We bring together the most relevant Electronics Weekly content on a range of wireless technologies:
Ofcom is the UK communications regulator, replacing its predecessor Oftel as part of a governmental shake up media and telecommunications regulations at the turn of the Millennium.
The impetus behind its creation was the increasing convergence of broadcasting and digital communications. Back in December 2000, the Culture Secretary Chris Smith, decided that corporations such as the BBC, BSkyB and NTL increasingly had merged interests in digital TV, broadband and email, and one overseeing body was more appropriate for the digital age.
Finally, established by the
Office of Communications Act 2002, the subsequent
Communications Act 2003 specified that
Ofcom's duties fall into six areas:
- Ensuring the optimal use of the electro-magnetic spectrum
- Ensuring that a wide range of electronic communications services - including high speed data services - is available throughout the UK
- Ensuring a wide range of TV and radio services of high quality and wide appeal
- Maintaining plurality in the provision of broadcasting
- Applying adequate protection for audiences against offensive or harmful material
- Applying adequate protection for audiences against unfairness or the infringement of privacy
Since that time Ofcom has proved an influential, and controversial, shaper of the development of communications technologies in the UK.
As part of our focus on the latest trends and technologies affecting the electronics industry, here is a roundup of Electronics Weekly's content on Ofcom.
ELECTRONICS WEEKLY NEWS ON OFCOM
Latest news
Previous news to note
Ofcom considers analogue radio switch-off
The analogue radio switch-off could happen sooner than originally anticipated as communications regulator Ofcom indicated that 2012 might be too late for a review of FM radio.
Industry shuns 40GHz wireless spectrum
Interest in using the 40GHz spectrum band is insufficient to warrant licensing it at present, according to a report by Quotient and Indepen for communications watchdog Ofcom.
Ofcom puts DAB radio upgrade on hold
A proposed technical upgrade to DAB radio broadcasts will not be introduced into the UK for fear they will upset the developing digital radio market.
Wireless no good for broadband access, says Ofcom study
A research study on behalf comms regulator Ofcom has found that wireless systems cannot compete on technology or cost grounds with optical fibre systems for the provision of broadband services to the user.
Ofcom puts radio spectrum auctions on the clock
Telecoms regulator Ofcom is proposing a 'combinatorial clock auction' for selling licences for the 10GHz, 28GHz, 32GHz and 40GHz spectrum bands this year.
Ofcom plans more mobile operators for broadband
Ofcom has heralded the UK's largest single release of radio spectrum, which could transform the provision of wireless broadband services using technologies such as WiMAX and UMTS.
Dynamic radio spectrum access is way ahead, says Ofcom
Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) and mesh wireless networks are expected to have "a significant impact on the use of new spectrum" within the next decade, according to a report from communications regulator Ofcom.
Ofcom may use mesh networks for spectrum efficiency
Comms regulator Ofcom is considering the use of mesh radio technology as a means of improving the efficiency of radio spectrum usage.
Ofcom to encourage trading in private radio licences
Comms regulator, Ofcom is proposing to streamline the licensing of private radio communications frequencies. Sometimes referred to as private mobile radio this includes radio systems used by taxi and courier firms, the major utilities and supermarket chains.
Ofcom opens 75GHz band for fixed wireless services
Broadband fixed access seems to be the flavour of the month for telecoms regulator Ofcom. It is now proposing to increase substantially the opportunities for broadband fixed wireless services, by opening the 71-76GHz and 81-86GHz bands for licensed use.
Ofcom mulls raising 2.4GHz power transmission
An increase in the power which can be transmitted over the licence-exempt 2.4GHz band is being recommended to regulator Ofcom as it is considered that the benefits outweigh the costs of interference.
Ofcom to auction 40MHz of prime spectrum in UK
UK telecoms regulator Ofcom plans to auction a 40MHz block of radio frequency spectrum between 1,452MHz and 1,492MHz.
ELECTRONICS WEEKLY TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES
Trends and technologies related to Ofcom
WiFi - Wireless networks here to stay
Wireless networking - and in particular, WiFi - has become a buzzword for the 21st century. The number of WiFi hotspots is growing at an extremely rapid rate and has expanded from its initial commercial focus, through to personal use and beyond.
WiMAX - Future of WiMax promising, despite critics
The popularity of WiMax is apparent in every sector, including the electrical engineering industry.
Bluetooth
Also known as IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth is a wireless technology primarily designed for minimal power usage. It has a short range, ranging from 1m to 100m, built on relatively cheap transceiver microchips in each enabled device.
Wibree - Ultra Low Power (ULP) Bluetooth
Wibree - which is now known as Ultra Low Power (ULP) Bluetooth - is radio technology for small, button cell battery-powered devices, such as watches, wireless keyboards, and gaming and sports sensors. These objects can then connect to Bluetooth-enabled host devices, whether computers or mobile phones.
ZigBee low-power radio networking
ZigBee is a low-power radio networking technology. It can support thousands of nodes in dynamic star and mesh networks. This is in contrast to Wibree, or ULP Bluetooth, for example, which links a small number of nodes to a host device, such as computer or phone.
ELECTRONICS WEEKLY FEATURES ABOUT OFCOM
An in-depth, reflective look at subject areas related to Ofcom
Ultra-wideband is set for standards
After a couple of years of deadlocked negotiations over standards in the IEEE, developers of ultra-wideband (UWB) radios now have a more solid regulatory landscape against which to develop products.
Ringing the changes with voice-over-IP
Although there are still issues to be resolved to improve voice quality and reliability, voice-over-Internet-protocol offers several advantages over traditional telephone networks, says Johann Madlberger from EMCC Software.
ELECTRONICS WEEKLY ANALYSIS INVOLVING OFCOM
An analysis of the issues covered by the regulator Ofcom
Low cost wireless revitalises networking
Wireless networking is catching the attention of a lot of people these days. Its impact is growing and spreading out from its early focus on office network applications into a host of other areas.
Testing for broadband wireless comms
As the mobile comms industry develops standards for the next two steps in the evolution of networks, it is timely to examine the fundamental radio and network technologies being introduced and the related test and measurement challenges. These are the next steps in the continuous move to wider bandwidth and higher data rates.
Mobile operators increase network efficiencies
The availability of data services is being eyed by mobile operators as a key way to increase user revenue. The problem is today’s mobile networks are all about voice services, with only a small proportion of users - roughly ten per cent in developed areas, less in developing markets - using any data capability at all other than text messages to mobile phones.
OTHER RESOURCES ON OFCOM
Specific Ofcom resources available online
Map of UK 3G coverage 
Ofcom
Ofcom Research & Market Data
Ofcom Radio Communications
Ofcom Radio Communications research
Ofcom Spectrum Efficiency Scheme