UK report recommends spectrum caps ahead of auctions May 14, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Europe, Mobile, Mobile Industry News, Mobile News, Telecom, UK, WiMAX, Wireless.Tags: Europe, Mobile, Mobile Industry News, Mobile News, Telecom, UK, WiMAX, Wireless
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The UK government has issued an independent report on dividing existing and future mobile network spectrum. After the mobile operators were unable to reach an industry agreement on their existing spectrum holdings, the government asked former Ofcom director Kip Meek to act as an independent broker and develop a plan for the 2G and 3G spectrum. His proposals also incorporate the 2.6GHz spectrum for Wimax and LTE and the so-called digital dividend in the 800 MHz band, which still must be auctioned. According to the report, the goal is to give network operators certainty on their future investments, encourage further take-up of mobile broadband and use new technologies to achieve the government’s goal of near universal broadband access. A quick and efficient division of the spectrum could mean all of the UK enjoying mobile broadband at 4 Mbps within five years, while many urban years would see up to 50 Mbps.
On the spectrum to be auctioned, Meek proposes an auction of the TDD 2.6GHz spectrum for Wimax services by year-end, and a later auction combining the FDD 2.6GHz and 800 MHz frequencies. Meek would like to see regional and speed obligations on services deployed in the 800 MHz band to enhance broadband access, while the current 3G licence holders would receive incentives for expanding broadband access, such as indefinite licence terms and relaxed rules on rural infrastructure sharing.
To enhance competition, Meek proposes a temporary cap on spectrum holdings, at 2 x 60MHz for overall mobile FDD spectrum. Existing holders of sub-1GHz frequencies would also face a cap, so as to obtain 800MHz frequencies they must give up 900MHz holdings. The caps would expire a year after the combined spectrum auction. The latter cap applies to Vodafone UK and O2 UK, who each already have 2 x 17.2MHz in the 900MHz band. Orange UK and T-Mobile UK each have 2 x 30MHz at 1800 MHz. While they could bid freely for 800MHz or any 900MHz given up by the other two operators, they would only be able to bid for 2 x 10Mhz of the 2.6GHz frequencies in order to remain under the cap. They would have to give up 1800MHz or 2.1GHz frequencies to gain more in the 2.6GHz band. 3 UK and any new entrants would be able to bid freely for any of the spectrum, within the limits of the auctions. Meek’s proposals will go to the department for business and regulatory reform, which will formulate a government decision for Ofcom to enact.
Former Blyk chief takes the helm at O2’s media arm February 10, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Blyk, Mobile Network Operator, MVNO, O2, UK.Tags: Blyk, Mobile Network Operator, MVNO, O2, UK
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O2 has appointed former Blyk chief executive Shaun Gregory as managing director of media. He will take on the role on March 1. Gregory will be responsible for the overall media strategy at the operator, as well as building an advertising business to offer mobile and cross-media opportunities for brands in the UK. He will report to O2 UK customer director, Tim Sefton.
Prior to joining O2, Gregory was chief executive at ad-funded youth MVNO Blyk in the UK. He has also held positions including new media director at The Telegraph Media Group and board director at Emap.
Samsung launches online mobile app store February 6, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Mobile Application, Samsung, Telecom, UK, Wireless.Tags: Mobile Application, Samsung, Telecom, UK, Wireless
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Samsung has launched an online mobile applications store. The online store called Samsung Mobile Applications allows innovator members to sell their applications via the website. The online store is initially focussed on the UK. The store will be officially launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona with 1,100 applications. The store will support both Symbian S60 and Windows Mobile applications, with further upgrades planned for later this year.
BT launches location-based, personalised Wi-Fi service February 5, 2009
Posted by aikservices in British Telecom, BT, Cisco, Intel, UK, Wi-Fi.Tags: British Telecom, BT, Cisco, Intel, UK, Wi-Fi
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BT has launched a location-centric, personalised Wi-Fi service, powered by Io Global, in London. BT MyPlace combines location, personalisation data and convergence to deliver relevant information and advertising such as restaurant, bars and shopping recommendations, plus audio downloads including books and walking tours, to consumers on the move. The service is free via any outdoor BT Openzone Westminster hotspot and can be accessed from any Wi-Fi device in BT’s Westminster Wireless City. BT MyPlace was launched in conjunction with BT and Westminster City Council, and sponsored by Cisco and Intel. The service is available free during a six-month trial, with funding provided bContent partners include Time Out, Love Theatre, Kodak, LondonPass and audible.com.y local advertising.
