New frequencies for high altitude platform stations face tough satellite opposition

Several countries are developing systems which use airships to provide last mile communications. The next WRC has the task of identifying spectrum for these devices while protecting satellite and radio astronomy services. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/new-frequencies-for-high-altitude-platform-stations-face-tough-satellite-opposition

New look FCC fails to meet deadline for wireless broadband plan

Such is the complexity and political sensitivity of creating the much-touted national broadband plan in the US, that communications regulator the FCC has had to delay delivery of the document. The Justice Department, meanwhile, says any spectrum release must favour new entrants. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/new-look-fcc-fails-to-meet-deadline-for-wireless-broadband-plan

Wireless microphone users ordered out of 700MHz band in US

Up to a million wireless microphone users have been given until June this year by US regulator the FCC to vacate the 700 MHz Digital Dividend spectrum which is to be used for the provision of 4G wireless broadband services. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/wireless-microphone-users-ordered-out-of-700mhz-band-in-us

Mexican auctions attract large number of potential bidders

There has been an enthusiastic response to Mexico's upcoming auction of 120 MHz of spectrum in the 1.7 and 1.9 GHz bands, with this possibly being the last chance for new entrants in the country's cellular market. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/mexican-auctions-attract-large-number-of-potential-bidders

Brussels circulates draft digital dividend decision to trade community

The European Commission has submitted its proposals for a harmonised band of digital dividend spectrum to the World Trade Organisation. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/brussels-circulates-draft-digital-dividend-decision-to-trade-community

Opinion: is the FCC seeing the light over broadcast spectrum?

The U.S. Regulator seems to be biting the bullet by raising the politically controversial issue of reallocating TV spectrum to other uses, writes Michael Marcus. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/opinion-is-the-fcc-seeing-the-light-over-broadcast-spectrum

New law in Denmark introduces spectrum trading

Denmark's new Frequency Act, which brings in a secondary market for radio frequencies and introduces a new fee structure for spectrum usage, came into effect on January 1, 2010. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/new-law-in-denmark-introduces-spectrum-trading

Uganda’s seventh mobile operator targets the poor/Irish GSM liberalisation consultation

Consolidation might be the name of the game for the mobile industry in developed markets, but in Uganda the country's seventh mobile operator has just launched, hot on the heels of the sixth. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/uganda2019s-seventh-mobile-operator-targets-the-poor

New consultations

Liberalising the Future Use of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz Spectrum Bands (Dec 21, 2009- Feb 12, 2010) ComReg , Ireland

Proposals for the liberalisation of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, particularly the format and rules for a 900MHz auction to be held this year.

Ongoing consultations

Please note the dealine for this consultation has been extended:

Consultation on a Direction to Ofcom to implement the Wireless Radio Spectrum Modernisation Programme (Oct 16, 2009- Feb 05, 2010) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills , UK

The surprising success of DTT in one of the world's most cabled countries

Digital terrestrial television has been a huge hit in the Netherlands, where 83% of homes subscribe to cable. It's proving popular in urban as well as rural areas and in a country of 16 million people Digitenne expects nearly a million customers by the end of the year. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/the-surprising-success-of-dtt-in-one-of-the-worlds-most-cabled-countries

New for 2010:

The Global Spectrum Database

The ultimate reference source for mobile and wireless broadband spectrum

Download the brochure or watch the demonstration

Revised and updated for 2010:

Understanding Modern Spectrum Management

A five day residential training course 

22 - 26 March 2010, Merton College, Oxford

Download new brochure

New consultations

Digital Dividend Green Paper (Jan 05, 2010- Feb 26, 2010) Australian Government , Australia