the templates and designers get a cut of the fee. The more designers that sign-up and upload templates, the more customers will be attracted to the site. All uploaded work is checked by Inkd staff to ensure its quality and meets Inkd's guidelines.
Curious Office launched a successful site for artists/photographers called ImageKind which was sold to Cafe Press.
Kelly Smith is the brains behind Curious Office/ImageKind and Pressplane/Inkd.
Hopefully Inkd will be another successful venture.
22 Mart 2009 Pazar
Link Water, Energy and Climate in Global Talks, Business Urges
The WBCSD's Water Project brings together more than 60 companies from mining and metals, oil and gas, consumer products, food and beverages, infrastructure services and equipment sectors. The broad representation reflects the knowledge that all businesses will face water challenges in the years ahead.
The paper lists five important policy recommendations from business to climate negotiators and policy-makers. These are:
- Provide reliable climate change risk data, models and analysis tools.
- Integrate water and energy efficiency in measurement tools and policy.
- Bring water issues into the mainstream, and ensure that water authorities and institutions have staff trained to deliver common management practices, education and awareness raising.
- Integrate and value ecosystem services (the benefits that nature provides to society, such as water and forest products) into cross-border decision-making.
- Encourage best practice through innovation, appropriate solutions and community engagement.
It also includes 25 case studies showing how business is already linking water, energy and climate across their operations.
21 Mart 2009 Cumartesi
The OpenBTS Project
The OpenBTS Project
Great project for an open source GSM basestation.
There's a few legal issues (and lack of spectrum, well usable spectrum anyway) but this could be the solution for rural areas or networks in non 1st world countries. There could also be an interest for some of the low power guard band operators who won licenses in the UK.
It currently uses Asterisk as intelligence for the "back-end".
This project should be supported.
Great project for an open source GSM basestation.
There's a few legal issues (and lack of spectrum, well usable spectrum anyway) but this could be the solution for rural areas or networks in non 1st world countries. There could also be an interest for some of the low power guard band operators who won licenses in the UK.
It currently uses Asterisk as intelligence for the "back-end".
This project should be supported.
13 Mart 2009 Cuma
Greener By Design - 15% off for EcoProtection Readers!
Greener By Design, May 19-20 in San Francisco, is the conference where hundreds of brand managers, business strategists, sustainability officers, marketing directors, product designers, material sourcing experts and many others go to get the tools, insight and inspiration to improve their company’s bottom line through product innovation and green design techniques. This year’s theme is Greener Products for Leaner Times – How Smart Companies Innovate in a Recession, where the focus will be on the many ways green product design and innovation can cut costs, improve efficiency and quality, reduce risk and retain customers in this economy.
Special offer of 15% off the early bird conference registration, to take advantage of this offer, click here to register and enter the ID code: ecoproMV
12 Mart 2009 Perşembe
9 Mart 2009 Pazartesi
Proposed variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
Proposed variation to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 related to Fibre-to-the-Cabinet | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation (which closes on the 17th of Apr 2009) on changing BT's Undertakings such that they can provide Fibre-to-the=Street Cabinet (FTTC). They are proposing to allow BT Openreach to run the infrastructure.
FTTC will require a massive investment (somewhere around £15bn) to fibre the whole of the UK and BT need to ensure they get a return on investment so Ofcom are allowing them certain monopolistic practices such that BT can start the roll-out. Ofcom will monitor the situation.
Ofcom is holding a consultation (which closes on the 17th of Apr 2009) on changing BT's Undertakings such that they can provide Fibre-to-the=Street Cabinet (FTTC). They are proposing to allow BT Openreach to run the infrastructure.
FTTC will require a massive investment (somewhere around £15bn) to fibre the whole of the UK and BT need to ensure they get a return on investment so Ofcom are allowing them certain monopolistic practices such that BT can start the roll-out. Ofcom will monitor the situation.
6 Mart 2009 Cuma
4 Mart 2009 Çarşamba
3 Mart 2009 Salı
Twitter news - not always good
It was with great sadness that I learnt about the death of Rob Williams of Dolphin Music. I did not know the man himself, but knew he was part of a skiing party in Verbier. It seems he got separated from his group and died overnight.
His colleagues had tried to locate him using Twitter, iPhone GPS and other technologies to no avail. His colleague Jason Tavaria was rescued by Verbier's Mountain Rescue patrol (though it is not known if the any Web 2.0 technology helped save him).
What is surprising is how quickly the story came to light as members of the group Tweeted their concerns.
Again condolences to the family/friends and colleagues of Rob.
His colleagues had tried to locate him using Twitter, iPhone GPS and other technologies to no avail. His colleague Jason Tavaria was rescued by Verbier's Mountain Rescue patrol (though it is not known if the any Web 2.0 technology helped save him).
What is surprising is how quickly the story came to light as members of the group Tweeted their concerns.
Again condolences to the family/friends and colleagues of Rob.
Rudy Kennedy: Holocaust survivor, scientist and campaigner | Times Online Obituary
Rudy Kennedy: Holocaust survivor, scientist and campaigner | Times Online Obituary
My father's obituary in The Times, he was a fantastic person and is missed.
My father's obituary in The Times, he was a fantastic person and is missed.
2 Mart 2009 Pazartesi
1 Mart 2009 Pazar
Stimulus Package-- How to Retrofit Your Home and Receive Big Tax Credits (from Organic Consumers Association)
President Obama's new stimulus package is now signed into law. Here's how it affects the green-minded home owner:
1) New incentives and tax credits are now available for households for energy conservation and alternative energy. Homeowners investing in energy-saving insulation, replacement windows, duct seals, or high-efficiency heating and cooling systems can now receive a tax credit worth 30 percent of the upgrade cost (maximum credit value: $1,500). The previous tax credit was 10 percent of an upgrade cost, up to a maximum of $500.
2) If you have been thinking about switching to sustainable energy, now is the time. Solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, and windmills also qualify for a 30 percent tax credit. For example, a $24,000 investment to make a home solar-powered would generate a federal tax credit worth $7,200. Previously, the cap was $2,000 for geothermal and solar; $4,000 for wind. Add state and utility credits to this and consumers will see significant discounts in these purchases.
3) New hybrid cars now qualify for tax credits worth anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500, while plug-in conversion kits for old hybrids, now generate tax credits worth 10 percent of the kit's cost (maximum credit value: $4,000).
For questions about home energy conservation and renewable energy options, you can contact a contractor trained by the federal Home Performance with Energy Star program.
1) New incentives and tax credits are now available for households for energy conservation and alternative energy. Homeowners investing in energy-saving insulation, replacement windows, duct seals, or high-efficiency heating and cooling systems can now receive a tax credit worth 30 percent of the upgrade cost (maximum credit value: $1,500). The previous tax credit was 10 percent of an upgrade cost, up to a maximum of $500.
2) If you have been thinking about switching to sustainable energy, now is the time. Solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, and windmills also qualify for a 30 percent tax credit. For example, a $24,000 investment to make a home solar-powered would generate a federal tax credit worth $7,200. Previously, the cap was $2,000 for geothermal and solar; $4,000 for wind. Add state and utility credits to this and consumers will see significant discounts in these purchases.
3) New hybrid cars now qualify for tax credits worth anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500, while plug-in conversion kits for old hybrids, now generate tax credits worth 10 percent of the kit's cost (maximum credit value: $4,000).
For questions about home energy conservation and renewable energy options, you can contact a contractor trained by the federal Home Performance with Energy Star program.