Policytracker - the spectrum management newsletter

French regulator unveils draft rules for 4G auction

2011-05-20T13:36:00.000+01:00

French regulator ARCEP has published its draft decisions on the procedures for assigning frequencies in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.

Read the whole story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/french-regulator-unveils-draft-rules-for-4g-auction

NTIA needs to improve, congressional watchdog says

2011-05-18T11:33:00.001+01:00

The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is not doing a good job of overseeing federal spectrum, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) made public on 12 May.

Read the whole story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/ntia-needs-to-improve-congressional-watchdog-says

Spectrum crisis claims are strategic gamesmanship, NAB says

2011-05-17T12:25:00.000+01:00

A report from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) casts doubt on some of the projections of mobile data growth that have been used to fuel claims of a "spectrum crisis" - just as the UMTS Forum predicts that voice and data traffic on mobile networks will grow more than 30-fold during the decade ahead.

Read the whole story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/nab-report-denies-201cspectrum-crisis201d

Belgian cable operators set for 3G spectrum

2011-05-16T11:36:00.001+01:00

A partnership formed by two cable operators is the sole applicant for Belgium's fourth 3G licence, according to the Belgian Institute for Post and Telecommunications (BIPT).

The regulator has revealed that the applicant is Tecteo Telenet Bidco (TTB), a partnership between cable operator Telenet and the Tecteo Group. Telenet offers cable services throughout Belgium, primarily in Flanders and Brussels, while Tecteo owns Walloon-based cable operator VOO. BIPT says the application is admissible, meaning that the licence could be granted before the start of the summer.

Telenet currently offers MVNO services using the network of Belgium's second largest mobile operator Mobistar. It had 211,000 subscribers at the end of March 2011, an increase of 39 per cent compared to March 2010. The chief executive of Mobistar, Benoit Scheen, recently said the company was planning to strengthen its partnership with Telenet is the coming years.

BIPT first called for 2.1 GHz spectrum bids on 15 March, and the deadline for submission was 29 April. BIPT's original 3G auction plan required bidders to put down a deposit of €1 million for the 2 x 14.8 MHz of spectrum, with the minimum bid price set at €20,833 per MHz per month. The licence will be valid for 20 years.

3G licences were originally auctioned in Belgium in 2001. Although four were offered, only three were acquired, by telecoms operators Belgacom (owner of the country's largest mobile operator, Proximus), Mobistar and KPN (owner of the third largest, Base). The 2.1 GHz spectrum on offer now corresponds to the licence that was not granted in 2001. The successful applicant will also gain the right to acquire spectrum in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands.

The regulator plans to auction 4G licences in the autumn. A call for applications is due to be issued in June.•

Read this story on the PolicyTracker website:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/cable-operators-bid-for-belgian-3g-spectrum

Commission rejects French 3G licence complaint

2011-05-13T14:19:00.000+01:00

The process for awarding France's fourth 3G mobile licence in 2009 did not involve any state aid, the European Commission has ruled.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/commission-rejects-operator-complaints-over-fourth-french-3g-licence

European Parliament approves RSPP

2011-05-12T12:47:00.000+01:00

Plans for a five-year EU radio spectrum policy roadmap cleared the European Parliament on 11 May with lawmakers overwhelmingly backing amendments aimed at putting Europe in the lead in new broadband services.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/meps-approve-rspp

Webb leaves Ofcom with modern spectrum management framework

2011-05-11T12:50:00.001+01:00

Until returning to the private sector in February this year, William Webb was research director at UK telecoms regulator Ofcom, where he spent seven highly productive and generally happy years. We look back on what he regards as his main achievements.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/webb-leaves-ofcom-with-modern-spectrum-management-framework

LTE 1800 rollout in Lithuania

2011-05-10T12:15:00.001+01:00

The LTE 1800 bandwagon continues to gain momentum with the launch of a new network in five Lithuanian cities, including the capital Vilnius.

This is the second commercial launch in Europe following one in Poland last year and the third worldwide, with CSL having recently launched a joint 1800/2600 MHz LTE service.

There have been extensive trials in Europe and elsewhere and vendors such as Ericsson are predicting 1800 will become a international LTE band alongside 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz in Europe and 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz in the Americas.

Australian incumbent Telstra recently announced it is rolling out LTE at 1800 MHz in the country's main cities to supplement its existing HSPA+ network running at 2.1 GHz. Rival operator Optus is expected to follow suit.

The Lithuanian service is from Scandinavian operator TeliaSonera, which launched the world's first commercial LTE network on 2.6 GHz spectrum in Norway and Sweden last year and has since launched in Finland, Denmark and Estonia.

The network equipment in Lithuania, where TeliaSonera operates under the Omnitel brand, was supplied by Chinese vendor Huawei. Modems supporting GSM, WCDMA and LTE are supplied by its main domestic rival, ZTE.