T-Mobile ad receives record YouTube hits February 4, 2009
Posted by aikservices in G1, Mobile Advertising, T-Mobile, UK, YouTube.Tags: G1, Mobile Advertising, T-Mobile, UK, YouTube
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T-Mobile’s ‘Dance’ ad has received 5.5 million hits on YouTube since it was released last month, beating the Cadbury Gorilla advert.The Life’s for Sharing advert, which features 400 commuters dancing in a synchronised routine during open hours at Liverpool Street station, has received 5.5 million hits in less than a month, beating the Cadbury ad’s 5 million in 12 months. T-Mobile claimed that the ad is the most viewed sponsored channel of all time in the UK, and 25th in the world.The three-minute advert, which was created by advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi, was first aired in full during Big Brother on 16 January and took up the entire commercial break.
T-Mobile recorded its highest ever January weekend store footfall after the screening of the commercial.The operator is launching a number of spin-off commercials to maximise the impact of the advert, the first featuring Kelly Brook. The follow-up adverts will promote T-Mobile products and services, including the Combi tariff and the G1 handset.
Vodafone sales up 14%, raises outlook on forex boost February 4, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Financial, Mobile Network Operator, UK, Vodafone.Tags: Financial, Mobile Network Operator, UK, Vodafone
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Vodafone Group reported revenues for the three months to December of GBP 10.47 billion, up 14.3 percent from a year earlier on the back of positive currency effects and takeovers. On an organic basis, sales fell 1 percent year-on-year, as growth in Africa and Asia could not offset a decline in the mobile operator’s mature markets in Western Europe. Vodafone added 9.5 million new mobile customers in the period, led by its Indian operation gaining over 6.3 million and Vodacom in Africa adding over 1 million. The company finished 2008 with 289 million customers, proportionate for its ownership in subsidiaries. Due to the decline in pound sterling, Vodafone has increased its operating profit outlook for the full year by GBP 500 million, to GBP 11.5 billion, and raised the free cash flow forecast by GBP 300 million, to a range of GBP 5.5-6.0 billion. Revenues are now estimated at GBP 40.6-41.5 billion, up from the previous outlook of GBP 38.8-39.7 billion. Vodafone CEO Vittori Colao said in a statement that the underlying outlook remains the same, with results in the past quarter similar to the previous three months. He also reiterated a target for GBP 1 billion in cost savings by March 2011, of which half are expected by March 2010.
Consumers Want Citywide Wi-Fi – And Are Willing to Pay for It January 30, 2009
Posted by aikservices in 3G, Google, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, UK, USA, Wi-Fi, Wireless.Tags: 3G, Google, iPhone, Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, UK, USA, Wi-Fi, Wireless
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A report commissioned by Wi-Fi application vendor, Devicescape has found that most respondents want citywide Wi-Fi (84%) and, surprisingly, many are willing to pay for it (56%) as they would a utility. The report also found that an overwhelming number of Wi-Fi users expect Wi-Fi while on the road (91%) and when traveling, the most-often used device for accessing Wi-Fi was the smartphone, such as an iPhone (vs. laptops). The overwhelming majority of smartphone users (81%) prefer using Wi-Fi over 3G for browsing Web sites, downloading data, Google searches and sending e-mail. Also, 86% of respondents want OEMs to build Wi-Fi into their handsets and 82% of respondents want the service provider to provide an overall 3G/Wi-Fi data package.Many of the statistics within the UK and mainland Europe were similar to the US, but one significant difference is that Nokia is the most used device tapping into Wi-Fi, more than laptops and iPhone users.
Vodafone issues handset strategy to manufacturers January 29, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Mobile, Mobile Network Operator, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless.Tags: Mobile, Mobile Network Operator, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless
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Vodafone told manufacturers that it would reduce the number of handsets in its range this year.The operator gathered all of the manufacturers it uses for its annual meeting at its head office in Newbury last week.Chairing the meeting was devices chief, Chris Edwards, who also hinted at standardised services and user experience on the handsets.One manufacturer in attendance said: The message was clear. They want to drive down how much we charge them, and they want a richer, more uniform “Vodafone” experience on handsets.
A spokeswoman for Vodafone said: At a recent device conference that Vodafone UK held for manufacturers, we updated on our strategy to continue to take best in class devices that meet the cross section of customer types. This will mean that we will continue to focus on a narrower range of devices overall, avoiding duplication and improving in market execution and the customer experience.
Motorola global marketing chief exits January 28, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Job Cuts, Mobile, Motorola, Telecom, UK, Wireless.Tags: Job Cuts, Mobile, Motorola, Telecom, UK, Wireless
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Motorola corporate vice president for marketing, Jeremy Dale, will become the latest executive to leave the struggling manufacturer at the end of this month.It is thought that Dale will pursue a career in the UK, but is not known if he has a job to go to. His current reports will report to senior vice president and business general manager for Greater China, Bruce Brda, until a possible replacement is found. Dale, a former Orange marketing executive, joined Motorola in 2005 and took the top marketing job in March 2007. A year later, he was promoted following Casey Keller’s resignation, after Keller’s job was absorbed by two executives: Dale, and Eduardo Conrado.
