FCC plans to free up 500 Mhz over next decade

Details have started to emerge of the US national broadband plan. Proposals are set to include the auction of the 700 MHz D Block and spectrum voluntarily relinquished by broadcasters. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/fcc-plans-to-free-up-500-mhz-over-next-decade

Bahrain plans for spectrum release

Bahrain may make some public sector bands available for commercial use as well as applying technology neutrality more widely as part of a major spectrum release plan just trailed by the Telecoms Regulatory Authority. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/bahrain-plans-for-spectrum-release

WRC preparatory talks look positive for cognitive proponents

A key area of debate is whether the technology should be restricted to particular bands 

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https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/wrc-preparatory-talks-look-positive-for-cognitive-proponents

Can femtocells tame the mobile data explosion?

Femtocells can double the capacity of a mobile network without requiring any additional spectrum, says the chairman of the technology's lobby group. But the biggest challenge may be finding the business model. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/can-femtocells-tame-the-mobile-data-explosion

Google boss nearly answers the big question

Google's CEO, Eric Schmidt, says he sees the mobile industry as partners, not competitors. He had encouraging words for the WiMAX fraternity and for spectrum policy geeks he almost solved one of the great mysteries... 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/google-boss-nearly-answers-the-big-question

Increase in base station power limits likely to face opposition

A proposal by UK regulator Ofcom to boost permitted power limits for 3G and 2 GHz MSS/CGC licenses should increase coverage but has been criticised by a campaign group.

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/increase-in-base-station-power-limits-likely-to-face-opposition

WiMAX camp appeals for early auction of UK 2.6 GHz centre gap

With auctioning of 2.6 GHz in the UK getting pushed further and further back, government and regulators are being urged to sell the 50 MHz central block of TDD spectrum which could be used for WiMAX. 

Read the full article here:

https://www.policytracker.com/headlines/wimax-camp-appeals-for-early-auction-of-uk-2.6-ghz-centre-gap

This is the third article of our series considering the issues raised by the UK's approach to 2.6 GHz, the digital dividend and GSM refarming.