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Policy

Report exposes digital piracy players

A report from global threat hunting and intelligence company Group-IB has uncovered the major players and driving forces of a criminal digital piracy syndicate which has been flourishing in the post-Soviet space, its safe harbour, for years, and which now has extended its influence as far as Latin America and Asia. The report, Jolly Roger’s […]

July 28, 2020By Colin Mann

Ofcom boost for broadband customers

Broadband customers who are out of contract are set to benefit from a package of pricing changes and commitments from their providers, following a review by UK comms regulator Ofcom. According to Ofcom, the broadband market offers customers a wide range of choice, with different deals on offer to suit different needs, but it is […]

July 28, 2020

Ofcom updates rail connectivity plans

UK comms regulator Ofcom has published updated advice to the Government on the airwaves that could be used to improve broadband for rail passengers. In 2018, Ofcom provided initial advice to the UK Government on how demand for on-board data services for passengers is likely to grow in the coming years; and on the types […]

July 27, 2020By Colin Mann

UK Spaceport plans complicated by regulations

The UK is keen on establishing so-called Spaceports, whether in Scotland or the West of England. It has just signed a Treaty-level agreement with the US which allows use of US-built rockets from British locations. The UK’s Space Agency (UKSA) says that a US-UK Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) agreed in June potentially opens up activity […]

July 27, 2020

Official: ‘UK OneWeb cash poor value’

UK senior civil servants have formally warned the government that its commitment to put $500 million into a joint venture with Bharti Global to buy bankrupt satellite operator OneWeb has a high risk of losing all the investment. OneWeb is currently totally unprofitable and it is likely to need considerable further investments for satellite building […]

July 23, 2020By Chris Forrester

Ofcom sets out vulnerable customer guidance

People suffering financial, health or emotional problems should be treated fairly and given the right support by phone, broadband and pay-TV providers, under best practice industry guidance issued by UK comms regulator Ofcom. The coronavirus pandemic has increased the potential for customers’ circumstances to change suddenly and providers are already offering additional support to people […]

July 23, 2020By Colin Mann

FCC kicks off 5G mid-band spectrum auction

The US Federal Communications Commission is beginning its first auction of licences for prime, mid-band spectrum suitable for 5G. The auction will offer county-based Priority Access Licences in the 3550-3650 MHz band, which will encourage the rapid deployment of next-generation wireless networks in the band. The FCC says this is a critical step in freeing […]

July 23, 2020By Colin Mann

Copyright boost as Sky joins Industry Trusts

The Industry Trust for IP Awareness, the UK film, TV and video industry’s consumer education body promoting the value of copyright and creativity, and The Industry Trust Ireland have confirmed that Sky has become a member of the organisations, effective immediately. Sky has partnered effectively with the Trust and with a wider coalition of entertainment […]

July 22, 2020By Colin Mann

Survey: Japanese uncertain over 2021 Olympics

A survey conducted by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK says that 66 per cent of Japanese are in favour of further postponing or cancelling the 2021 Olympics. The Games are scheduled to open next July, a year from now and a year later than originally planned. The NHK poll also suggests that respondents are less interested […]

July 22, 2020

Kaspersky: ‘Beware entertainment malware’

According to cybersecurity specialist Kaspersky, 2019 was officially the year the Streaming Wars kicked off, as nearly all major networks hurried to profit from consumers’ new, preferred method of consuming content: streaming platforms. The company suggests that cyberthreats aren’t relegated to the world of big businesses and large-scale campaigns, with the most frequent attacks actually […]

July 20, 2020By Colin Mann