The GSMA, the trade organisation that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has announced a new scheme to help consumers understand and manage their data usage when abroad.

24 major network operators have agreed to implement a number of measures to help customers who are using their mobile phone abroad, reducing the risk of ‘bill shock’ when they return home.

Microsoft has officially announced Windows Phone 8, the successor to its Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system. The new OS will be pre-installed on new phones from later this year.

Windows Phone 8 is described as being based on the technology core of Microsoft’s forthcoming Windows 8 PC and tablet OS, sharing its networking, security, media and web browser technology along with a common file system.

The UK Advertising Standards Authority has not upheld two complaints made by Telefonica about ads for Vodafone’s Freedom Freebee tariff option.

TV and online ads had described the prepay tariff as offering £50-worth of calls for £10. However, Telefonica - the company behind O2 UK - argued that very few consumers paid standard tariff rates for texts and calls, which meant the comparison wasn’t justified. It also said the offer had run for more than six months and that the £10 price had become established, which meant that the package was no longer ‘worth’ £50.

New research commissioned by affiliate marketing pioneer Tradedoubler and carried out by Forrester Consulting has shown how mobile commerce is transforming consumer behaviour.

The European study revealed that 53% of smartphone users are now buying goods and services on their devices, while 71% of smartphone users are researching potential purchases via mobile.

This week's mobile industry news podcast starts with two very different stories from Nokia and Microsoft: one is announcing closures, the other is expanding its manufacturing.

We also find time to talk about roaming tariffs, mobile money, intelligent vending machines and a handful of recent mobile-related acquisitions.