PolicyTracker spectrum

New laws to stimulate wireless industries in the US

Dugie Standeford — 2009-07-10T13:45:49Z

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.

New look FCC ready to get back into gear

Michael Newlands — 2009-07-08T14:00:38Z

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.

Thai 3G auction delayed until 2010

Michael Newlands — 2009-07-07T14:20:27Z

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.

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

Scott Billquist, Geneva correspondent — 2009-07-03T09:17:46Z

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.

UK signs up to harmonised digital dividend

Martin Sims — 2009-06-30T11:01:58Z

Ofcom today confirmed it would clear the 800 MHz band, falling into line with several other European countries.

Editorial: Brave Finland points to the elephant

Martin Sims, Managing Editor — 2009-06-29T14:13:01Z

The Finns deserve credit for officially acknowledging that terrestrial TV may have a sell-by-date. It’s something that many choose to disregard, argues PolicyTracker’s Managing Editor, Martin Sims

July 2009 printed issue available for download

Martin Sims — 2009-07-03T09:08:16Z

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.

Developing world set to benefit from clampdown on “virtual” and “paper” satellites

Scott Billquist, Geneva Correspondent — 2009-06-26T12:48:41Z

For the first time the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau is trying to remove unused satellite frequency assignments to free up space for new networks, particularly those aimed at the developing world. It’s a response to the growing pressure on geostationary orbit slots and satellite spectrum.

Reding eyes other portfolios but may remain at Information Society

Nathalie Vandystadt, Brussels correspondent — 2009-06-25T09:46:20Z

Is Luxembourger Viviane Reding going to keep the Information Society portfolio? According to her country's press, she would prefer to obtain the Internal Market or Consumer Protection dossiers. However, if this isn’t possible she may continue as Information Society Commissioner by default as she says she enjoys her current role.

UK regulator postpones 2.6 GHz auction

Martin Sims — 2009-06-23T13:25:51Z

The UK’s troubled 2.6 GHz auction, which Ofcom hoped to hold in September once legal action had been resolved, has now been put on hold.

Australia’s new spectrum principles embrace market mechanisms

Michael Newlands — 2009-06-22T13:27:47Z

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has just completed its first consultation governed by a new set of Principles for Spectrum Management which will determine the country’s spectrum policies in the years ahead.

Swedish EU presidency backs beleaguered telecoms package

Dugie Standeford — 2009-06-19T11:35:33Z

Frustration is growing among policy-makers and politicians as a dispute between the European Parliament and Council of Ministers holds up the allocation of spectrum they regard as vital to Europe’s economic recovery.

Key spectrum issues still unresolved in “Final” Digital Britain report

Michael Newlands — 2009-06-18T11:29:25Z

The UK government’s promised “get tough” approach to GSM refarming hasn’t materialised with the key decisions passed on to technical arbitration and then consultation. However, there has been a firmer policy ruling in an unexpected field: digital radio switchover.

Spain does a u-turn on digital dividend

Michael Newlands — 2009-06-17T10:35:26Z

Spain and Germany have become the latest European countries to fall in with EC harmonization plans and designate the 800MHz digital dividend band for non-broadcasting use.

French government given recommendations on public sector spectrum pricing

Dugie Standeford — 2009-06-17T09:12:42Z

France’s Agence Nationale des fréquences has investigated spectrum pricing for public bodies but the results so far are inconclusive. The ball is now in the government’s court.