Ofcom proposes new licensing framework for satellite direct-to-device services 

Regulator outlines three potential authorisation routes as Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile lead UK charge in satellite-to-smartphone connectivity Ofcom has launched a consultation on proposals to authorise the use of mobile spectrum bands for satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) services — a move that could transform mobile connectivity in rural and remote areas of the UK. Says Ofcom:

Three introduces tiered system of contract price increases

Three UK has revised its pricing structure to show annual price increases outlined in “pounds and pence” determined by tiers based on the data allowance of each contract. Each year mobile customers will see the following increases depending on their data allowance. 4GB or less: £1 more a month, 5GB-99GB: £1.25 more a month, 100GB

A Black day for mobile networks and telcos

Ofcom has a new telecoms Czar to oversee the regulator’s policing of the telecoms, post, and network sectors. She is Natalie Black, CBE, a senior civil servant who was the Deputy Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit and an ex- Director of the Internet Harms Unit*, and Director of the Office of Cyber Security.

BT fined £17.5m for 999 call-handling failures

Ofcom has fined BT £17.5 million for being ill-prepared to respond to a catastrophic failure of its emergency call handling service last summer after network disruption affected 14,000 emergency calls in June 2023 and lasted 10.5 hours  BT connects 999 and 112 calls in the UK and provides relay services for deaf and speech-impaired people.

Ofcom clamps down on mid-contract price rise clarity

Customers must be told upfront in pounds and pence about any price rises their provider includes in their contract, under new consumer protection rules announced today by Ofcom. UK phone, broadband, and pay TV companies will no longer be able to include price rises linked to future inflation rates in their contract terms. New Rules

Ofcom to crack down on mid-term contract telco price rises

Telecoms customers must be told upfront about any price rises their provider includes in their contract, under new consumer protection plans set out today by Ofcom. Ofcom is to stop telecoms companies from levying mid-contract price rises and introduce tougher protections for customers by banning this practice The new ruling woud apply to new contracts. A