Network operator Telefonica has launched an ebook reader on the Movistar network in Spain.

The device is called the ebook bq and will go on sale next week.

Telefónica Europe has announced its Q1 2011 results, with customer numbers reaching 57 million and income up 6.3%.

The UK part of the business - which trades as O2 - saw an increase in customers to 22.3 million mobile users plus an additional 2.6 million using Tesco Mobile. Smartphones accounted for 82% of total sales and upgrades in Q1, bringing smartphone penetration to 33% for O2 UK.

The official company name for O2 - Telefónica O2 UK Limited - has been changed, as have the names of the other operating businesses within Telefónica Europe.

In line with the company's global strategy of "One Team One Telefónica", the O2 part has been dropped and it'll now be Telefónica UK.

Telefónica O2 Ireland and the eircom Group have announced a new mobile network sharing arrangement in Ireland. Between them, the two companies are responsible for services using the O2, Tesco Mobile, Meteor and eMobile brands.

They'll be consolidating cell sites where possible, working together to provide and maintain site equipment.

Telefónica España - the Spanish mobile network operator owned by the parent of O2 UK - has launched a contactless NFC mobile payment project for its staff. It's called 'Distrito NFC' and is available at the network’s headquarters in Madrid.

1,000 Telefonica employees have been given Samsung NFC devices that'll let them use their mobile phones for payment in and around the business campus. Over 10,000 additional employees are expected to be added to the scheme as it develops.