The rollout in the 1800 MHz band was made possible by EU legislation which removed restrictions on using the band - along with the 900 MHz band - only for GSM services.•

Read this story on the PolicyTracker website:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/lte-1800-rollout-in-lithuania

Latvian regulator hints at lower price for 450 MHz spectrum

2011-05-09T12:54:00.001+01:00

The new head of the Latvian Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Valdis Lokenbahs, has hinted that the PUC might significantly reduce the starting auction price for frequencies in the 450 MHz band after no one showed up for an auction in February.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/latvian-regulator-hints-at-lower-price-for-450-mhz-spectrum

Filipino spectrum row seems set to end in court

2011-05-06T12:10:00.001+01:00

A legal battle over spectrum holdings in the Philippines seems inevitable as the second largest operator tries to prevent the incumbent from taking over the third mobile operator unless it is compensated with extra spectrum.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/filipino-spectrum-row-seems-set-to-end-in-court

Portuguese 4G auction to start in June

2011-05-04T12:20:00.001+01:00

Portuguese regulator Anacom plans to assign spectrum suitable for 4G services in six bands in an auction that it expects will raise at least €450 million. The auction is due to start next month.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/portuguese-4g-auction-to-start-in-june

Cognitive radios may be the best way to leverage white spaces

2011-05-03T14:06:00.001+01:00

In our second article on new technologies being developed to take advantage of the broadcast white space spectrum, we look at US-based cognitive radio pioneer xG Technology, which is aiming to use unlicensed spectrum to compete with mobile operators.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/cognitive-radios-may-be-the-best-way-to-leverage-white-spaces

Network for machines planned in white spaces

2011-04-28T12:27:00.001+01:00

In the first of two articles on new technologies being developed to take advantage of the broadcast white space spectrum, we look at UK start-up Neul, whose high-powered founders are pioneering white space networks for machine to machine (M2M) communications.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/network-for-machines-planned-in-white-spaces

Gulf countries adopt European mobile sub-band

2011-04-27T12:03:00.001+01:00

The member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed to identify 790‒862 MHz for mobile broadband following digital switchover.

Read the full story here on your PC or mobile:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/gulf-countries-adopt-european-mobile-sub-band

ITRE Committee proposes RSPP amendments

2011-04-26T08:53:00.001+01:00

There should be 1200 MHz of additional spectrum for mobile data services by 2015, a European Parliament committee said following a recent vote on the European Commission's proposed five-year radio spectrum policy programme (RSPP).

The Industry, Transport, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee strongly supported the Commission proposal but with several key changes, it said in a statement. Swedish MEP Gunnar Hökmark of the European People's Party, who drafted the Parliament's response to the Commission, has warned that Europe will fall behind if policymakers do not liberalise as much spectrum as possible. The committee members approved several amendments designed to help achieve that.

ITRE backed the Commission's call for EU countries to make the 800 MHz band available for harmonised use of wireless broadband services by 1 January 2013, but passed an amendment to allow governments with cross-border frequency coordination problems to seek postponement until the end of 2015 or later.

MEPs want the EU to be "even bolder" and allocate at least 1200 MHz of spectrum for mobile broadband services by 2015, the committee said. They also want the Commission to monitor technological developments and the efficiency of spectrum usage to see if more frequencies, such as the 700 MHz band, should be harmonised for new users and services.

ITRE members added that regulators should encourage effective spectrum use while ensuring that the assignment of new frequencies does not distort market competition. For example, EU Member States could limit the scope of spectrum per operator or reserve part of it for future new services.

Hökmark said the vote was "very good news for the European economy". The Commission proposal, as amended by ITRE, will be put to a first-reading vote in the Parliament's June plenary session.•

PROMOCION - HOTEL EN AREQUIPA |Publicidad| fwizno

2011-04-23T19:06:00.000+01:00

Israel gets two new 3G operators

2011-04-20T18:26:00.001+01:00

After winning 3G licences to join the three 3G incumbents, two new players have been promised their auction payments back if they hit subscriber deadlines within five years.

Read the full story here on your PC or mobile:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/israel-gets-two-new-3g-operators

Singaporean operator secures extra 1800 MHz spectrum

2011-04-20T11:38:00.001+01:00

Singapore's third largest mobile operator M1 has secured extra spectrum in the 1800 MHz band for S$21.69 million ($17.38 million) following a week-long auction.

Read the full story here on your PC or mobile:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/singaporean-operator-secures-extra-1800-mhz-spectrum

US government and mobile industry press for spectrum incentive auctions

2011-04-19T14:25:00.001+01:00

The Obama administration and the mobile industry are fiercely lobbying Congress to authorise spectrum incentive auctions. Broadcasters, meanwhile, have accused the government of buying into overhyped fears of a "spectrum crisis" in rushing to reallocate TV frequencies.

Read the full story here on your PC or mobile:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/us-government-and-mobile-industry-press-for-spectrum-incentive-auctions

Rules and principles to bring broadband to all

2011-04-18T16:19:00.001+01:00

A set of technical rules published by the European Commission (EC) and a set of principles published by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) both aim in different ways to help bring broadband internet to all in the EU.

