Spectrum caps blamed for unsatisfactory outcome of Dutch auction

The outcome of the just-competed Dutch 2.6 GHz auction, which saw only paired FDD spectrum sold in a market-led format, does not appear to have satisfied anybody save the two new entrants. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/spectrum-caps-blamed-for-unsatisfactory-outcome-of-dutch-auction

WiMAX growth shows maturing ecosystem

With much of the telecoms media spotlight on the emergence of TD-LTE and the first commercial launch of an LTE network it is easy to overlook the significance of WiMAX subscriber growth and the potential impact of new multi-mode devices. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/wimax-growth-shows-maturing-ecosystem

Why don't the public believe the scientists?

Scientists say there is no evidence of a health risk from mobile phones or base stations, yet large sections of the public believe there is a danger, hindering the deployment of new networks. It's partly the media's fault, argues Martin Sims. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/why-dont-the-public-believe-the-scientists

Dutch 2.6 GHz auction: only FDD licenses sold

The Dutch 2.6 GHZ auction came to an end yesterday afternoon with five bidders acquiring 130 MHz of the 190 MHz on the block, all of it paired. The bidders paid a total of just over €2.6 million. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/dutch-2.6-ghz-auction-only-fdd-licenses-sold

Does Norway's 2.6 GHz auction suggest we should stick to the European plan?

As the Dutch market-driven 2.6 GHz auction draws to a close what does the Norwegian experience tell us about harmonising spectrum allocations? 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/does-norways-2.6-ghz-auction-suggest-we-should-stick-to-the-european-plan

Two new entrants win licenses in Dutch 2.6 GHz auction

The first part of the Dutch 2.6 GHz auction has come to a close with telecoms regulator Agentschap Telecom announcing five winning bidders. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/two-new-entrants-win-licenses-in-dutch-2.6-ghz-auction

Key spectrum auctions upcoming in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is likely to see the deployment of broadcast-type mobile TV and its first LTE network later this year following two spectrum auctions.

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/key-spectrum-auctions-upcoming-in-hong-kong

Norway to sell 10 GHz license via eBay-type auction site

In what is believed to be a world first, Norway's telecoms regulator is to conduct a spectrum auction through an online commercial auction site. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/norway-to-sell-10-ghz-license-via-ebay-type-auction-site

Editorial: lessons from UK's refarming failure

Governments need to stand firm behind regulators threatened with legal action rather than starting the consultation process all over again. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/lessons-from-uks-refarming-failure

Campaign by public safety users start to bear fruit

European policymakers are warming to the idea that emergency services need more spectrum. The problem is where to find it. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/campaign-by-public-safety-users-start-to-bear-fruit-1

Time division variant of LTE faces its first test this summer

The world's two biggest telecoms markets, China and India, may see the first rollout of time division duplex (TD)-LTE as early as 2011 when frequency division duplex (FD)–LTE is only starting to gain traction. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/the-time-division-variant-of-lte-faces-its-first-test-this-summer

The April printed edition of PolicyTracker is available as a PDF download at the link below:

https://www.policytracker.com/Back%20issues/PT-April-10.pdf

Green light for Indian 3G auction on April 9

This time it seems almost certain the Indian 3G and BWA auctions are finally going ahead following numerous postponements over the past two years, with the government having released a list of qualified bidders. 

Read more and comment on this article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/green-light-for-indian-3g-auction-on-april-9

The April printer edition of PolicyTracker is available as a PDF download at the link below:

https://www.policytracker.com/Back%20issues/PT-April-10.pdf

UK government drops spectrum reform proposals

The UK Labour Party has abandoned attempts to get a special instrument authorising spectrum reform through parliament before the pre-election recess. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/uk-government-drops-spectrum-reform-proposals

April 2010 PDF edition available for download

The latest edition of the PolicyTracker monthly spectrum management newsletter is now available for download. 

This month we consider whether further legal action and a lack of cross-party support will obstruct the UK government's new arrangements for refarming 900 MHz and rationalising mobile spectrum in the light of the T-mobile/Orange merger. 

We also review the proceedings at Europe's first spectrum summit and take a detailed look at the proposals in the US national broadband plan.

You can download our April 2010 issue here: 

https://www.policytracker.com/Back%20issues/PT-April-10.pdf

POLICYTRACKER APRIL 2010: CONTENTS

UK digital spectrum 

2

Auctions and trades set the framework

4

Passage of UK spectrum proposals depends on the Tories and BT

6

Attempts to block UK spectrum legislation rest on disputed claim

7

UK spectrum leasing postponed until after election 

EU Spectrum summit

8

Fear of regional lag dominates first EU spectrum summit 

9

No change is not an option says Kroes

10

Border issues with Russia hampers use of digital dividend band 

11

New Commissioner adopts a broader view of spectrum 

US national broadband plan

12

FCC publishes national broadband plan 

14

US "cash for spectrum" scheme 

15

"Spectrum Dashboard" launched 

Other news

16

Time is running out to tackle satellite's spectrum shortfall, insiders say 

17

Satellite and aeronautical interests disagree 

18-19

Active consultations

20

Iran criticised over interference

EU and ITU call on Iran to stop satellite interference

In a highly unusual move European foreign ministers and the Radio Regulations Board have demanded action after repeated complaints from broadcasters. 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/eu-and-itu-call-on-iran-to-stop-satellite-interference

World's first "smart city" wireless network launches using TV white spaces

Local officials say the network is a "model for public-private partnerships" 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/worlds-first-smart-city-wireless-network-launches-using-tv-white-spaces