The UK 3G network is getting a boost, as Ofcom has given the thumbs up to a signal increase. This is good news for all of us, as it will mean we all get our 3G download speeds upped. Hooray!
The UK 3G signal increase that was originally asked for was 3dB, but Ofcom itself proposed to double that, to save themselves the hassle of having to put through another boost in a year’s time. However, Three objected to Ofcom’s bigger 3G boost, saying it would get swamped by competition, and so the signal increase has been capped to 65dB instead of 68dB.
Other (frightening and mad) opposition to the UK 3G signal increase was from someone stating that it might kill all the bumblebees, and worries about its health impact on the general populous (respondents to the consultation in April variously warned of the signal increase causing a “slow and painful death”, mass starvation and scurvy).
Ofcom seems to be quite comfortable with these risks though, and its comfort might be down to the fact that a 3G signal increase is probably not going to cause any national famines, as the signal, even once upped, is still within what’s considered safe by international standards bodies. Phew!
[via The Register]
