* Jeff Pulver likes Ofcom’s VoIP code of conduct. He writes:

Recognizing that VoIP services have the potential to offer significant new benefits to consumers, including more competition and choice, lower prices and new services such as second lines and nomadic services, my first read suggests to me that Ofcom tried to strike a workable balance between promoting innovation and protecting traditional social goods.

Personally, I prefer the UK’s approach to VoIP to what I have seen in the US over the past two years. It seems more thoughtful and better balanced, and seems to focus on what I think should be the central, perhaps only bona fide role for regulators in this emerging space — ensuring consumers are well informed.

* I was in Belgium yesterday giving a guest lecture to law students about radio spectrum policy and regulation. After what probably seemed to them like an eternity reviewing some spectrum regulation basics, we examined Ofcom’s digital divided review (DDR). I went through Ofcom’s consultation and initial conclusions and we talked a little about the U.K. marketplace. So, at the end, I asked — “Who thinks Ofcom got it wrong with respect to HDTV?” Only one hand went up. What’s happening to the youth of today?

* Anyone interested in learning more about next generation access (’fibre to the xxxx’) in the U.K. would do well to check out Roger Darlington’s CommsWatch. Roger summarises some of the key presentations from a recent London Business School seminar on the topic.

* Ofcom announced yesterday two applicants for another national DAB licence. We’re told a decision will be announced within four months. Ofcom also say:

Separately, Ofcom is also today announcing the appointment of Philip Graf to the chair of the Radio Licensing Committee (RLC) with effect from the May meeting. Philip takes over from Ian Hargreaves who has moved on to a new role within Ofcom. In addition, Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive, and David Currie, Ofcom Chairman, will sit on the RLC for the award decision of the DAB national radio multiplex licence.