August 2009 printed issue available for download

Our top story this month is the European Commission's proposals on the digital dividend.

Also in this issue we consider whether there are competition dangers inherent in moves towards spectrum liberalisation and examine whether the release of next generation mobile spectrum in the UK is likely to delayed by legal and administrative issues. 

 

Download our August pdf here:

https://www.policytracker.com/images/Newsletter%20pdfs/PT-Aug-09.pdf

Benefits of refarming shown at opposite ends of the globe

The economic benefits to mobile operators from using refarmed 900Mhz GSM spectrum to roll out 3G services has been quantified by case studies conducted by two operators who were first movers, Finland’s Elisa and Optus in Australia. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/benefits-of-refarming-shown-at-opposite-ends-of-the-globe

Auction plans less WiMAX-friendly say analysts

Finland and Denmark have opted for a fixed split between paired and unpaired spectrum in their proposals to auction the 2.5GHz band. This approach may deter use by WIMAX according to some experts. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/auction-plans-less-wimax-friendly-say-analysts

European regulators see competition dangers in the move to spectrum liberalisation

As spectrum management and e-communications market regulation converge, competition problems are likely say the European Regulators Group and Radio Spectrum Policy Group. They believe the greatest danger is in the GSM bands. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/european-regulators-see-competition-dangers-in-the-move-to-spectrum-liberalisation

Congress considers diluting a historic principle of wireless communication

US legislation to block mobile calls by prison inmates is sparking criticism from public safety providers and the wireless industry. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/congress-considers-diluting-a-historic-principle-of-wireless-communication

PMSE users reassured by new Ofcom proposals

Programme making and special events stakeholders are considerably more optimistic about the post-2012 prospects for their fragmented industry following the publication of two weighty documents by Ofcom. But there are concerns that the proposed band manager will not fulfil its potential to stimulate the spectrum rentals market. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/pmse-users-reassured-by-new-ofcom-proposals

Commission sets out plans for harmonised digital dividend

The future use of the “digital dividend” is now a top priority for the EU, according to the European Commission, which has launched a public consultation calling on member states co-operate to make the “most efficient use” of these bands. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/commission-sets-out-plans-for-harmonised-digital-dividend

UK public sector users nervous about new type of spectrum licence

Ofcom’s plan for innovation licences has strong support from government and commercial organisations, but rollout still depends on calming public sector fears. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/uk-public-sector-users-nervous-about-new-type-of-spectrum-licence

New laws to stimulate wireless industries in US / European digital dividend consultation

Bills which streamline the process of selling publicly owned bands and require the publication of a register of all spectrum usage are making their way through the US congress. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/new-laws-to-stimulate-wireless-industries-in-the-us

The European Commission has just announced its long-awaited consultation on the digital dividend. More details are available here: 

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/radio_spectrum/topics/reorg/pubcons_digdiv_200907/index_en.htm

A PolicyTracker article will be available shortly!

New look FCC ready to get back into gear

After several months of operating with only three commissioners and no chairman the board of US regulator the Federal Communications Commission is (barring a major surprise) back to a full five-strong complement. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/new-look-fcc-ready-to-get-back-into-gear

Thai 3G auction delayed until 2010

Thailand’s 50 million mobile subscribers will wait a while longer for their 3G upgrades, with regulator the National Telecommunications Commission set to push back an auction until next year. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/thai-3g-auction-delayed-until-2010

Emerging technologies point to more price competition for mobile backhaul in developing countries

Satellite, terrestrial and mobile operators are using new technologies and networks to capture backhaul business and reduce costs of using other spectrum and network resources. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/emerging-technologies-point-to-more-price-competition-for-mobile-backhaul-in-developing-countries

July 2009 printed issue available for download

Our top story this month is Finland's innovative approach to TV spectrum. The Finns are probably the first country to put in black and white an uncomfortable truth: terrestrial TV may have a sell-by date.

Also in this issue we consider the implications of the Spanish U-turn on the digital dividend and the benefits to the developing world of the ITU's proposed clampdown on "paper" satellites.

Download our July pdf here:

https://www.policytracker.com/images/Newsletter%20pdfs/PT-July-09.pdf