The rapid spread of Covid-19 across the world has left governments imposing increasingly strong measures to reduce physical interactions and keep their populations safe. Economies have stalled due to a crash in retail demand and unavailability of workers; for those that can continue to work remotely, telecommunications have become a vital lifeline. The importance of[…]
Plum, working with the Telecom Technology Center, supported the National Communications Commission on the 5G auction in Taiwan which concluded in February 2020. The work included a review of the auction design and rules, and the valuation of the 1800 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz bands to inform on the appropriate reserve prices. The[…]
With recent recognition of the need for some consideration of technologies other than full fibre, Government has shifted to consider “gigabit-capable” solutions, defined as those offering “a broadband connection of at least 1 Gbps/1,000 Mbps”. With the new Johnson Government, the schedule for nationwide access to gigabit-capable connections has also been revised from 2033 to[…]
Report co-authored with Stephen Adshead Plum conducted a research study for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to understand the number and characteristics of video-sharing platforms (VSPs) under UK jurisdiction and the extent to which these platforms are compliant with the terms of the new regulations under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD).[…]
With the 5G era just around the corner, policymakers around the world have outlined ambitious national objectives for the digital economy. Specific targets are often set for the underpinning infrastructure and India is no exception. The India mobile industry has experienced a series of challenges in recent times – from a protracted price war, market[…]
The benefits of digital government in developing countries are experienced more at an individual level rather than at an aggregate level. This paper provides African examples of the benefits delivered through improved performance and of enhanced transparency. Developing countries can better reap the benefits of digital governments by implementing more inclusive and sustainable projects. This[…]
One of the more challenging aspects of spectrum management is ensuring the timely and orderly transition of frequencies where they are awarded to a new licensee. Where the frequencies are being used by incumbents to provide services, and there are no alternative providers or technologies available for end-users, it is particularly important to develop a[…]
It is a well-known scientific fact, but one that is sometimes ignored, that radio waves do not respect borders between countries and geographic regions. This means that radio networks deployed in one country or region can cause interference to networks deployed across the border. The impact of the interference can vary considerably and in the[…]
Plum was engaged by a leading fibre network telco operator in the UK, to review the threats and opportunities brought with developing wireless technologies such as fixed wireless access, mesh networks, and cellular systems including 5G. Our work included a review of both technology and commercial developments in the UK wireless market, and a corresponding[…]
Google developed a computer interface system based on hand/motion sensing radar operating in the 60 GHz band. Facebook have concerns that the use of such devices might cause interference to wideband data transmission systems operating in the same band (e.g. Wi-Gig). Plum were commissioned to review the technical studies on the issue, and draft a[…]