Read the full story here on your PC or mobile:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/rules-and-principles-to-bring-broadband-to-all

Justo como tú lo quieres |Publicidad| xfa

2011-04-18T09:30:00.000+01:00

Mexican broadcaster wants to use 2.6 GHz band for LTE

2011-04-15T13:11:00.001+01:00

Mexico's largest broadcaster, MVS Telecomunicaciones, may buck the worldwide trend of broadcasters losing spectrum to mobile operators by keeping its surplus spectrum to build out a wholesale wireless broadband network.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/mexican-broadcaster-wants-to-use-2.6-ghz-band-for-lte

French operator wants 4G spectrum auction delay

2011-04-14T13:35:00.001+01:00

Xavier Niel, founder and chief executive of French telecoms firm Iliad, has written to the country's industry minster Eric Besson to ask for a planned auction of spectrum suitable for 4G services to be delayed.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/french-operator-wants-4g-spectrum-auction-delay

Private sector sues Lebanese telecoms ministry and state-owned operators

2011-04-13T14:52:00.001+01:00

A group of private sector ISPs is challenging the legality of 3G networks being built out by Lebanon's two state-owned operators, Alfa and MTC, on the grounds that they have not been awarded spectrum and operating licences in accordance with telecommunications laws.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/private-sector-sues-lebanese-telecoms-ministry-and-state-owned-operators

HK operators win new spectrum in time to beat data crunch

2011-04-12T10:21:00.000+01:00

Following 41 bidding rounds over four days of auction, two of Hong Kong's five mobile operators walked away with 2 x 5 MHz lots of prime sub-1 GHz spectrum at a total cost of just under HK$2 billion ($251 million).

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/hk-operators-win-new-spectrum-just-in-time-to-beat-data-crunch

Regulators discuss cross-border spectrum coordination strategies

2011-04-11T13:51:00.000+01:00

Cross-border spectrum coordination problems are tricky but can be solved with a mix of technology and good neighbourly relations, regulators say.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/cross-border-spectrum-coordination-raises-technical-issues

European Commission outlines priorities for WRC-12

2011-04-08T13:17:00.001+01:00

The European Commission has proposed EU spectrum policy priorities for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 (WRC-12). Topping the list is cross-border coordination of the use of the digital dividend 800 MHz band.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/european-commission-outlines-priorities-for-wrc-12

France plans study on future use of spectrum

2011-04-07T14:35:00.001+01:00

The French government is commissioning a study on the long-term spectrum needs of the electronic communications, audiovisual and emergency and security sectors.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/france-plans-study-on-future-use-of-spectrum

Polish regulator to rerun licence contests

2011-04-06T13:04:00.001+01:00

The Polish regulator is reworking its tender for licences in the 1710 - 1730 MHz and 1805 - 1825 MHz bands following adverse court rulings.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/polish-regulator-to-rerun-licence-contests

April 2011 PDF edition

2011-04-04T14:40:00.001+01:00

Reaction to the launch of the consultation on a planned 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz auction in the UK is our lead article this month. We also consider spectrum release plans in Spain and spectrum auction results in Sweden, along with AT&T's bid to take over T-Mobile USA and an increasingly vigorous debate over Australia's digital dividend.

Download the April issue of PolicyTracker here:

https://www.policytracker.com/Back issues/PT-Apr-11.pdf

Latvian regulator calls off 2.6 GHz auction

2011-04-01T10:48:00.001+01:00

Latvia's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced on March 23 that it was abandoning plans to auction off rights to use 2.5 - 2.69 GHz spectrum for LTE services starting January 1, 2014 after the unnamed enterprise which had asked for an auction withdrew its request.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/latvian-regulator-calls-off-2.6-ghz-auction

UK issues details of public spectrum being considered for release

2011-03-31T14:48:00.001+01:00

A blueprint for identifying and releasing by 2020 at least 500 MHz of sub-5 GHz spectrum currently held by the public sector was published by the UK government today.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/uk-issues-details-of-public-spectrum-being-considered-for-release

Qualcomm and Nokia propose Authorised Shared Access to spectrum

2011-03-30T14:19:00.000+01:00

Qualcomm and Nokia have suggested a "third way" for freeing up spectrum for commercial mobile broadband. Authorised Shared Access (ASA) allows sharing via cognitive technologies while ensuring predictable quality of service through individual authorisations, the companies say. But while it offers a major change from the traditional reliance on licensed and licence-exempt regimes, it may not entirely satisfy proponents of unlicensed use.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/authorised-shared-access-to-spectrum-proposed-by-qualcomm-and-nokia

AT&T takeover of T-Mobile driven by need for spectrum

2011-03-29T13:16:00.001+01:00

If, and it's a big if, AT&T's proposed $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile USA goes ahead, it will not only leapfrog Verizon to become the country's leading mobile network operator but also hold by far the largest balanced portfolio of spectrum of any operator.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/at-t-takeover-of-t-mobile-driven-by-need-for-spectrum-1

Spectrum managers are unsung heros says ITU boss

2011-03-29T10:01:00.000+01:00

Opening PolicyTracker's Middle East Spectrum Conference the ITU Secretary General, Dr Hamadoun Toure, said spectrum managers aren't getting the recognition they deserve.

