2G

EE launches dedicated M2M service

UK mobile operator EE has unveiled a new business service designed specifically for M2M, called EE Connect, which offers a suite of M2M tools.

Idea Cellular biggest bidder in India spectrum auction

Following the Indian Supreme Court lifting its initial embargo on publishing results, Idea Cellular has emerged as the biggest bidder in the country’s latest 2G and 3G spectrum auction. After 19 days and 115 rounds of bidding, the Indian government managed to haul in a nice lot of cash at a record total of INR1.1 trillion ($17.5 billion).

Gilat, Intelsat in satellite partnership to bring 2G/3G to remote regions

Solution provider for satellite-based broadband communications Gilat Satellite Networks and satellite operator Intelsat have announced a partnership under which they aim to deliver 2G and 3G connectivity to underserved areas by using Gilat’s CellEdge small-cell-over-satellite solution combined with Intelsat’s satellite solutions.

Ofcom launches consultation on spectrum licence fee changes

Ofcom has launched a consultation to determine whether the recently agreed extended mobile coverage obligations should affect operators’ annual spectrum licence fees. Under the new rules, which shifted Ofcom’s historical focus from population to geographical coverage, operators are obliged to reach 90% of UK landmass each by the end of 2017.

SK Telecom claims first commercial 2G/3G over LTE

South Korean telco SK Telecom has announced the launch of what it claims is the world’s first commercialised 2G/3G over LTE technology, enabling 2G and 3G services through LTE network. The operator said it expects the technology to improve service stability, and enhance network building and operation capabilities.

India’s ministers propose lower base price for 2G auction

A committee of senior ministers in India, known as the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), has proposed a lower reserve price for the country’s 2G spectrum ahead of its auction, due to be held later this year. The reserve price for spectrum had been set by the Telecoms Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) at Rs 36.22bn ($687m) for every MHz of nationwide spectrum in the 1800MHz band, which translates to Rs180bn for a pan-India licence. The price is almost ten times the reserve price that was set in 2008 for the initial auction.

India flag

India sets guidelines for 2G reauction

India’s Department of Telecom (DoT) has announced guidelines for the reauction of its 2G spectrum, following the Supreme Court’s cancellation of the licences that were awarded in a 2008 spectrum sale, earlier this year.

India releases more spectrum ahead of auction, but is it enough?

India’s Department of Telecom (DoT) has approved plans to release more 1800MHz spectrum in each of the country’s circles ahead of the 2G re-auction, set to be held after all licences were revoked by the Supreme Court amid allegations of corruption.

Indian court cancels 122 mobile licences

The Supreme Court of India has cancelled 122 telecoms licences that were awarded in the country’s 2G auction. The country sold its 2G spectrum licences in 2008 on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it emerged that they were sold unlawfully, with former cabinet minister Andimuthu Raja currently in jail awaiting trial for his role in the scandal. As a result, it is estimated that the country lost around $40bn in lost revenue by not auctioning the licences.

Airtel teams up with NSN to expand in Africa

Indian operator Bharti Airtel will rely on Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to expand, plan and operate its mobile networks in seven African countries. The operator, which provides services in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, will rely on NSN to expand its 2G (GSM/EDGE) networks and deploy 3G networks in the countries.

Belgian consortium scoops up spectrum

Belgium’s fourth 3G licence has been granted to the sole bidder for it, Telenet Tecteo Bidco. The consortium, made up of cable operators Telenet and Tecteo, paid €71.5m for the licence, which also gives options on GSM spectrum.