Ofcom Gives Green Light to Spectrum Trade

With the massive rise in Smartphone use, bandwidth is becoming a huge issue, putting an ever increasing demand on networks.  So the UK regulator Ofcom, has given phone operators the green light to trade with each other in an effort to combat the problem.

The controversial will enable networks to sell off the airwaves they own in the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz frequency bands.  The move comes ahead of a crucial spectrum auction next year that will usher in 4G data services.  The UK has been slow in offering a more level-playing field compared to other nations. 

The merger of T-mobile and Orange forced Ofcom to change their original plans and now Everything Everywhere, the parent company of these two networks, are set to be the biggest beneficiaries of spectrum trading.  

Three is the least happy, as they have the least spectrum to trade, and said in a statement.

"This move simply allows those who have been gifted access to public spectrum to profit from it, with no benefit for UK taxpayers."

The Mobile Wallet Has Arrived

Quick Tap – the system that allows people to purchase items using their mobile phone has been launched in the UK, and its gathering popularity in Europe.  

To use the service, you will need Orange and Barclaycard accounts as well as a handset that is set up for contactless payments.  The service is made possible by Near Field Communication (NFC), the short-range wireless technology that underpins many wireless payment systems.

The NFC enabled Samsung Tocco Lite handset goes on sale Friday 20^th May 2011. 

Among shops signed up to the system are McDonalds, EAT, Pret-a-Manger and some Boots stores, Subway, Little Chef, Wilkinson and the National Trust. 

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?

Goodbye Credit Card, Hello Mobile Wallet

More than forty years since we were introduced to the credit card, a new revolution in shopping is bubbling under the surface.  As early as this summer, we could be paying with a simple wave of a phone.

The technology will allow consumers to make purchases by waving their mobile phone over a till scanner. Barclaycard and the UK’s biggest mobile phone network, which includes Orange and T-Mobile have signed a partnership to bring the system to 40,000 tills.  Mobile phone networks and banks are in talks with the manufacturers including Apple, BlackBerry and Nokia about incorporating the technology into their devices. 

The system uses a tiny chip and antenna built into the phone, which links the handset to the owner and their credit card or bank account.  The antenna sends a radio signal to a till scanner which recognises the handset, authorises the payment and then deducts the money from the owner’s account.  Customers will be able to increase their security with an optional PIN.  Initially there will be a £15 cap on transactions but the banking industry expects this to rise. 

Are you comfortable with another move towards the mobile being a must-have tool in modern life?  Handsets have already gone beyond calls and texts with video, music and internet access, but are you ready for a virtual wallet?

Ever wanted Everything Everywhere?

The company that runs Orange and T-Mobile now offer Everything Everywhere, as their customers can access both networks across the UK.

Under the new scheme Orange customers are able to make calls and send texts on the T-Mobile network whilst T-Mobile customers are able to do the same using the Orange network.

Customers who want to sign up and receive access to both networks can do so free of charge and with no change to their existing tariffs, calls or text charges. 

All this means that customers can use their mobiles in more areas than previously possible.  Two networks for the price of one means customers are starting to get exactly what they want; instant access to everything, everywhere. 

Want to find out more call us on 0800 092 1471

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.

Ofcom to cut Mobile Pricing

Mobile number portability and mobile termination rates have been argued over by the industry and Ofcom for many years. Last Summer Ofcom had suggested that they were going to reduce the time it takes to switch providers from 2days to as little as 2hours, but they only went as far as reducing the time period to one day. They also suggested that they would scrap mobile termination fees completely, and whilst that is not expected to be the case, consumers can expect massive reductions.

It is becoming more usual for mobile phone companies to ‘merge’ their networks in order to cut costs. For example, T-Mobile and Orange have recently begun moves to merge completely, which is a transaction that has recently been cleared by the EU Commission and should be completed in Spring.

Further good news in the mobile market is that the price of calling a mobile phone is due to drop further over the coming years. This week Ofcom are expected to propose new caps on the price that operators can charge each other and fixed line companies to connect calls on their networks.