Tue, 27/07/2010
Householders are receiving less than half the the broadband speed they are paying for, according to an official report. The average customer is now charged for a speed of up to 11.5 mbit/s, but receives just 5.2 mbit/s, Ofcom, the industry regulator found. The findings are the latest indication that consumers are being regularly short-changed by their broadband companies for a service now considered “as essential as a utility”, by the majority of consumers. This is despite paying up to £30 a month for the service.
Via The Telegraph
Android's UK phone sales quadruple
Sales of Android-based phones more than quadrupled in the UK during the most-recent quarter. This news comes to us in a report from GfK Retail and Technology, a self-styled "global knowledge provider" based in Nuremberg, Germany. According to GfK, Android's share of UK smartphone contract sales sales was a mere three per cent in the first three months of 2010, but skyrocketed to 13.2 per cent in the second quarter.
Via The Register
'Majority of UK web users won't pay for online content'
The new research found that 81 per cent of UK web users would rather go elsewhere for content online if a frequently used free site started charging for content. With only 19 per cent of UK internet consumers willing to pay for online content, Britain trailed behind other countries’ willingness to invest in digital content. The survey, which polled 5,627 respondents from 22 countries, found that globally 43 per cent of people are willing to pay to access frequently used online content and this figure increases to 59 per cent among the Asia-Pacific countries.
Via The Telegraph
BlackBerrys pose 'security risk' say UAE authorities
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said that it could move to restrict or monitor BlackBerry mobile phones, as they pose a "national security risk". The region's telecoms regulator said "BlackBerry operates beyond the jurisdiction of national legislation" as it stores its data offshore. It said it was concerned that misuse may have "serious social, judicial and national security repercussions". Critics branded the moves as "repressive".
Via BBC News
India-Vodafone Tax Fight Tests Political TiesBT flood knocks out broadband and phone services
British Prime Minister David Cameron will visit India this week with a delegation of busi n e ss and government officials as he seeks to expand commercial ties be t w een the countries. But a major tax dispute between U.K. wireless giant Vodafone Group PLC and Indian tax authorities could disrupt the good vibes.
Via Wireless Week
HMV takes on mighty iTunes with 40p promo
HMV has a new music download site and lots of offers to tempt punters away from iTunes. The UK music retailer kicks off hmvdigital today by selling any song in the top 40 for 40p a pop. Chart albums are retailing for as little as £4.99. The service has some 10 million DRM-free MP3 songs in its catalogue - and users can download previous purchases. At time of writing, it is unclear if overseas customers can use the service - although Canadians have their own version at hmvdigital.ca. Apple's iTunes is unlikely to be quaking in its boots just yet. But HMV's service marks a step up on its previous effort in 2005, which only worked with Windows Media Player, astonishingly enough.
Via The Register