Read the full story here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/spectrum-managers-are-unsung-heros-says-itu-boss

Third mobile operator "not immediately required in Qatar"

2011-03-24T14:48:00.001Z

Qatar does not need to grant a third mobile licence just yet, according to a consultation paper published by the regulator ictQatar.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/third-mobile-licence-not-needed-yet-qatari-regulator-says

Spectrum caps may seal UK 4G auction deal with mobile operators

2011-03-23T12:30:00.001Z

While the proposals in Ofcom's consultation on the combined auction of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum may yet be subject to some changes, the initial reaction from mobile operators is generally positive, thanks to the proposed introduction of spectrum floors for the auction and overall spectrum caps.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/spectrum-caps-may-seal-uk-4g-auction-deal-with-mobile-operators

Colombia to auction 300 MHz of new spectrum

2011-03-22T12:57:00.001Z

Following its recent successful auction of part of the 2.6 GHz band, the Colombian government is planning three more auctions over the coming 12 months at 1900 MHz, 1.7/2.1 GHz (the AWS band) and the remaining part of the 2.6 GHz band.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/colombia-to-auction-300-mhz-of-new-spectrum

Bangladeshi licence renewal plan under fire

2011-03-21T12:06:00.001Z

Draft Bangladeshi guidelines for renewing 2G mobile licences fail to look beyond revenue generation to economic efficiency, mobile operators say. A similar point was made in recent research carried out for Australia's regulator, which argues that governments should resist the temptation to set mobile spectrum licence fee renewals too high.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/bangladeshi-licence-renewal-plan-under-fire

Three UK's CEO condemns Ofcom refarming decision

2011-03-18T13:07:00.001Z

Kevin Russell, chief executive of Three UK, says the regulator "fundamentally ducked" the tough issues facing the UK's mobile market when it recommended that Three UK's rivals be allowed to refarm all their 2G spectrum for 3G services.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/three-uks-ceo-condemns-ofcom-refarming-decision

Shake-up planned for Iraq’s mobile industry

2011-03-17T14:39:00.001Z

Iraq's mobile sector is about to go through a new phase of development this year with a fourth national licence being auctioned, and foreign loans and investments being allocated to existing operators to increase network quality and subscriber penetration rates to levels seen in neighbouring countries.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/shake-up-planned-for-iraq2019s-mobile-industry

Hungary and Spain ordered to implement amended GSM Directive

2011-03-16T12:48:00.001Z

The European Commission has told Hungary and Spain to accelerate their implementation of the amended GSM Directive, which enables the 900 MHz band to be used for services other than 2G.

All EU member states were meant to implement the amended Directive into national law by 9 May 2010, removing any legal barriers to the deployment of 3G services in the band.

The requests to Hungary and Spain are in the form of "reasoned opinions" under EU infringement procedures. If either country fails to inform the Commission of measures taken to comply with their obligations under the amended GSM Directive within two months, the Commission could decide to refer them to the Court of Justice and ask the Court to impose financial penalties.

Despite this apparent slowness in implementing the revised Directive, both countries are pressing ahead with their plans for the 900 MHz band. Spain published its proposals last month, while Hungary's national development minister Tamas Fellegi recently said that the country would soon organise a frequency tender for the sale of a fourth licence in the band. Spectrum in the 900 MHz band in Hungary is currently held by Deutsche Telekom-backed T-Mobile Hungary, Telenor Hungary (formerly Pannon) and Vodafone Hungary. T-Mobile has 43 per cent of the mobile market, Telenor 34 per cent and Vodafone 22 per cent.

Hungary's telecoms regulator, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH), was set up by the Law on Media and the Freedom of Press, which came into force at the beginning of 2011. The NMHH has taken over the functions of two agencies, the National Communications Council and broadcasting regulator ORTT. The NMHH president, Annamaria Szalai, is a former member of the ORTT and will remain in the post for nine years.•

Read this article on the PolicyTracker website:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/brussels-urges-hungary-and-spain-to-implement-amended-gsm-directive

Australia's emergency services stake claim to digital dividend

2011-03-16T12:26:00.001Z

The Police Federation of Australia (PFA) has urged the country's prime minister Julia Gillard to "ensure the government does not put profit before public safety" and to reserve 20 MHz of digital dividend spectrum for use by the police and emergency services.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/australias-emergency-services-stake-claim-to-digital-dividend

Spanish government outlines spectrum release plans

2011-03-14T13:08:00.000Z

The Spanish government has published its plans for releasing 310 MHz of spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/spanish-government-outlines-spectrum-auction-plans

Sweden's established operators win 800 MHz spectrum

2011-03-11T11:18:00.001Z

Sweden's 800 MHz auction ended on 4 March when six licences were awarded to the country's four main mobile operators.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/swedens-established-operators-win-800-mhz-spectrum

Ofcom publishes Recognised Spectrum Access regulation

2011-03-09T14:22:00.001Z

UK rules introducing spectrum trading for Crown bodies in the 3400 - 3600 MHz band take effect in March, and Ministry of Defence (MoD) spectrum could be available for commercial use late next year. Crown bodies include UK government departments and other government-sponsored agencies.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/ofcom-publishes-recognised-spectrum-access-regulation

New policies to bring Indian telecoms into the 21st century

2011-03-08T13:23:00.001Z

With India's spectrum scandals accentuating the problems of its much-criticised system for allocating 2G spectrum, the government is trying to draw a line in the sand with a set of new policies aimed at producing a market-driven, transparent telecoms sector.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/new-policies-to-bring-indian-telecoms-into-the-21st-century

FCC seeks to improve wireless access for Native Americans

2011-03-07T14:35:00.000Z

Citing an "alarming lack" of telecoms services on American Indian tribal lands, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking ways to make more spectrum available for wireless uses.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/fcc-seeks-to-improve-wireless-access-for-native-americans

Romania urged to relaunch digital switchover

2011-03-04T11:38:00.001Z

A Romanian electronics industry association has written to the government to urge it to restart the country's stalled digital switchover process.

