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Ofcom helps protect customers against unexpected roaming charges

Ofcom helps protect customers against unexpected roaming charges

UK service providers must notify customers when they connect to a different network

New rules from UK telecoms regulator Ofcom will protect customers when they use their mobile phone on a foreign network. In addition, customers will be alerted if they are inadvertently roaming, perhaps because they're near an international border.
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Global smartphone market is set for recovery, says new forecast

A new forecast from research specialists Canalys shows the smartphone market is set to recover next year. Worldwide shipments declined by 12% last year but that decline is expected to slow to 5% this year.
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Vodafone and Three plan to merge their UK businesses

Vodafone and Three plan to merge their UK businesses

New Hutchison/Vodafone network would be biggest UK operator

Vodafone Group plc and CK Hutchison Group Telecom Holdings Limited have agreed to combine their UK telecommunication businesses, respectively Vodafone UK and Three UK. The merger will create a large new network operator to compete with Virgin Media O2 and EE.
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UK mobile payment service Paym to close in March 2023

UK mobile payment service Paym will close on 7th March 2023. The service, which allowed users to make and receive payments using their mobile phone numbers, was launched in 2014.
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Qualcomm legal action moves forward in the UK

Qualcomm legal action moves forward in the UK

Which? seeks payout for Samsung and Apple smartphone owners

Consumer protection organisation Which? has been given permission by the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal to represent Apple and Samsung smartphone buyers in a legal case against chip manufacturer Qualcomm.
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Opinion Articles

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

It's the wrong song

Mark Bridge writes:

“T’ain’t what you do (it’s the way that you do it)”

So sang Ella Fitzgerald, Bananarama and the Fun Boy Three - although sadly not on the same recording. But that message is no longer being followed by many companies. Instead, the new mantra seems to be the other way round. And I think that’s a good thing.

Today, Apple announced a new iTunes U application. The iTunes U service isn’t new; it’s been around for a few years and is all about enabling colleges and universities to put lectures and presentations online. However, the new educational app makes it easier for students with an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to take an entire course on their Apple device - whether reading books or making notes - and also lets teachers manage these courses.

As long as you have an Apple device - perhaps an iPhone, perhaps an iPad - you can use iTunes U. There’s no need for a particular handset. Mobile is part of the mix... but it’s not essential.

Over in Nike Town USA, the winged goddess was talking about the NIKE+ FuelBand. It’s a wristband (don’t mention the Jawbone UP) that tracks everyday movement and measures it using ‘NikeFuel’. The more you move - whether running, walking or dancing - the more NikeFuel you generate. Alternatively, it’ll count steps or calculate calories if you prefer.

As well as displaying coloured LEDs that help the user see how they’re approaching their daily goal, the FuelBand also synchronises with the Nike+ website. You can plug it in to a PC or you can connect via Bluetooth to a mobile app.

Once again, mobile is there - but it’s a ‘nice to have’ option and isn’t mandatory.

And then there’s Facebook, with its 60 new applications for Timeline, letting users share where they’re going, what they’re eating, the films they like... on mobile and on non-mobile platforms.

We’re finally starting to see mobile being accepted more and more, being part of the bigger picture and not having a cameo role.

Finally, companies are moving away from simply showing off with mobile - and are starting to take advantage of mobile instead. At least, I hope they are.

It ain’t what you do?  It is now. And that’s what gets results.

You can hear Mark Bridge, Iain Graham and James Rosewell discuss the latest mobile industry headlines every Wednesday. Pick up their podcast from iTunes, find it via RSS or listen on the home page of TheFonecast.com.
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Recent Podcasts

Mobile phones, mobile patents, mobile payments, mobile software... and more

Podcast - 27th November 2013

This week we're talking about two big announcements from BlackBerry: a luxury smartphone and some major management changes.

We also discuss the latest Samsung/Apple patent ruling, Vodafone's new mobile wallet, Android licensing, Doro's anti-virus deal, BYOD and the rise of the 'selfie'.

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Protecting children from text message cyber-bullying

Podcast - 22nd November 2013

With more than half of all pre-teen children reported to be using text messaging as their main form of mobile communication, it's not surprising to hear that bullies are taking advantage of SMS to attack their victims.

But what can mobile networks do to help these victims of cyber-bullying?  Louise O'Sullivan of Anam Technologies explains why she thinks network operators are apparently reluctant to take action - and why other organisations need to get involved.

Author: The Fonecast
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High-flying phones, hands-free phones, cash-free wallets and messaging madness

Podcast - 20th November 2013

This week's headline-grabbing product launch is the Motorola Moto G, which promises a decent Android smartphone at a very attractive price.

We also discuss new rules about mobile phones on planes, a new campaign to ban hands-free calls in cars, falling SMS revenue, mobile wallets and BlackBerry's $1 million investment.

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From the UK's newest smartphone manufacturer to the world's largest 4G tariff... and much more

Podcast - 13th November 2013

The past few days have been a good time for launches. Twitter has floated on the stock exchange, Kazam has revealed its smartphone range and EE has created a tariff with a million gigabytes of mobile data.

On the other side of the coin, Acer's CEO is quitting, Vodafone UK has missed its 3G coverage target and hackers can take control of your handset's camera to ascertain PIN codes.

Author: The Fonecast
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A new hope for BlackBerry... and a new challenge for Android

Podcast - 6th November 2013

It looks like BlackBerry is safe for the moment... but not with the takeover many had expected.

Meanwhile Google launches the Nexus 5, Nortel's patents are sent into battle, EE promises ever-faster 4G, the FAA allows electronic devices to be used throughout flights and we celebrate a record quarter for smartphone shipments.

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