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Archive for December, 2007

2

Ofcom Pay TV market investigation — some random observations…

I finally got around to reading the huge Ofcom consultation on the Pay TV market. Here are my random observations:
– Generally speaking, everyone has been saying that Ofcom since its inception would eventually tackle the ‘three Bs’: the BBC, BT and BSkyB. This investigation, combined with the Sky DTT Picnic Application and [...]

1

Ofcom Consumer Panel again pressure Ofcom on broadband speeds…

Press release:
The Consumer Panel, the independent voice for the consumer interest in communications markets, has asked Ofcom to take the lead in producing a mandatory code of practice for internet service providers (ISPs) to address consumer concerns about advertised broadband connection speeds.Following discussions with the UK’s six leading ISPs about why consumers often do not [...]

0

Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive — official version published

Like an Easyjet flight attendant as you touch down in some god-forsaken city, I would like to welcome each of you to the European Information Society. Welcome! Enjoy your stay in this new wonderland of (overly-regulated) media abundance.
Anyway … the EU published the official version of the AVMS Directive today. It is [...]

0

The opaque Byron Review

Are you curious to read the responses to the Byron review of how video games and internet content affect what the DfES calls ‘children and young people’?
I was — but the consultation responses are nowhere to be found. [cue: Monday morning rant]
Any fan of transparency and openness in the policy making process would have [...]

7

‘That canadian girl’ appeals to Ofcom against BT Grinch

Story here. The best nugget:

Today, I’m pissed off. I’m really pissed off. British Telecom, lovingly known as BT, is the largest provider of all things fixed phone line in the UK. Like a bully nicking your lunch money, BT has gone into my bank account, using our Direct Debit authorisation as an excuse to debit [...]

0

DDR: the movie

Philip Rutnam explains Ofcom’s actions…

0

Ofcom to auction most of Digital Divided spectrum

With the support of DCMS and the key Parliamentary committee behind them, it should come as no surprise that Ofcom has not altered its long-held plans to auction the DDR spectrum.
In its press release issued today, Ofcom state in part:
‘Ofcom’s objective is to ensure that the digital dividend is used to deliver the maximum benefit [...]

0

Ofcom: Plan your work, work your plan…

I’ve been in London for the past few days, finishing off my interviews / fieldwork for my research on Ofcom.
Whilst I was here, Ofcom published its Draft Annual Plan 2008/09. It looks reasonable enough — but I suppose the important thing to watch is the level of interest from stakeholders and the public.
Last year [...]

4

Pay TV – the two sides set out their cases

Yesterday, Ofcom published the non-confidential versions of the Pay TV joint submission by BT, Setanta, Top Up TV Europe, and  Virgin Media calling on Ofcom undertake a market investigation of the pay TV market and the response by BskyB stating that there is no basis for such an investigation. In March this year Ofcom announced [...]

0
Ofcom release stakeholder survey…

Ofcom release stakeholder survey…

Ofcom today released a stakeholder survey completed earlier in the year.
Generally speaking, the regulator comes through with a clean bill of health, with some minor issues surrounding delay. In my opinion, Ofcom is not as bad as other regulators when it comes to delays…
The survey is here.

0

FTTO: Fibre to the Olympics

From Hansard:
3 Dec 2007 : Column 810W

Multiple Occupation: Digital Broadcasting
Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether communal digital television receiving infrastructure will be built in to all new dwellings for multiple occupation constructed as part of the 2012 Olympic site regeneration. [168997]
James Purnell: Yes. All residential properties [...]