The Association for Digital Communication (ADC) made the call in an open letter addressed to Romania's authorities. The letter was also signed by a number of companies and individuals from Romania's telecoms and TV sectors. It calls on the government to:

* develop and finalise a new digital switchover strategy, with an analogue switch-off (ASO) date of 2013, by the end of March 2011

* ensure the digital multiplexes are awarded via a competitive and transparent process

* start the public debate about how the digital dividend should be used

In August 2010, the Romanian government postponed ASO to 2015, arguing that this would give viewers more time to buy reception equipment and "ensure a reasonable time in which operators, equipment manufacturers and sellers of technology adapt their behaviour to new requirements".

The decision was made without consulting the regulator, Ancom, even though it had already issued tenders for two digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplexes and seven Romanian and foreign companies had registered their interest. The tender process was subsequently cancelled.•

Read this article on the PolicyTracker website:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/romania-urged-to-relaunch-digital-switchover

Swedish 800 MHz auction gets under way

2011-03-03T14:12:00.001Z

Sweden's auction to assign licences for the use of spectrum in the 800 MHz band started on 28 February.

The licences are technology and service neutral. Six licences (2 × 5 MHz each) will be included in the auction and no company will be able to acquire more than two licences (2 × 10 MHz).

At the end of each day, but at 5pm at the earliest, Swedish regulator PTS will publish information on its website about how many bidding rounds have been finished, and the sum for the standing high bids in each bidding round. PTS estimates that the auction will take approximately two to ten working days.

To view the latest information on the auction, click here.•

Belgium to hold 3G and 4G auctions this year

2011-03-03T11:50:00.001Z

3G and 4G licences will be auctioned in Belgium in June 2011 and autumn 2011 respectively, according to the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunication (BIPT).

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/belgium-to-hold-3g-and-4g-auctions-later-this-year

March 2011 PDF edition

2011-03-02T17:07:00.001Z

Reaction to President's Obama's plan to give 4G speeds to 98% of Americans is our lead article this month. We also consider the latest views of EU regulators on the next World Radio Conference and cognitive radio as well as reporting on industry dissatisfaction with digital switchover policies in Romania.

Download the March issue of PolicyTracker here:

https://www.policytracker.com/Back issues/PT-Mar-11.pdf

The Middle East Spectrum Conference

29-30 March 2011, Dubai

Download the brochure:

https://www.policytracker.com/ME2_brochure

Includes programme of training courses:

https://www.policytracker.com/ME2_training_brochure

Mobile needs take centre stage at WRC-12 preparatory meeting

2011-03-01T11:34:00.001Z

Mobile spectrum needs were raised by administrations and commercial interests during a two-week WRC-12 preparatory meeting in a bid to spur proposals to include the issue on the agenda of the 2015 conference.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/mobile-needs-take-centre-stage-during-two-week-wrc-12-preparatory-meeting

Spectrum “scams” alleged to have cost India billions of dollars

2011-02-28T13:53:00.001Z

Ask the average citizen – or politician for that matter – in most countries what they understand by radio spectrum and the chances are you either won't get an answer or it will be the wrong one. Not so in India, however, where allegedly massive scams involving the allocation of spectrum have put the topic on the front pages for several weeks and shaken the government to its core.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/spectrum-201cscams201d-alleged-to-have-cost-india-billions-of-dollars

Telstra joins the rapidly-growing LTE 1800 party

2011-02-25T11:56:00.000Z

Australian incumbent Telstra will this year become the first major mobile operator to roll out LTE in the 1800 MHz band, which is looking increasingly likely to become not just a European but a global LTE band.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/telstra-joins-the-rapidly-growing-lte-1800-party

RSPG considers policy implications of cognitive technologies

2011-02-24T12:42:00.001Z

Rollout of cognitive radio applications could be left to individual countries but research and standards should be coordinated at European level, the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) said in a 10 February opinion addressing the possible spectrum policy implications arising from cognitive technologies. The report drew mixed reactions from broadcasters and from advocates of using white space.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/rspg-considers-spectrum-policy-implications-of-cognitive-technologies

PMSE sector disappointed by Ofcom stance on 2010 MHz band

2011-02-23T14:41:00.001Z

While a decision by Ofcom to allow the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector to use the 2010 to 2025 MHz band up to and during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been welcomed, the regulator's proposal that the band then be auctioned off has been met with dismay.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/pmse-sector-disappointed-by-ofcom-statement-on-2010-mhz-band

