There's a focus on mobile payments in this week's podcast, with a look back at Mobile World Congress and a conversation with Mary Carol Harris of Visa Europe. The team also takes its regular review of the week's headlines, including Vodafone's network problems and a hiccup with Microsoft's Windows Phone update.

Vodafone UK customers are currently suffering from severe service disruption following the theft of equipment from "technical facilities".

Vodafone UK has set up a commission-free text donation number for customers wishing to donate to the Red Cross New Zealand earthquake appeal.

UK Vodafone customers can make a £5 donation to the Red Cross by texting NZQUAKE to 70801. The donation will be taken from the customer's 'pay as you talk' credit or added to their 'pay monthly' bill.

A group of mobile network operators have committed to launching commercial Near Field Communications services in select markets by next year.

Although the technology is best known for enabling mobile payments, NFC can also be used for other services such as mobile ticketing, mobile couponing, information exchange and access to buildings or vehicles.

The Vodafone Foundation has agreed a three-year partnership with with disaster relief agency Télécoms Sans Frontières. TSF specialises in bringing wireless communications to affected areas, helping humanitarian relief agencies coordinate their efforts and enabling displaced families to call their loved ones.

As well as giving TSF €1 million towards its costs, Vodafone will also provide the agency with equipment and technical support in emergency situations.