MP’s Want Mobile Operators to Get on with It

A committee of UK MPs is urging mobile operators to stop fighting over how to share out the airwaves that will deliver next-generation services and get on with it.

The switch-over to digital TV has been key to providing the much-needed bandwidth for data services following the exponential rise of smartphones.  The result freed up a spectrum of airwaves that are now being fought over by the top mobile operators. 

The spectrum being auctioned is particularly valuable because it is low frequency and therefore covers greater distances. Regulator Ofcom hopes to hold the sale mid-2012, meaning that the UK is on track to be one of the last European countries to hold its 4G auction.  

Amidst a complex list of complaints, Ofcom has made clear that it wants Three to remain as a competitor in the UK mobile landscape because it has ensured that consumers get innovative services and low prices.  Therefore, in its proposals for the spectrum auctions the watchdog set mechanisms to ensure that Three got a portion of the 4G spectrum at a minimum price.  This angered O2 and Vodafone who threatened legal action over the floors, claiming they amounted to state-aid for Three.

Three, Vodafone, O2 and Everything, Everywhere are all planning to meet with Ofcom and the Government during the second consultation period in December to try and decide how the auction should work.  

Contactless Technology Roll-Out - Cash or Mobile Phones?

Across the UK, thousands of shops are preparing for the roll-out of new contactless technology, which could see us leaving our wallets at home as we use our mobile phones to pay. 

The expectation of many large retailers is that Near Field Communication (NFC) technology will take off this summer.  One estimate suggests 40,000 businesses could be using it by the end of 2011.

However, like most new technologies, the success of NFC requires consumers to buy into the concept, and it remains to be seen whether the technology really has the public support it requires.  

In terms of security there are certainly issues that need to be resolved within the industry, users are certainly going to have to enter a pin when you make a transaction.  With all the concerns surrounding mobile technology security at the moment, customers are right to err on the side of caution.  

Mobile phone operators and manufacturers, banks and retailers are all investing millions of pounds to make the technology a success. Orange and MasterCard are jointly launching a NFC-ready handset between April and June while competitors Visa and O2 are doing the same later this summer.

There are concerns about the affect this may have on smaller retailers as it is the bigger chains that are preparing for the changes now.   

But what do you think? Are you excited by the freedom of NFC or are you concerned with prospective security breaches?

O2 to launch Free Wi-Fi Nationwide

The existing UK-wide wi-fi network is undergoing big changes as O2 announces that it is launching a free wireless nationwide.

O2 had previously offered free wi-fi on some of its tariffs via BT Openzone and The Cloud, but The Cloud is rumoured to be close to sealing a buy-out deal with Sky, and O2 is widening its scope independently.

Initially the hotspots will be available in 450 O2-owned sites, which won’t offer great coverage but there are plans to expand to other locations, including shops and restaurants which is a step in the right direction. O2 said access to the hotspots would be through a simple sign-up process and would be free to both O2 and non-O2 customers, which they plan to fund through advertising.

There are some big boys in the market already with BT Openzone and Fon the biggest in the UK, but not enough people use it.  With that in mind, O2 want to help kick-start more wi-fi usage

"Only 20% of people who have access to free public wi-fi on 02 tariffs actively use it despite the majority of devices being wi-fi enabled," said O2's business development director Tim Sefton

Smartphone prices lowered across Europe

It seems Vodafone are catching on to what Adodo have been doing for years.  Not only simplifying their smartphone tariffs for use across Europe but they are also making them cheaper.

UK customers who occasionally travel to Europe can take their domestic plan abroad for an additional £2 per day.  Those that travel frequently can take on a price plan that includes data roaming within their monthly package.  Both options will be available for consumer and business customers.

Adodo can take all the hassle away.  If you talk to us about your needs, we will find the right mobile network and the right tariff for you.

4G Airwaves Auction set for 2012

Ofcom's chief executive Ed Richards has laid out the new timetable for the rollout of next-generation mobile services in the UK, at the FT World Telecoms Conference.



The first half of 2012 will see the airwaves that enable 4G networks being auctioned off to mobile operators. The original auction was earmarked for 2009 but was delayed because of legal action by mobile firms such as O2 and Vodafone.


The auction will see two chunks of the spectrum sold off - the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands. Due to the digital TV switchover, the 800MHz slice has been freed up, which allows mobile signals to travel over greater distances, making it invaluable in the search to find ways of bringing broadband to rural areas.


Due to the litigation last year we are slightly behind other countries in offering services. Germany, for example, auctioned off its digital dividend spectrum and others are planning to do so very soon.

Apple iPad's release TODAY!!

Customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK can finally pick up their shiny new tablet that Apple fanatics across the Atlantic have been so actively championing these past few weeks.

The iPad will be stocked in 139 Currys and PC World stores across the UK today which could provide a welcome alternative to queuing outside the Apple Store.

Pricing might come as a bit of a blow to some fans though, as the iPad has come out a little worse for wear after a fight over currency conversion. The Wi-Fi only, 16GB model translates from $500 to a hefty £429; a good £90 premium for the privilege of living in the UK.

In an attempt to to steal a march on Apple's iPad ahead of today's UK launch - Dell announced on Tuesday that their Android-powered mini tablet, the Dell Streak, will be released on O2 in early June.

The Streak will be available exclusively on O2 in 'early June', although an exact release date has not been confirmed. Price and tariff details will also be announced soon, O2 said.