28 February 2007

Digital Dividend Review

Some interesting presentations were made at an eWestminster forum today with relation to the digital switchover and the resulting so-called "digital dividend review" in the UK. Broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV made it clear that they fear for the future development of HDTV if some of the DDR spectrum is not handed over for this purpose. Arqiva, which was meant to give an idiot's guide to spectrum as the first presentation, instead used it as an opportunity to lambast Ofcom once again over its unyielding stance on the whole DDR process. Mobile operators were conspicuous by their absence on the various panels, which I thought was strange given that they have been lobbying hard for mobile TV spectrum - indeed I think DVB-H was mentioned about once all day. The focus really was on broadcast and HD, while PMSE was presented as an industry that could be destroyed if it is not assured of spectrum after switchover.

One consultant noted that kit you can buy now that says it is "HD-ready" actually supports MPEG2, not MPEG4, which is what "true" HDTV would be based on. The BBC spokesman noted that you'd have to look for the "HDTV" symbol rather than "HD ready". Apparently there would be some sort of common interface that would enable an MPEG4 module to be added, but still, it's worth knowing as a consumer...!

Fears were raised that if digital terrestrial TV does not have sufficient HD services freely available to current Freeview users, then we could see the emergence of another "digital divide" - ie HD vs SD. One panellist said this could eventually seem like the difference between VHS and DVD quality now...

The plan to hold an auction was also much discussed and disputed, as were the ideas of technology neutrality and market-led approaches. Basically, Ofcom will upset someone whichever way it goes. The regulator is sticking to its guns and remains adamant that its approach is the best one available in view of its requirement to try to ensure the best use of the spectrum in the interests of UK consumers.

14 February 2007

3GSM

It's day three at the annual mobile networking event here in Barcelona, and we're all starting to feel a little frayed around the edges. It's even bigger than ever, and the stands aren't getting any smaller either. All the major vendors seem to be trying to outdo each other with ever larger hospitality suites...

But as usual it's been an interesting week, with announcements ranging from results of mobile TV trials (MediaFLO and BSkyB) through to the usual array of new handset launches (new DVB-H handset from Nokia, to name but one) and demos of technologies yet to come, such as LTE.

Nokia Siemens Networks is presenting a united front at the event for the first time, with a single logo and stand. But the company is still unable to provide a date for when the merger will be completed. The press conference on Monday seemed generally lacking in anything really concrete - there is a sense of being in limbo.

Meanwhile the Nokia/Qualcomm spat over patent rights continues, and all eyes will be on the two companies if 9th April comes and goes with no agreement.

Paul Jacobs seemed to take a certain amount of pleasure in the fact that LG beat off Nokia in the GSMA's "3G for all" tender. LG is also using Qualcomm chips. Nokia wouldn't have done...

Why is it though that we still have to complain about appalling WiFi Internet access at the event...? Some things never seem to change...

09 February 2007

Orange UK MVNOs

Orange UK looks set to sign its first significant MVNO deal this year. The operator has been bolstered by the 2G roaming deal it signed with 3 last year and is stepping up its wholesale activities. Company sources say the mobile operator is in talks with a number of parties and hopes to sign at least one deal this year.

Orange has clearly defined definitions of the different MVNO "models", ranging from companies that manage their own SIMs through to companies that provide little more than a brand. The operator is largely considering supporting two MVNO models, and is also interested in working with MVNEs as it sees them as facilitators of the virtual operators.

The operator already has MVNO deals in France.

08 February 2007

Barcelona madness...

It will be chaos next week, more than likely. According to latest estimates from the GSMA the number of people to descend on 3GSM in Barcelona next week will hit the 60,000 mark, well up on last year's figure of around 50,000 and almost double the 34,000 that went to Cannes in 2005. The number of exhibitors is also set to be higher at 1,300, compared with 1,000 last year.

For many of us going to the event next week, and that includes pretty much all of Total Telecom and our sister title Total Content + Media, a key concern will be security and crime. It has been reported that the police dealt with over 1,000 reported thefts from show visitors. It is to be hoped that the situation will improve this year and that measures have been taken to combat crime during the event.

Mobile innovators

O2 unveiled a list of top 50 "mobile companies to watch" this week. The companies, all based in the UK, are primarily involved in mobile content or data in some way or other. One journalist present at the unveiling of the list pointed out that there weren't many "pure technology" companies. O2 said this reflects the growing move away from the technology to content...

Apparently the companies nominate themselves and are ranked by a panel of four judges. This year's ranking was topped by mobile user-generated content specialist Yospace, which has only just been acquired by media heavyweight Emap. In O2's view, user-generated content is a key trend to watch this year, along with location-based services and messaging, as well as the increased use of the mobile handset for buying tickets and other similar transactions.

01 February 2007

Changes at Total Telecom

David Molony has left Total Telecom to try his hand at consultancy - he becomes Principal Analyst within the Enterprise Practice of London-based Ovum with effect from today.

David, who was with Total Telecom and its predecessor, CommunicationsWeek International, for almost 11 years, will be much missed, and we wish him well in his new career!

His departure has led to a reshuffle here at Total Telecom: Anne Morris takes over the editor role for the magazine, while Mary Lennighan is Executive Editor of TT Online. Joanne Taaffe has moved from being part-time to full-time and is deputy editor for the magazine. Existing key staff members are Ian Kemp, Associate Editor of the magazine, and Michelle Young, Art Director.