Advanced Television

Policy

EC harmonises 26 GHz for 5G deployment

The European Commission has adopted the Implementing Decision to harmonise the 26 GHz frequency band for wireless networks, which it says is a big leap towards the deployment of 5G across Europe. The decision finalises the EU-wide coordination of all three pioneer bands (700 MHz, 3.6 GHz and 26 GHz) needed for 5G rollout in […]

May 16, 2019

Ofcom introduces ‘best deal’ rules

Broadband, phone and TV customers must be told when their contract is coming to an end, and shown the best deals available, under new rules announced by UK comms regulator Ofcom. Ofcom wants customers to be able to take advantage of choice in broadband, phone and TV, and get the best deals for their needs. […]

May 15, 2019

BBC extends Orkney 5G broadcast trial

The BBC’s 5G broadcast radio trial in Stronsay, Orkney, has been extended until the end of September 2019. The trial began in February with residents in Stronsay becoming some of the first people in the world to receive live radio broadcasts over 5G mobile networks. The trial has proven extremely popular with participants, with initial […]

May 15, 2019By Colin Mann

UK to review digital radio sector

Recognising that changes in technology and the competitive landscape in recent years mean that the debate about a future digital transition programme for radio in the UK has shifted, Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, has confirmed that the government will begin a review of digital radio in the coming weeks to […]

May 14, 2019By Colin Mann

EC investigates Telia Bonnier acquisition

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Bonnier Broadcasting by Telia Company under the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission is concerned that the merged entity may shut out competitors from the audio-visual sector in Finland and Sweden. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “The in-depth […]

May 13, 2019By Colin Mann

UK MPs call for “robust attack” on beoutQ

A Committee of UK MPs has called for a “robust attack” on beoutQ, the Saudi Arabia-backed pirate TV operation, after it was revealed in Parliament that the illegal operation steals content from “100 UK based TV channels”, including the BBC. Giles Watling, a Member of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (“DCMS”) Select Committee led […]

May 10, 2019

Facebook founder: ‘Break it up’

A co-founder of Facebook has called for the US government to break up the company, warning that its power is “unprecedented and un-American”. Chris Hughes wrote in the New York Times that Facebook’s acquisition of rival platforms had given its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, unparalleled power over speech and that, from the early days of Facebook, […]

May 10, 2019

BT raises FTTP targets

UK telco BT has raised its build targets for Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) from 3 million to 4 million premises passed by March 2021, with the ambition increased from 10 million to 15 million by the mid-2020s, subject to favourable regulatory conditions and policy decisions. The news came as BT announced its results for […]

May 9, 2019By Colin Mann

Ofcom investigate China broadcaster

Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into an allegation that China Global Television Network (CGTN), the international news channel of China Central Television (CCTV), aired a confession forced from a British private investigator while imprisoned in China. Ofcom said it would probe whether CGTN had broken the UK broadcasting code. In the UK, CGTN airs […]

May 9, 2019

CNMC v Mediaset and Atresmedia could end in court

Spain’s largest TV groups Mediaset and Atresmedia are in conflict with regulator CNMC over its proceedings against them following alleged unfair advertising practices. The CNMC has refused to close the file against them without sanctions – as requested by the TV operators – and will continue to press forward with its case and possible record […]

May 8, 2019From David Del Valle in Madrid