RSPG wants common EU spectrum policy goals for WRC-12

2011-02-22T11:56:00.001Z

Europe must set common spectrum policy goals and priorities as early as possible in order to have a stronger voice at the 2012 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-12), the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) said this month. Among its top recommendations is keeping the digital dividend 800 MHz band clear for rollout of non-broadcasting services.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/rspg-wants-common-european-spectrum-policy-goals-for-wrc-12

Syria sets reserve price for third mobile licence

2011-02-21T13:06:00.001Z

Syria has set a reserve price of €90 million for the mobile licence it expects to auction later this year.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/syria-sets-reserve-price-for-third-mobile-licence

Ministers and the relevant departments will decide what public sector spectrum to release, says UK communications minister

2011-02-18T14:13:00.001Z

When the Coalition government took office in the UK last May and Ed Vaizey was appointed communications minister, PolicyTracker was quickly on the phone to his office requesting an interview on the government's spectrum policies – assuming it had any. He is still too busy to talk to us in person, but did agree to respond in writing to some of our questions.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/ministers-and-the-relevant-departments-will-decide-on-the-bands-to-release

Costa Rican mobile monopoly comes to an end

2011-02-17T12:30:00.001Z

This year Costa Rica will become one of the last countries in Latin America to open its telecoms market to foreign competition. Two of the region's largest mobile operators have been awarded licences.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/costa-rican-mobile-monopoly-comes-to-an-end

Brussels urged to create European wireless broadband area

2011-02-16T14:20:00.001Z

The European Commission continues to search for a solution to the soaring voice and data roaming fees that continue to plague mobile phone users. One idea is for a pan-European wireless broadband area that relies on spectrum white spaces and sharing.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/commission-urged-to-create-european-wireless-broadband-area

Obama's wireless plan draws mixed reaction

2011-02-15T12:30:00.001Z

US president Barack Obama hopes to raise nearly $28 million through spectrum incentive auctions and to spend $3 billion of it on research and development of emerging wireless technologies and applications. But will his plan to give 98 per cent of Americans 4G high-speed wireless access within five years succeed?

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/obamas-wireless-plan-draws-mixed-reaction

Up to three new mobile licences to be issued in Turkmenistan

2011-02-11T10:18:00.001Z

In a move that suggests Turkmenistan could get up to three new mobile operators, the country's president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow has said local firms and state-owned operator Altyn Asyr should form joint ventures with "leading communications companies worldwide".

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/up-to-three-new-mobile-licences-to-be-issued-in-turkmenistan

Waiver makes new LTE network more feasible

2011-02-09T13:36:00.001Z

A waiver from US regulator the FCC makes LightSquared's planned national LTE network more financially feasible as consumers will no longer need to connect via dual satellite/terrestrial devices.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/waiver-makes-new-lte-network-more-feasible

US regulator appoints white space database administrators

2011-02-07T12:06:00.001Z

Commercial use of the broadcasting white spaces has come a step closer in the US with the telecoms regulator provisionally appointing nine companies as device database administrators.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/us-regulator-appoints-white-space-database-administrators

Europe's spectrum debate continues at ITRE hearing

2011-02-04T15:20:00.001Z

Europe's telecoms market has reached a "make or break" point and will lag behind if policymakers do not liberalise as much spectrum as is needed, MEP Gunnar Hökmark said at a 1 February public hearing hosted by the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/speakers-debate-spectrum-at-itre-hearing

Ofcom to allow spectrum trading at 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz

2011-02-03T16:05:00.000Z

Following the UK government's recent Direction on spectrum policy, Ofcom is consulting stakeholders in what appears to be a formality before introducing new rules to allow trading of the three currently-licensed mobile bands and changes to be made to existing 3G licences.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/ofcom-to-allow-spectrum-trading-at-900-1800-and-2100-mhz

What next for mobile TV?

2011-02-02T15:16:00.001Z

Having sold off the US spectrum it used for mobile broadcasting service FLO TV, wireless technology company Qualcomm is now urging European regulators to harmonise the 1452 - 1479.5 MHz L-band for supplemental mobile downlink. Where does this leave mobile TV?

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/what-next-for-qualcomms-l-band-spectrum

February 2011 PDF edition

2011-02-01T16:36:00.001Z

The growing impact of TD-LTE on spectrum policy is our top story this month. What was once a Chinese initiative is now making its influence felt around the world, but it looks set to be deployed as a complement rather than as a competitor to its FDD stablemate.

Download the February issue of PolicyTracker here:

https://www.policytracker.com/Back issues/PT-Feb-11.pdf

The Middle East Spectrum Conference

29-30 March 2011, Dubai

Download the brochure:

https://www.policytracker.com/ME2_brochure

Includes programme of training courses:

https://www.policytracker.com/ME2_training_brochure

Understanding Modern Spectrum Management

March 21-25 2011, Merton College, Oxford, UK

Download the brochure:

https://www.policytracker.com/UMSM_current_brochure

TD-LTE expected to co-exist comfortably with FD-LTE

2011-02-01T12:21:00.001Z

Although the Chinese backers of the TD-LTE standard predict its main future lies in the developing world, some in the telecoms industry think it also has a bright future in the developed world - alongside the FD-LTE which many MNOs are already committed to.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/td-lte-expected-to-co-exist-comfortably-with-fd-lte

China, Inc thrusts TD-LTE into the international spotlight

2011-01-31T11:58:00.001Z

Reminiscent of Japan, Inc in the 1980s, the Chinese state and its huge majority-owned businesses are working together to make a major impact on the international stage. An excellent case study in the workings of China, Inc is the staggeringly fast development of the TD-LTE standard.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/china-inc-thrusts-td-lte-into-the-international-spotlight

Greece looks to profits of refarming to help reduce debt

2011-01-28T12:28:00.001Z

Greece could earn more than €240 million from refarming GSM spectrum, according to a consultation document released by the country's telecoms regulator the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT).

