XM Radio has a station called “The Bridge” – channel 27 – that has become a fixture in my car. It may not match your taste, but the playlist defines my college listening and I can’t help feel that someone has programmed it just for me.

Sure, I could load up an iPod and play my tunes, but I don’t own everything from that period – every so often, there is a cut inserted that reminds me of a missed purchase from 30 years ago.

That is the real point of this posting. In a universe of digital radio or digital TV, it is more possible for programming to target micro-markets. Not all entertainment – music or video – can or will necessarily be pulled by users. Such a model misses the opportunity to be introduced to the unknown.

My kids are part of a download on-demand generation. My son hasn’t subscribed to a broadcast TV service for 6 years. While touring the beaches with him this past weekend, I mentioned a Malibu-based TV series that he had never seen, despite the show being a hit for years. We spent part of Saturday night watching the pilot and the first few episodes. He had no idea what he had been missing. Streaming is letting him catch up.

Broadcasting, on-demand streaming and bulk file transfers: the interplay of these modes of acquiring content generates significant implications for networks, not just content distributors.

As user tastes shift, will network operators have sufficient flexibility to deliver content the way users want? Flexibility in technology, in policy, in dealing with users’ requirements.

Ontario’s driving while phoning is coming into effect soon. Mobile Syrup reported on a new Angus Reid study, commissioned by Sony Ericsson, that shows 90% support for the ban on hand-held communication and entertainment devices while driving.

Michelle Digulla, General Manager for Sony Ericsson Canada, was quoted saying:

Our experience shows that legislation of this sort creates a rush on handsfree mobile phone accessories as drivers try to find a solution that fits their needs. We anticipate sales to increase dramatically given our wide range of handsfree options and leadership in Bluetooth technology.

There are a bunch of interesting technology choices out there.

Last year, I wrote about an interesting solution by Waterloo-based IMS providing handsfree integration with Blackberry mail functions.

I have recently started using a Bluetooth equipped rear-view mirror, from Montreal-based Bluesky Tech. It can broadcast over FM or use built-in speakers. An earbud is magnetically attached on the side of the mirror if you need to switch to a more private conversation.

How are you going handsfree?

Forbes had a commentary last week that takes aim at the flawed OECD wireless study. I have written volumes about how various groups have ignored the methodological errors that resulted in the US being ranked as having the highest cost of mobile services – with Canada not far behind.

The report, which gained considerable attention last month, is deeply flawed, its startling conclusion essentially worthless.

At what point will even the most strident critics of Canadian communications policy acknowledge that citing the outcome of such an error-filled report is an embarrassment.

With more competition in mobile wireless around the corner, Canadians are going to have more choices for broadband services as well.

Most Canadians already have access to broadband service from multiple facilities-based suppliers: twisted pair; coaxial cable; fixed and mobile wireless; and, satellite. In fact, Canadians have among the world’s leading number of choices of suppliers.

A new report from 3G Americas [ pdf, 1.5MB] talks about the evolution of broadband services delivered over mobile networks.

Earlier today, Rogers announced the launch of its world-leading HSPA+ network, starting off in Canada’s 5 largest markets, with the capability to deliver 21Mbps on mobile devices.

Rogers, Bell and TELUS will be joined by multiple new entrants offering a variety of plans that could encourage a wireless substitution for broadband services perhaps in parallel to some people giving up their home phone service.

In current deployments, HSPA users regularly experience throughput rates well in excess of 1 megabit per second (Mbps) under favorable conditions, on both downlinks and uplinks, with 4 Mbps downlink speed commonly being measured. Planned enhancements such as dual-carrier operation will double peak user-achievable throughput rates.

Broadband in Canada is faster and more competitive than most countries and well ahead of our neighbours to the south.

Twisted pair, coax, fixed wireless, mobile wireless, satellite: how many choices of facilities do you have to connect?

In the Cabinet’s December 2006 Policy Directive, the CRTC was told to rely on market forces to the greatest extent possible.

In Section 1(a)(ii), the CRTC was told

when relying on regulation, use measures that are efficient and proportionate to their purpose and that interfere with the operation of competitive market forces to the minimum extent necessary to meet the policy objectives;

On Friday, the CRTC opened a consultation to get input on issues associated with the incumbent telephone companies’ obligation to serve, basic service objectives, and local service subsidy regime.

Parties are to address the relationship between the obligation to serve, basic service objectives, and local service subsidies; and changes that have occurred in the telecom industry since these measures were first implemented (e.g. level of competition, technological change, regulatory environment, other jurisdictions).

According to an article on CBC, PIAC plans to argue that high speed internet services should be added to the list of basic service obligations. This raises an interesting issue, given that the telephone companies were second to market and have a smaller share than their cable counterparts.

In a competitive telecom sector, with a wide variety of service providers using a number of technology alternatives, what is the appropriate regulatory framework?