Wireless comms leaders unite on stalled 802.11n standard

In a bid to move on the stalled 802.11n 'standard' 27 of the biggest companies in wireless communications have joined together to agree on a common specification. The companies have joined together under the banner of the Enhanced Wireless Consortium (EWC). ...more

EU pressures music industry to simplify online licensing

The European Union is increasing the pressure on record companies to simplify the licensing of music to online stores. As things stand, store operators such as Apple and Napster have to secure separate licensing deals for each country in which they wish to sell downloads. Naturally this has slowed the introduction of services, with only Apple established beyond the core markets in the UK, France and Germany and some services including Yahoo!'s yet to break out of the US. ...more

Every time you buy on the Web, the carrier will take its slice

A plan is being considered by one of the world’s biggest telecom companies to levy a charge on every Internet-based commercial transaction made over its wires. It seems AT&T is considering charging Internet retailers each time a customer buys something over its broadband network. It may also collect a fee from retailers each time a customer accesses their site through its network. ...more

Sophos targets a Security Suite at small businesses

Sophos has launched a security product designed to put small businesses in control, even when they don't have dedicated IT personnel. The Sophos Security Suite protects against virus, spyware, spam, adware and intrusions on Windows and Mac-based systems and includes the company's firewall and, for the first time, its host intrusion prevention system (HIPS). 'We are offering the same enterprise quality service, but where we've put a lot of investment is in making the management of that as easy as possible,' said Shaun Paice, group product manager. ...more

Tesco becomes mobile network operator

Tesco is going to become a mobile phone network operator, promising lower prices and new handsets. The supermarket, which already sells mobile phones through its stores, won't be building its own network but will be leasing from one of the main operators. The basic service will be pay-as-you-go, the firm said, and will undercut its rivals. ...more