It seems Qualcomm is not willing to give up on the U.K. market for mobile TV.

The MediaFLO proponent will pay $16.3 million for 40 MHz of L-Band spectrum in the United Kingdom that the company said it will use for research and development as it tries to prove MediaFLO as a technology that can compete with DVB-H, which has gained a significant foothold throughout Europe.

Indeed, DVB-H got a big boost earlier this year when the European Commission formally adopted DVB-H technology as the standard for mobile television throughout the union’s 27 member states. European countries are required to encourage the use of DVB-H as the single listed standard; however it’s not a mandated standard. Therefore, competitors like Qualcomm are not precluded from entering the market.

Analysts have routinely said DVB-H doesn’t penetrate as far as MediaFLO, while DVB-SH, a variant of the former that relies on satellite delivery, outperforms both.

Qualcomm has been working to bring MediaFLO into the U.K. market since 2006, when it ran MediaFLO trials with British Sky Broadcasting Ltd.

Still, Qualcomm isn’t putting the same effort into the U.K. market as it has in the United States. The company is spending around $800 million to build its own MediaFLO network here, and Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility are using the network.

Qualcomm said any U.K. buildouts would be completed through partnerships.

“Acquiring this spectrum will enable us to develop, test and explore a variety of innovative wireless services and technologies that will benefit European consumers and the wireless industry as a whole,” said Andrew Gilbert, executive VP at the company.

Qualcomm’s U.K. L-Band spectrum license covers the entire country. In the United States, Qualcomm owns spectrum covering 130 million people.

Qualcomm showed up on a list of U.K. bidders last month and said at the time it had no plans to build out a network of its own.

The 2008 Honda Civic Coupe is arguably well on its way to becoming the most popular small car in the United States. Also available as a sedan, the coupe version is available in 5 trims to accommodate the cost conscious economy car driver as well as those who hunger for sport performance in a sharp looking fuel efficient coupe. With a proven track record for safety, security, performance and passenger comfort, the Civic Coupe has earned its stellar reputation and the market share needed to start increasing the cost of this popular vehicle. This year's Civic Coupe is slightly heavier and more luxurious than previous model years, and it is no longer the manufacturers smallest compact car. But for the majority of small car shoppers and younger drivers seeking a sporty yet affordable ride, the Civic remains a favorite choice.

Once one of the least expensive compact cars in America, the price of the Civic Coupe is definitely on the rise, but still remains within reason and is more than justified by the increased features and functionality, which are enhanced by Honda's long term reliability ratings. For those on a tight budget, the Base DX offers a minimal amount of interior features such as power windows, a height adjustable driver's seat and a tilt steering wheel. The LX adds air conditioning, power door locks, keyless entry, 4 speaker CD/MP3 stereo system with auxiliary jack and 16 inch steel wheels. The Civic EX is equipped with all the basics plus 16 inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and a 60/40 split rear seatback to conveniently create more cargo room when needed. The EX-L is an all new addition to the already extensive list of Civic trims and adds heated leather seats. The high performance Civic Si has most of features found in the EX plus a high-output engine, sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, a premium audio system and special interior trim. Option packages include a high-performance summer tire package for the Si and a navigation system package for the Si and EX/EX-L models.

Civic Coupe DX, LX and EX models are powered by a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers 140 horsepower The power is delivered to the front wheels via the standard 5 speed manual transmission or an optional 5 speed automatic. The Si propels forth with the power of a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder engine that produces 197 horsepower and is mated to a unique 6 speed manual transmission with a limited slip front differential.

Regardless of which trim you choose, the stylish 2008 Honda Civic Coupe can be expected to deliver a comfortable, fun and safety rich ride. This steadfast performer with its appealing looks and quick engine has always held one of the top spots in the above average resale value category, and the 2008 model is expected to follow in the path of its predecessors.

With a fuel economy rating of 40mpg city and 45mpg highway, 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid is the perfect car to face the deep recession we are entering. Garnering a "Best" 10/10 score for greenhouse emissions by the EPA bestows upon the owner of the Civic Hybrid the "Part of the Solution" environmental accolade. Unchanged from 2007, the new Civic Hybrid is a 4-door family sedan that is capable of carrying 5 passengers.

Powered by a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine, the Civic Hybrid offers 110hp power, with 20hp coming from its electric motor. It's not all wine and roses for the Civic Hybrid since in order to get the best fuel economy you must drive slower and more cautiously than you are used to. The trick is to start from a stop very slowly, without any sudden accelerating. With the exception of being at a full stop, the gas motor is almost always running, not like some hybrids which can tool around using the electric motor only.

Adding to the visual appeal of the 2008 Civic are its color matched side view mirrors and attractive swage line and ground treatment along the sides of the vehicle. The windshield is angled in a daring cab forward position and the standard wheel covers are decidedly high tech inspired. Not only are these treatments esthetically attractive but they help improve Civic's fuel economy by reducing drag.

No need to think you must sacrifice amenities to earn the fuel saving benefits of owning a Civic Hybrid. Civic offers a Satellite Navigation System that is voice-activated, a powerful 110 watt stereo system, and air conditioning with its own motor to keep you cool, even when stopped. Although the Civic misses in the category of performance, with other hybrids such as Prius being better highway performers, overall the style, fit and finish of the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid still keeps it high on the list of top hybrid sedans

The 2008 Honda CR-V is a small crossover SUV that ships with either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, and 5-speed automatic transmission. Premium trims of the CR-V offer satellite navigation and prices range from $20,700 for the base up to $28,400 for the premium trim model. All models are powered by a 4-cylinder 2.4L iVTEC that produces 166hp.

A practical and sturdy vehicle for small families, CR-V seats 5 and provides a cockpit that is focused on the driver, with steering wheel-mounted controls, adjustable front seats, easy to read instrumentation, and dual-zone climate control. With fold-down rear seats, the CR-V makes room for camping gear, mountain bikes, groceries, gardening supplies, and more. There is something there to keep everyone entertained in the Honda CR-V, including XM Satellite Radio, navigation system, and a digital card reader for listening to music files.

A big selling point of the CR-V is its styling which offers sleek, aerodynamically inspired lines, stylish two-level grille, folding side-view mirrors and fold-up tailgate for convenience. Safety is also on the minds of SUV buyers these days and the CR-V is tuned in to your concerns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the CR-V as worthy of a 5-star frontal and 5-star side impact winner. Honda CR-V also makes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes standard for added security on the road. .

No SUV can hold its own like the 2008 Honda CR-V when it comes to entertainment. Consider CR-V's AM/FM stereo system. Honda includes either a CD player or a 6-disc CD changer. XM Satellite Radio is standard on the premium trim of the CR-V. Honda cruises to an easy victory with the 2008 CR-V.