The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into Vodafone, Telefónica and Everything Everywhere’s plans to create a UK-based mobile commerce joint venture.

The scheme, which was announced in June last year and has been nicknamed ‘Project Oscar, will now be investigated to see whether it would reduce effective competition in the European Economic Area. A decision will be made by the end of August.

Everything Everywhere is planning to close a combination of 31 Orange and T-Mobile stores in the UK, replacing them with shops that sell both mobile networks. As a result, 28 retail management roles are expected to be lost, although Everything Everywhere says it’ll be looking to redeploy people where possible.

In addition, a head office reorganisation will see a further 67 retail roles cut. However, the company also says 50 new office-based roles will be created.

Mark Bridge writes:

At the beginning of last week, Facebook and Instagram were the talk of the mobile industry. Was this billion-dollar deal the sign of another tech bubble?  Facebook’s fast track into mobile?  Facebook moving to cement its dominance of online photography?  You, the jury, decide.

Business communications provider Daisy Group plc has agreed to acquire audio-conferencing specialist Worldwide Group Holdings Limited for £28 million.

Peterborough-based Worldwide is described as a market-leader in audio-conferencing and call-handling technology. Its existing senior management team will remain in place.

The Barclays Pingit person-to-person mobile payment service is now available to customers from all UK banks and building societies.

Barclays Pingit, which was launched in February to Barclays customers, allows users to send and receive money by using a mobile phone number instead of requiring bank account and sort code details.