Dale was formerly VP of retail marketing at Motorola Mobile Devices and was involved in promoting Motorola’s three-year advertising and retail collaboration with David Beckham, and promoted the Motorola Red products, part of a campaign to fight AIDS in Africa. Earlier this month, Motorola announced that it is cutting a further 3,000 jobs in addition to the 4,000 it announced last year.
Hyundai enters UK mobile manufacturer market January 20, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Hyundai, Mobile, Telecom, UK, Wireless.Tags: Hyundai, Mobile, Telecom, UK, Wireless
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Hyundai is the latest name to enter the UK manufacturer fray, after agreeing terms with Advantage Cellular to facilitate the launch of Hyundai Mobile UK. The automobile and electronics giant, has launched Hyundai Mobile across parts of Europe in September 2008, and will base itself in the same Oxfordshire building as Advantage to oversee its expansion into the UK. Hyundai is aiming for a UK market share of 3-5% within the next five years. The launch has seen Advantage’s marketing manager, Graham Jelfs, become Hyundai Mobile UK’s head of marketing and communications.
Hyundai is to have talks with UK operators, distributors and retailers ‘in the coming weeks’. It has around eight devices on the European marketplace so far, and will showcase new devices at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February.
Vodafone UK tests Babelgum mobile internet TV service January 14, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Mobile, Mobile TV, Nokia, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless.Tags: Mobile, Nokia, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless
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Web TV service Babelgum has launched a six-month trial of the Babelgum Mobile internet mobile TV service with Vodafone UK. This will allow Vodafone UK 3G contract customers with mobile internet bundles to access a range of video clips free of charge. The Babelgum Mobile application can be downloaded from the Vodafone live! portal and initially supports the Nokia N96, N95 and 6210 handsets.
T-Mobile launches YouTube channel for G1 January 8, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Android, G1, Google, Mobile, T-Mobile, Telecom, UK, USA, Wireless.Tags: Android, G1, Google, Mobile, T-Mobile, Telecom, Wireless
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T-Mobile is launching a channel on YouTube for its G1 Android mobile phone. The new channel allows customers to post questions about their phone and receive written and video answers from both T-Mobile’s experts and other customers. The G1 was launched last year in the US and UK.
U.K. mobile-phone sector to shed thousands of jobs: report December 30, 2008
Posted by aikservices in France Telecom, Job Cuts, Mobile, Orange, Telecom, UK, Wireless.Tags: France Telecom, Job Cuts, Mobile, Orange, Telecom, UK, Wireless
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Thousands of workers are expected to lose their jobs across the U.K.’s mobile phone industry in early 2009, the Guardian reports Saturday, without citing sources. According to the report, some of the biggest job cuts should be seen at mobile operator Orange, owned by France Telecom, which employs 12,000 people. Management consultants are being used by a range of firms to advise on cost savings, the newspaper says.
BlackBerry Curve 8900 To Hit U.S. In Feb.? December 29, 2008
Posted by aikservices in 3G, BlackBerry, BlackBerry Curve 8900, BlackBerry Javelin, Canada, Edge, GPS, Mobile, QWERTY Keyboard, RIM, T-Mobile, Telecom, UK, USA, Wi-Fi, Wireless.Tags: 3G, BlackBerry, BlackBerry Curve 8900, BlackBerry Javelin, Canada, Edge, GPS, Mobile, QWERTY Keyboard, RIM, T-Mobile, Telecom, UK, USA, Wi-Fi, Wireless
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It seems the stateside BlackBerry faithful will have to wait until the new year to get their hands on the BlackBerry Curve 8900, also known as the BlackBerry Javelin.TmoNews, an unofficial T-Mobile news blog, has confirmed that the anticipated and updated Curve has a “hopeful” release date of Feb. 18. The device is expected to hit T-Mobile first. Already available in Canada and the U.K., the Curve 8900, which got the stamp of approval from the FCC here in November, is being called the high-end BlackBerry Bold 9000’s kid brother.
The quad-band Curve 8900 offers Edge support with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a 512MHz next-generation processer, a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.4-inch, 480 x 360 high-resolution display. The Curve 8900 also marks the thinnest smartphone in BlackBerry’s 10-year history to offer a full QWERTY keyboard, just a hair over a half-inch thick. While the Curve 8900 lacks 3G support, it wraps in a 3.2-megapixel camera and BlackBerry OS version 4.6.
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