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/greece-looks-to-profits-of-refarming-to-help-reduce-debt

FCC mandates LTE in 700 Mhz band

2011-01-27T14:30:00.001Z

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered all public safety mobile broadband networks to use LTE technology in the 700MHz band. According to FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, the move represents a major step toward nationwide interoperability for first responders.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/fcc-mandates-lte-in-700-mhz-band

South Africa relaunches licensing process

2011-01-26T14:21:00.001Z

South Africa's long-delayed plan to license 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum appears to be inching forward again, although the timing and process remain unclear.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/south-africa-relaunches-licensing-process

French minister wants “second digital dividend”

2011-01-24T11:08:00.001Z

France's industry minister Éric Besson said earlier this month he wants a second digital dividend to open more spectrum to mobile services, a proposal that will require terrestrial broadcasters to switch to DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 transmission and could put France in a position to lead European and international talks on the subject.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/french-minister-wants-201csecond-digital-dividend201d

“Business as usual” for PMSE sector during London Olympics

2011-01-21T14:33:00.001Z

In a statement issued on January 20, UK regulator Ofcom put an end to months of uncertainty by confirming the status quo in the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector would be maintained until after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/201cbusiness-as-usual201d-for-pmse-sector-during-olympics

Kenya proposes national open access wholesale LTE network

2011-01-20T15:44:00.001Z

The Kenyan government has proposed a national, open access, wholesale LTE network in the 2.6 GHz band to promote cost-effective spectrum use and keep operators from having to spend money at an auction.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/kenya-proposes-national-open-access-wholesale-lte-network

Two big winners in Brazil’s latest auctions

2011-01-19T08:55:00.001Z

The arrival of a new entrant in Brazil's 3G market plus increased spectrum holdings for incumbents are likely to see an acceleration in rollout around the country and better service quality. However, regulator Anatel's belief that prices will fall may be over-optimistic.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/two-big-winners-in-brazil2019s-latest-auctions

Malaysian mobile operator submits 2.6 GHz business plan

2011-01-18T14:19:00.001Z

Malaysian mobile operator DiGi Telecommunications has submitted a business plan to the country's telecoms regulator for its proposed use of 2.6 GHz spectrum.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/malaysian-mobile-operator-submits-2.6-ghz-business-plan

Zain prepares to launch 3G in Jordan

2011-01-17T11:47:00.001Z

Kuwait-based telecoms operator Zain has confirmed that it plans to launch a 3G service in Jordan as soon as a rival operator's exclusivity deal expires next month.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/zain-prepares-to-launch-3g-in-jordan

Spectrum event to be held at House of Commons

2011-01-13T12:36:00.001Z

The UK's parliament has taken the rare step of organising a pubic event that focuses on spectrum.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/spectrum-event-to-be-held-at-house-of-commons

Spectrum crunch? What spectrum crunch?

2011-01-11T14:14:00.001Z

Even though regulators and mobile operators continue to warn more spectrum is needed to deal with exploding demand for mobile Internet access, research firm Analysys Mason argues that claims of an impending mobile data "tsunami" are overblown.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/spectrum-crunch-what-spectrum-crunch

UK Parliament backs spectrum reform and legalises refarming

2011-01-07T14:57:00.001Z

The British Parliament has finally rubber stamped a special instrument (SI) which directs regulator Ofcom to go ahead with a range of spectrum reforms, some of which will await the outcome of a competition assessment.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/uk-parliament-passes-spectrum-reform-bill-and-legalises-refarming

Peru may get new 3G entrant this month

2011-01-06T12:31:00.001Z

Peru's long-delayed award of 25 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band is due to be held by beauty contest on January 13.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/peru-may-get-new-3g-entrant-this-month

CDMA operator wins 400 MHz band auctions in Denmark

2011-01-04T15:26:00.001Z

Pan-Scandinavian CDMA operator Ice.Net won licences in the 400MHz band at two separate auctions in Denmark late last year.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/cdma-operator-wins-400-mhz-band-auctions-in-denmark

Download the January issue of PolicyTracker here:

https://www.policytracker.com/Back issues/PT-Jan-11.pdf

January 2011 PDF edition

2010-12-23T11:50:00.001Z

The FCC's announcement that it will find 500 MHz of new spectrum for wireless broadband has certainly struck a chord in Europe and that is our top story this month.

In the UK there seems some doubt as to where this amount of spectrum will come from, while Sweden has set out a clear plan for the amounts involved and when they will be released.

