US space agency NASA has launched three smartphone-powered satellites into orbit around the earth.

Each satellite uses a standard HTC Google Nexus One handset, which runs the Android operating system, although they’ve been given an external battery and a more powerful radio.

ABI Research says shipments of smartphones costing under $250 will increase from 259 million this year to 788 million in 2018.

That’s an increase in smartphone market share from 28% in 2012 to 46% by 2018.

James Rosewell writes:

Due to growth in staff numbers my business (51Degrees.mobi) is in the process of moving offices. Coincidentally I'm also moving our home broadband. It’s not been a pleasant experience.

This got me thinking, because a few weeks ago on thefonecast.com we discussed why Ofcom isn’t treating Mobile Termination Rates (MTR) in the same way as fixed-line termination rates. The mobile industry justifies higher MTRs on the assumption that a mobile network costs more to run than a fixed-line network. It was certainly true when the fixed costs of running a mobile network had to be shared across a relatively small number of customers, even if they did pay a fortune for their contracts and terminals. Intuitively I'd say that’s just not true anymore.

Mark Bridge writes:

The past few days have seen the arrival of two familiar seasons. Not only has the sun peeked its head from behind the clouds in an approximation of Spring but the mobile industry has been releasing its quarterly results.

Microsoft has published results for the third quarter of its current financial year, revealing a new record revenue figure.

Quarterly revenue reached $20.49 billion for the quarter (£13.42 billion; up 18% year-on-year), while net income was up 19% to $6.06 billion.