REGULATORY

By Emmanuel Oluebube, Correspondent UK Ofcom has announced its first ever awards of small-scale radio multiplex licences. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the airwaves. Last year, we set out how we will license small-scale DAB and invited applications for a first round of multiplex licences. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, licences have been awarded in five areas: Derry/Londonderry to Foyle DAB LimitedGlasgow to Nation Digital Investments...

Ofcom penalised O2 UK for overcharging around 140,000 subscribers which cancelled their contracts, for a period spanning eight years. The regulator issued a £10.5 million(US$14.61million) fine after ruling O2 incorrectly billed departing customers between 2011 and 2019, stating the action was a “serious breach” of UK rules. Ofcom enforcement and investigations director Gaucho Rasmussen said the fine was “a reminder that we will step in if we see companies failing to protect their customers”. O2 was fined after Ofcom uncovered an error in final bills which resulted in customers being...