Further to my post from yesterday on 070 scams, I was alerted by Matt Peacock at Ofcom that I might have missed a part of the story, given that Ofcom is not only initiating ad-hoc investigations but also tackling the wider issues through the Numbering Review consultation.
Thank you Matt Peacock for updating us on this [...]
In October last year we posted an update regarding steps taken by Ofcom to improve enforcement of the rules applicable to provision of services over 070 numbers. This post triggered a long thread of comments by readers who have been targeted by 070 scams. The most recent comment, from only a few days ago, asks: [...]
The Government has introduced the Wireless Telegraphy Bill into the House of Lords. The bill aims to consolidate enactments about wireless telegraphy in legislation such as the Wireless Telegraphy Acts of 1949, 1967, and 1998; the Marine & Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967; Telecommunications Act 1984; Broadcasting Act 1990; Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000; Communications [...]
Today’s MediaGuardian reports the findings of research conducted by Professor Patrick Barwise into public attitudes about the BBC license fee. Barwise concludes–surprisingly in his view–that: ‘[t]he public remains strongly supportive of the BBC and willing to pay more for it to ensure it remains a broadcasting force.’ The article further claims that [...]
In response to a poll carried out by BRMB and commissioned by the BBC governors that found that nearly half of respondents opposed the Government’s policy of making the BBC pay the costs of digital switchover, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Hugo Swire has said:
“This opinion poll confirms the widespread uncertainty [...]
We recently asked Alex Cameron, the founder of consultancy DigitalTX to give us his perspectives on the development of IPTV and VOD – and the crunch points for Ofcom and regulators in this area. We’ve posted his answers below.
Alex has also produced a more wide ranging white paper outlining the areas where he believes Ofcom [...]
Folks, I’m finally getting back to some OfcomWatching as a nice holiday here in the U.S. draws to a close. So what’s been going on? Feast on this:
* Ofcom prepared a case study of its own creation via the public sector merger of the five legacy regulators. It is intended to [...]
Ofcom has published its decision on the removal of the requirement in the licences for digital terrestrial television (DTT) multiplexes B, C and D that any services carried are provided on a free-to-air basis. In short, it will proceed with the proposals from its October 2005 consultation on this issue.
I was interested to see that [...]
The FT reports today that the Regulatory Reform Bill will be amended to address the criticisms of those (such as John Redwood) who claimed that it created powers that went beyond the ability to deregulate.
Also, the Times reports that Ofcom is taking a harder line on the issue of the EU’s proposed revision of the [...]
Ofcomwatch recently interviewed the Rt. Hon. John Redwood, MP, asking him for his views on the government’s approach to regulation, Ofcom and the BBC.
Under Michael Howard’s leadership of the Conservative Party, Redwood was a front bench spokesman as Shadow Secretary of State for Deregulation, and aspects of this role have been subsumed into his position [...]
ICSTIS, the premium rate services (PRS) industry regulator, published last week a Guide to the Factors Considered by ICSTIS when Imposing a Sanction.
This document summarises the three available procedures via which ICSTIS deals with potential breaches of the ICSTIS Code of Practice (Informal Procedure, Standard Procedure and Emergency Procedure), its arsenal of sanctions, and the [...]
The Times (and Channel 4) have recently been focusing on what appears to be the prolific use of consultancies under New Labour.
Click here for one of the recent stories. The top mentions always go to these overly ambitious, outsourced IT projects that are years behind schedule and massively over-budget, while some 14-year old kid [...]
Folks, just a few nuggets from our fellow OfcomWatchers out there:
* Roger Darlington a few days back reported on Ofcom’s recent further review of DQ services. You know those 118-xxx services… His analysis is here.
* James Enck points us to a brief review (from Dean Bubley’s blog) of the qualified bidders in [...]
The UK Competitive Telecommunications Association (UKCTA) just sent OfcomWatch this background document that specifies the group’s policy priorities for the coming year.
On the issue of VoIP, UKCTA says:
UKCTA, which is working closely with Ofcom and other industry bodies over this issue, supports the development of new voice services as long as the following issues are [...]
Ofcom today released its latest annual plan. Click here for the document and related information.
I think the two big items are:
* Radio spectrum – release and trading of more radio spectrum.
* International matters – there is quite a bit on the table this year for Ofcom as it acts as a UK [...]
I read with interest Emily Bell’s article (’A future without the license fee’) in the MediaGuardian this morning. She discusses how the BBC is reportedly going to monetise some of its assets overseas such as its website and how American audiences may soon see adverts. This calls to mind something I have written [...]
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