MEF Mobile News Weekly Wrap

Apple and Google Face Scrutiny in U.K. Over App Store and Browser Practices

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Apple and Google's dominance in mobile ecosystems, including operating systems, app stores, and web browsers, under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.

The CMA aims to determine if these companies hold "strategic market status," which could lead to regulations restricting their practices, such as favoring their own products or hindering smaller competitors.

The investigations could result in requirements to open their platforms to third-party developers or allow users to download apps outside their app stores.

Feedback is sought until Feb. 12, with a deadline of Oct. 22 for the probe.

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U.K. Government Unveils Mobile Wallet for Official Documents, Full Rollout by 2027

The UK government is launching a mobile wallet to store official documents like driving licenses, aiming for full rollout by 2027 to include all government-issued credentials.

The wallet will use secure technologies like facial recognition.

A new app will also debut, offering personalized access to government services, payments, and an AI chatbot.

Additionally, the government introduced AI tools, dubbed Humphrey, to improve public services by reducing delays and cutting costs.

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Three Network Outage Disrupts Calls for Thousands, Affects Smaller Providers

Thousands of UK customers experienced phone call disruptions due to outages on the Three network, with over 10,000 reports logged on Downdetector.

Smaller providers like Smarty and iD Mobile, which use Three’s network, were also impacted.

Three confirmed its engineers had identified the issue but did not provide a resolution timeline.

Some customers reported missing important calls, including medical appointments.

Ofcom stated refunds might be possible, though this remains uncertain.

Three emphasized that data services and 999 calls were unaffected.

The outage follows Three's recent ￡16.5bn merger with Vodafone, approved by the Competition and Markets Authority.

MEF Leads Telecom Discussions at Pacific Conference, Supporting Hawaii’s Infrastructure Growth

The Pacific Telecommunications Council conference in Waikiki on global technology and innovation, attracted about 9,000 attendees, boosting Hawaii’s economy.

The event supported Hawaii’s fiber optics goals and broadband expansion to remote areas, championed by Gov. Sylvia Luke.

It also raised over $15,000 for Make-a-Wish Hawaii through its annual 5K Run/Walk.

MEF hosted an entire day, covering Wireless Tech's Impact on Infrastructure, the Future of Telecom Wholesale, Securing Mobile Network, Mobile Evolution & Connectivity.

All details in our website, mobileecosystemforum.com