The full contents list for the January issue of PolicyTracker is below and the whole issue is available as a PDF download here:

https://www.policytracker.com/Back issues/PT-Jan-11.pdf

Contents

UK defence ministry revives spectrum plans

Swiss to auction digital dividend, UMTS and GSM mobile frequencies

Germany to make spectrum use more flexible

Sweden to use 800 MHz auction to achieve universal broadband coverage

Report recommends harmonised Euro spectrum for PPDR

Qualcomm makes impressive profit from spectrum sale

Hong Kong to auction four new mobile licences in February

European pressure grows for 2016 global IMT spectrum action

EU telecoms ministers address radio frequency allocation

FCC seeks to improve access

to spectrum

CONSULTATIONS

Vodafone launches LTE 800 in rural Germany

Four bidders win spectrum in Estonia’s 4G auction

2010-12-22T14:26:00.001Z

Estonia's telecoms regulator has revealed the winning bidders in its auction of spectrum in the 2500 - 2690 MHz band.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/four-bidders-win-spectrum-in-estonia2019s-4g-auction

Qualcomm makes impressive profit from spectrum sale

2010-12-21T15:29:00.000Z

Having earlier announced it is abandoning its stalled mobile TV business MediaFlo, US chipmaker Qualcomm has recouped a hefty chunk of its investment by selling the MediaFlo spectrum to AT&T. The mobile giant will use it for LTE.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/qualcomm-makes-impressive-profit-from-700-mhz-spectrum-sale

UK defence ministry revives spectrum plans

2010-12-20T12:07:00.001Z

After a two-year delay, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is restarting its spectrum liberalisation programme. Companies looking to use the surplus spectrum welcomed the move but said the release should now take place as quickly as possible.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/uk-defence-ministry-revives-spectrum-release-plans

Sweden to use 800 MHz auction to achieve universal broadband coverage

2010-12-17T10:35:00.000Z

Licences to use frequencies in the 800 MHz band in Sweden will be assigned in an auction starting at the end of February 2011, according to the regulator PTS. Those interested must apply no later than 31 January.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/sweden-to-use-800-mhz-auction-to-ensure-universal-broadband-access

Report recommends harmonised Euro spectrum for PPDR

2010-12-16T12:24:00.001Z

Germany should advocate pan-European harmonised spectrum above and below 1 GHz for public protection and disaster relief, WiK Consult and Aegis Systems have said in a study carried out for the country's regulator and government. Scott Marcus, one of the authors of the study, believes it should spur a more intense discussion of the issues.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/report-recommends-pan-european-harmonised-spectrum-for-ppdr

Hong Kong to auction four new mobile licences in February

2010-12-15T14:47:00.001Z

The Hong Kong telecoms regulator has announced plans to auction the territory's remaining unused spectrum in the 850 and 900 MHz bands and the 2 GHz band in February 2011.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/hong-kong-to-auction-four-new-mobile-licences-in-february-2011

European pressure grows for 2016 global IMT spectrum action

2010-12-14T12:14:00.001Z

Mobile interests are lobbying regional groups to develop WRC-16 proposals to rationalise, consolidate and expand on frequency bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) for further harmonisation on a global basis.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/european-pressure-grows-for-global-imt-spectrum-action-in-2016

Mobile interests hail 3.4—3.8 GHz as key band for 4G services

2010-12-13T12:10:00.001Z

IMT-Advanced co-existence with very small aperture terminals, TV receive-only and satellite news gathering devices could "seriously hamper" the chances of the technology fulfilling its promise, according to a study published by the UMTS Forum.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/mobile-interests-hail-3.420143.8-ghz-as-the-key-band-for-4g-services

Vodafone launches LTE 800 in rural Germany

2010-12-10T11:43:00.001Z

The first large-scale commercial deployment of LTE is underway in Germany, where Vodafone is rolling out the service to rural areas using 800 MHz spectrum. The company will then turn its attention to towns and cities, where it will deploy LTE at 2.6 GHz.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/vodafone-launches-lte-800-in-rural-germany

Swiss to auction digital dividend, UMTS and GSM mobile frequencies

2010-12-09T11:29:00.001Z

Swiss communications authorities will auction more than 600 MHz from the digital dividend and other crucial mobile bands in an auction expected before the 2011 summer holidays.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/swiss-to-auction-digital-dividend-umts-and-gsm-mobile-frequencies

FCC seeks to improve access to spectrum

2010-12-08T15:16:00.001Z

In its "first formal step" towards spectrum incentive auctions, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed giving wireless broadband providers equal access to TV broadcast frequencies that may open up in auctions and allowing broadcasters to voluntarily share channels.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/fcc-seeks-to-improve-access-to-spectrum

UK to find 500 MHz of spectrum for “superfast” broadband

2010-12-07T15:35:00.001Z

The UK is to follow the lead taken by the US (and more recently Sweden) in releasing 500 MHz of new spectrum suitable for wireless broadband to the market over the next 10 years, according to a government document released this week.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/uk-to-find-500-mhz-of-extra-spectrum-for-201csuperfast201d-broadband

Germany to make spectrum use more flexible

2010-12-06T11:29:00.001Z

German regulator BNetzA has revealed it is updating the country's frequency usage plan to meet the needs of the government's broadband strategy.

Read the whole article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/germany-to-make-spectrum-use-more-flexible