Monday, January 28, 2013

Finally! Bidding starts in UK 4G auction

Finally! Bidding starts in UK 4G auction | Watching the Connectives: "After many twists and turns (see here for background), the UK auction of spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands started 23 January. Ofcom announced that the bidders are:
Everything Everywhere Limited
HKT (UK) Company Limited (a subsidiary of PCCW Limited)
Hutchison 3G UK Limited
MLL Telecom Ltd
Niche Spectrum Ventures Limited (a subsidiary of BT Group plc)
Telefónica UK Limited
Vodafone Limited" 'via Blog this'

Internet access declared a basic right in Germany

Internet access declared a basic right in Germany | Sci-Tech | DW.DE | 27.01.2013: "Germany's Pirate Party, which supports freedom of information, sees the ruling as having "far-reaching consequences" for policy-makers, as stated by Pirate Party national executive board member Klaus Peukert in his blog. He notes that if Internet access is classified as a basic need, it has to be taken into account in unemployment benefit payouts. It also means that any proposals to cut off Internet access for notorious copyright infringers have to be laid to rest. "The federal and state governments now have a duty to treat Internet access as a basic need and to close the gaps in the broadband network across the country," Peukert added." 'via Blog this'

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Competition Appeal Tribunal: BT Application for Extension in Ofcom Ethernet Case

Competition Appeal Tribunal - Ruling (Application for Extension of Time): Worht reading for rules of procedure in CAT cases:
"“BT” sought a prospective extension of time in which to file its notice of appeal against certain determinations by the Office of Communications pursuant to Rule 8(2) of the Tribunal’s Rules. For the reasons set out in the Ruling, the application was refused on the basis that the circumstances relied upon by BT did not constitute exceptional circumstances as required by Rule 8(2)." 'via Blog this'

Monday, January 21, 2013

Ofcom sets out proposals to tackle mid-contract price rises

Ofcom | Ofcom sets out proposals to tackle mid-contract price rises: "Of the options put forward, Ofcom’s proposed approach is to intervene to allow consumers to exit their contract without penalty if their provider introduces any price increase during the term of the contract. Alongside this, Ofcom would expect providers to be clear and upfront about the potential for price increases and of the consumer’s right to cancel the contract in the event of any price increase.
The consultation follows an Ofcom review into the fairness of certain contract terms. This review and Ofcom’s analysis of consumer complaints has identified issues concerning the clarity and effectiveness of current rules which has led to consumer harm.... Ofcom proposes to modify (General Condition 9.6) to allow consumers to withdraw from a contract without penalty, if providers increase prices during the contract term."
Note - this is in response to several major companies raising prices unilaterally to customers on 12-24 month contracts - from September 2011. The change would not take effect until June 2013 at earliest...'via Blog this'

T-Mobile loses test case on holiday mobile data charges

T-Mobile loses test case on holiday data charges - Telegraph: "T-Mobile, which has now merged with Orange and rebranded to become Everything Everywhere, has been ordered to pay back over £500 of roaming charges racked up by lawyer Angela Walsh. The litigation partner at City firm Abrahams Dresden had called T-Mobile to cancel her phone contract, but had been persuaded to stay with the company after an upgrade was agreed.
However, data roaming capability was never discussed by the salesperson on the call, and when Ms Walsh flew to Australia she did not know that her new phone was capable of downloading data while she was abroad.
When she returned she discovered that T-Mobile had disconnected her phone and charged her £533.11. Judge Monty Trent ruled that the conversation on the phone between Ms Walsh and T-Mobile had concluded the contract between them, and terms and conditions would have had to be agreed then." 'via Blog this'