At sixes and sevens: sharing opportunities (or battles) in 6 GHz   

A hot topic at WRC 23 was the identification of further bands for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) under Agenda Item 1.2. Discussions and negotiation resulted in identification for IMT through a footnote to the Radio Regulations of the band 6425-7025 MHz in Region 1, and 7025-7125 MHz in Region 3. Both of these identifications exist[…]

Spectrum fees: saying the quiet part out loud

The European Commission’s white paper seems to contain an admission that a standard regulatory assumption which has been used since the turn of the century is, in fact, wrong. In this note we consider where the perceived wisdom came from, why it’s wrong, and what needs to change.

Enabling a Sustainable Digital Future: Bridging environmental concerns, digital rights, and digital inclusion

This paper proposes a definition of sustainable digital communications as the practice of designing, developing, and using communication technologies and systems in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, promotes social inclusion, and upholds ethical principles and digital rights. The purpose of this paper, through a descriptive approach, is to show the interplays[…]

Regulating Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) for NGSO systems

As satellite communication rapidly advances, Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs) emerge as pivotal elements in modern connectivity, particularly as the industry witnesses the rise of large constellations of non-geostationary (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) systems. These emerging constellations, poised to provide global broadband coverage, intensify the need for a more supportive regulatory framework for NGSO FSS[…]

Logistical challenges of avoiding collisions between satellites and sleighs

As the festive season approaches, the activity at Northpole Oyj has kicked into high gear. But with nearly 2 billion children to reach, and only 26 hours (accounting for time zones) in which to do his deliveries, every micro-second counts for Santa. In recent years, however, a new constraint has made itself felt that complicates[…]

Cloudification, virtualisation and softwarisation of telecom networks and services – Our study for BEREC

Cloud technology and services are important to businesses and consumers in multiple sectors of the economy worldwide.  In telecommunications, modern networks are increasingly deploying cloud-based solutions in multiple settings across networks, operational functions, and customer facing business support, including cloud native 5G networks. We have been commissioned by BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic[…]

Licensing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

There is growing interest in the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) for a wide range of private and commercial applications. These systems cover a wide variety of types referred to as drones, model aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As operational use increases rapidly, the provision of safe access[…]

Understanding barriers to digital connectivity in Cheshire and Warrington

Plum carried out a study supporting the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to assess barriers to connectivity and adoption of digital services in the Cheshire and Warrington area in the North-West of England. The study analysed the availability and reach of digital infrastructure in the region. It also investigated demand-side barriers to take-up[…]