We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… CMA Gives Conditional Green Light to £15B Vodafone-Three Merger, Telecom Reform Key to EU’s Digital Ambitions, Says FF Télécoms Chief, BT Mulls Sale of Global Operations, But Full Exit Looks Unlikely and more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.
CMA Gives Conditional Green Light to £15B Vodafone-Three Merger
Gov.uk
Top news of the week is the initial green light to the Vodafone-Three merger. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has preliminarily approved the £15 billion deal, conditional on a major network upgrade across the country. The merged entity, set to become the UK’s largest mobile operator by revenue, has pledged £11 billion for network improvements and regulatory oversight to keep prices stable or lower. The CMA seeks further short-term protections against price hikes, with a final decision due by December 7. The merger aims to boost mobile service quality and competition in a lagging UK market.
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Telecom Reform Key to EU’s Digital Ambitions, Says FF Télécoms Chief
Euractiv
Telecom reform is crucial for the EU’s digital future, says FF Télécoms chief Nicolas Guérin. The French association’s president told Euractiv that regulatory reform and major investment are vital for meeting the EU’s digital and sustainability goals. He called for harmonized rules, longer spectrum licenses, and fair cost-sharing with large content providers. Guérin also emphasized public-private partnerships and sustainable network practices to drive innovation and maintain Europe’s global competitiveness.
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BT Mulls Sale of Global Operations, But Full Exit Looks Unlikely
FT
Interesting column by Lex in Thursday’s Financial Times, regarding the possibility of BT selling its international business. CEO Allison Kirkby aims to simplify the company and refocus on the UK market. Global operations, which made up about a sixth of its revenues in 2022. However, the Lex Column reads, these global assets are fragmented, outdated, and difficult to sell, with only a small operating profit. While there may be interest from buyers in specific regions or sectors, like Radianz (used by financial institutions), a full sale of global operations is unlikely to yield significant value. Partial sales, joint ventures, or partnerships could be more viable options.
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India’s Bharat 6G Vision Takes Shape with Advanced Multiport Switch
PIB.gov
As part of its Bharat 6G Vision, the Indian government is developing a state-of-the-art multiport switch to operate with a single broadband antenna. Jointly created by the Centre for Development of Telematics, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, the switch supports seamless connectivity across 2G to 5G bands, laying the groundwork for 6G. Funded by the Telecom Technology Development Fund, the project leverages Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology for better signal management, reduced noise, and enhanced telecom self-reliance. Aligned with the “Made in India” initiative, it aims to position India as a global leader in next-gen telecom solutions.
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Apple Faces EU’s First DMA Fine Over App Store Restrictions, Could Hit 10% of Sales
Bloomberg
Apple is set to incur its first fine under the EU’s Digital Markets Act for restricting app developers from offering cheaper deals outside its App Store, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the mattter. Expected before competition chief Margrethe Vestager’s departure, the penalty could reach 10% of Apple’s global sales, marking a significant move in the EU’s stricter stance on Big Tech.
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Australia Will Ban Social Media for Under-16s to Protect Mental Health
PM.gov
Landmark regulatory move in Australia: the government plans to ban social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the legislation will be introduced this month. The move aims to protect young people’s mental health, holding social media platforms responsible for enforcement. Companies that fail to comply may face fines, though no penalties will apply to users or parents. This is part of broader government efforts to regulate tech giants, addressing concerns over misinformation and harmful content. Social media firms, including Meta, have acknowledged the proposed age restrictions but stress the importance of practical implementation. Critics caution that without effective measures, the ban may yield limited results, much like existing underage alcohol laws.
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Dating Apps Under Fire for Exploiting Users with Addictive ‘Freemium’ Models
Guardian
Dating apps like Hinge, marketed as “designed to be deleted,” are under scrutiny for being addictive and exploitative. An Observer investigation reveals that these platforms, downloaded hundreds of millions of times, increasingly push users to purchase costly features akin to gambling products. Popular apps such as Tinder and Bumble encourage users to buy premium options for better visibility and more matches, leading to significant user spending.
In the UK, about 4.4 million adults use dating services, with a quarter paying subscriptions that generate £150 million annually, making it the third-largest dating app market globally. These apps operate on a “freemium” model, offering free accounts with limited features while charging up to £69.99 a month for enhancements, often restricting basic functionalities like seeing who liked a profile to paid users.
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AI Could Displace 1-3 Million UK Jobs, but New Roles Will Offset Losses, Says TBI
TB Insitute
AI could derange 1-3 million private sector jobs in the UK over the next two decades, according to the Tony Blair Institute (TBI). However, long-term unemployment impacts are expected to be modest, with annual job losses peaking at 60,000-275,000 and total unemployment rising by only a few hundred thousand. TBI predicts new AI-driven roles will offset many losses, keeping overall job disruption manageable within the UK’s 33 million-strong workforce.
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