Plum Insight focusses on topical questions facing the communications sector in a short easy to read format. Summary: Some have argued that over-the-top applications are undermining the capacity of network operators to invest and are free riding. We find that growth of internet based over-the-top applications is a key driver of investment in ubiquitous higher[…]
The event “Defining new directions” focussed on the revision of the relevant markets recommendation which lists those electronic communications markets considered susceptible to regulation. Plum has produced a study for ETNO on the changes required to the recommendation in view of changing market circumstances – both since the last review in 2007 and anticipated on[…]
The event focussed on broadband access to all in East Africa. A key part of achieving this objective is ensuring that sub 1 GHz spectrum is available for the build out of mobile broadband services. To achieve this there is a requirement for well managed digital switch over / analogue switch off programmes. The GSMA[…]
Plum makes the case that it is the public interest for the 3G spectrum licences at 2.1 GHz to be reassigned to the incumbent operators. Plum argues that the alternative policy of taking back and re-auctioning some of the 3G spectrum will result in substantial disruption costs, reduce service quality and have no offsetting benefit.[…]
The results of the UK spectrum auction for 800 and 2600 MHz were announced on 1 March 2013, in which Plum supported Niche Spectrum Ventures Ltd (a subsidiary of BT) with advice on bidding strategy. We are delighted that BT achieved its objectives from the auction. The outcome has changed the nature of competition in[…]
The event launched the Plum Consulting study on behalf of Cisco on the case for more spectrum for Wi-Fi. Speakers included: Mr Hokmark, MEP Brian Williamson, Plum Consulting Roberto Viola, Deputy Director-General DG CONNECT Jim Scott, Managing Director Mobility Vertical EMEA – Cisco The study recommended that the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations[…]
Aegis and Plum supported ComReg in analysing the costs and benefits of continued use of 2.6 GHz spectrum for broadcasting versus possible release for mobile broadband. The Aegis-Plum response to submissions was published by ComReg in December 2012, and is available here. The Aegis-Plum response concluded that that the benefits of early release of 2.6[…]
Brian Williamson spoke at the ECTA Regulatory Conference in Brussels on “Delivering copper price stability and fibre pricing freedom”
In Europe, the 1.4 GHz band (i.e. 1452-1492 MHz) is being harmonized for a mobile supplemental downlink (SDL). It is possible that we will see harmonized use of the 1.4 GHz band for a SDL across European countries partially from 2013 and fully from 2015. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region could also[…]
Ericsson and Qualcomm commissioned Plum to provide an assessment of the economic benefits of using 1.4 GHz spectrum for a mobile data downlink (the report is available here). In October 2012 the CEPT decided to allow use of the band for mobile, drawing on the Plum economic study and other technical work (the decision is[…]