The GSMA, a trade organisation that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has published a new report that shows Europe lagging behind the USA when it comes to deploying next-generation mobile technologies and advanced services.

Five years ago, the European mobile market was matching or outperforming the market in the United States, according to the GSMA. However, US customers now consume five times more voice minutes and nearly twice as much data as those in the EU.

Virgin Media has revealed a new ‘unlimited’ mobile phone tariff that offers unlimited calls to 0870, 0800, 0845 and 0808 numbers as well as unlimited mobile data, text messages and UK calls.

The package, which also includes a mid-range smartphone with insurance, is called VIP and is priced from £26 monthly for customers who have Virgin Media’s broadband, TV or home phone service. Other customers will pay £31 per month for the two-year minimum term contract.