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.  

Vodafone’s Profits are up 10%

The rise in popularity of smartphones is the driving force behind the sharp rise in Vodafone’s full-year profits the company has said.  

Pre-tax profits for the 12 months to the end of March were £9.5bn, up almost 10% on last year’s figures.

Chief executive of the company, Vittorio Colao, said "Customers have adopted data services in increasing numbers, as smartphones proliferate and the tablet market begins to take off".

The group has been slimming down its portfolio, and recently sold stakes in Chinese and Japanese mobile operators, not to mention last months sale of French mobile operator SFR which raised 7.95bn euros.  All proving very sensible moves in a difficult climate.  Vodafone believes that they are entering the new financial year in a very “strong position.” 

More Controversy for Vodafone

There continues to be a lot of concern surrounding network and smartphone security at the moment, and there is much we can do to protect you from such faceless crimes.  However, a break in at an exchange in Basingstoke has taken everyone by surprise. 

The facility was hit in the early hours of Monday morning and have affected several hundred thousand Vodafone customers who subsequently lost voice, text and internet access.

Stolen computer equipment and network hardware has resulted in prolonged outages and Vodafone customers have turned to social networking sites to voice their displeasure. 

In a statement, Vodafone said: "We are working quickly to restore these and will be back to normal as soon as we can."  They have also allayed security fears by stating that there has been no impact on the security of customers' private information.

However, they have refused to speculate on whether the break-in could be linked to several high-profile controversies involving the company.

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.