Supporting innovation is at the heart of UK comms regulator Ofcom’s new vision for managing spectrum in the future. To support innovation, it wants to make it easier for organisations to access the spectrum they need for new and exciting uses. For example, this could include remote healthcare applications to support people taking medication and […]
Ofcom has granted a licence for Rupert Murdoch to launch a new TV news service in the UK. The channel, simply branded News UK, will now go live next year, with a spring launch mooted. Although no on-screen talent has yet been revealed for the “opinionated” new channel, rumoured names include Piers Morgan and Lord […]
Tech giants will be subject to a new regime to give UK consumers more choice and control over their data, help small businesses thrive, and ensure news outlets are not forced out by their bigger rivals. A dedicated Digital Markets Unit, which will be set up within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), will work […]
UK comms regulator Ofcom has published its annual monitoring report on the progress towards delivering a more independent Openreach, the digital infrastructure subsidiary of dominant telco BT. In 2017, BT notified Ofcom of its voluntary commitments to reform Openreach. This included Openreach becoming a legally separate entity with its own board, management and staff. In […]
The next UK spectrum auction has moved a significant step closer, with comms regulator Ofcom publishing the final regulations, application form and guidance for those looking to take part in the auction. To help improve mobile services and give more people access to 5G networks, Ofcom will release 200 MHz of spectrum in two frequency […]
UK media regulator Ofcom has imposed a £20,000 fine on Islam Channel Ltd in relation to its service, the Islam Channel, for failing to comply with broadcasting rules. Ofcom had previously censured the channel on October 7th last year having found that the programme contained antisemitic hate speech. Ofcom reported in its findings that the […]
UK comms regulator Ofcom has published a guide to the new regulatory requirements for UK-based video-sharing platforms (VSPs) – online video service where users can upload and share videos. They allow users to engage with a wide range of content and social features. Under the new regulations, VSPs must have appropriate measures in place to […]
In a coordinated move with PM Boris Johnson’s statement on the state of Brexit negotiations on his ‘deal deadline’, DCMS has issued a clarification of where British broadcasters and VoD services will stand on January 1st 2021. As is traditional with Brexit, the deadline has now been moved. DCMS says the Audiovisual Media Services Directive […]
UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom is inviting evidence on the market position and impact of BBC Sounds, the Corporation’s streaming media and audio download service that includes live radio, audio-on-demand, and podcasts. Ofcom notes that the audio and radio sector is undergoing a period of rapid change, driven in part by streaming services including global players […]
UK comms regulator Ofcom’s second Mobile Matters report analyses how around 200,000 people used their Android mobile phones between January and April this year, shedding light on how people make calls and get online on the move. The report reveals marked differences in how people used their phones before and during the initial Covid-19 lockdown […]