Encrypted communications provider Silent Circle says it’s discontinued its Silent Mail email encryption service to avoid the risk of compromising its customers if governments demanded to see user information.

The company points out that it’s not received any government subpoenas, warrants or security letters at the moment.

Telefónica has announced that it’s closing the TU Me voice-over-IP service next month.

TU Me, which offers free voice calls as well as messaging and photo sharing, was originally launched in May last year. It’s currently available as an Apple iOS, Google Android and BlackBerry application.

The Information Commissioner’s Office and Ofcom have published a joint action plan to tackle nuisance calls and unsolicited text messages.

Ofcom has powers to deal with ‘silent’ automated calls and abandoned calls, while the ICO is responsible for dealing with companies that make unwanted marketing calls or send SMS text messages.

Robin Kent, operations director at Adax Europe, talks to Mark Bridge about some of the challenges facing mobile network operators as data usage increases.

They discuss how networks can differentiate their services, how can they monetise the app phenomenon, whether mobile data will kill voice and SMS... and the privacy concerns that arise around all-IP communication.

The European Union’s Roaming Regulations, which were put in place last May, have caused mobile roaming charges in Europe to fall again today. Charges fell last July and are scheduled to fall again next year.

Although maximum prices for voice calls and text messages are falling slightly, there’s also a dramatic drop in the maximum cost of mobile data usage.