We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… BT ‘considering low-cost mobile brand’ as Revolut and Monzo plan launches, first UK phones to get satellite connectivity in signal blackspots announced, NVIDIA and US Telecom Leaders Unveil the All-American AI-RAN Stack to Accelerate the Path to 6G and much more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.
BT ‘considering low-cost mobile brand’ as Revolut and Monzo plan launches
Guardian
BT is reportedly considering launching a new low-cost mobile brand to compete with fintech firms like Revolut and Monzo entering the UK mobile market, according to the Financial Times. The company may create the brand in-house or acquire an existing virtual network operator (MVNO), marking a shift from its current premium-only mobile offering through EE. BT, which uses Plusnet solely for broadband, is exploring ways to stay competitive as MVNOs expand, now representing 16.5% of the UK market. Fintech entrants aim to diversify their revenues, further pressuring established telecom operators like EE, Vodafone, and Three.
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First UK phones to get satellite connectivity in signal blackspots announced
BBC
Virgin Media O2 will become the first UK mobile operator to offer automatic satellite connectivity through a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Launching in early 2026 as an optional paid add-on, O2 Satellite will allow smartphones to switch to satellite coverage in areas without terrestrial signal, such as rural regions. Initially, the service will support messaging, maps, and location apps, but not phone calls, as Starlink’s current satellites lack voice capability. O2 plans to test WhatsApp calls and other data-based services before launch, with voice support expected once Starlink’s next-generation satellites are operational.
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RCS From Pipes to Policy: Why Messaging Infrastructure Is Now a Strategic Business Lever
Customer Think
Messaging has evolved from a background utility into a core driver of customer experience, risk management, and profitability. With Apple’s rollout of RCS on iOS in 2024 and WhatsApp’s rapidly expanding monetization model, businesses can no longer afford to manage messaging on a channel-by-channel basis. Instead, they must adopt unified architectures that balance cost efficiency, trust, and conversion.
The landscape is shifting fast: Apple’s iOS 18 update brought RCS to iPhones, fueling a 550% surge in global RCS traffic in 2024—up nearly ninefold in two years, and 14× in North America alone. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Business generated $1.785 billion in 2024, as the platform hit 3 billion monthly users by mid-2025. Together, these trends signal a structural transformation—one where messaging must be treated as strategic infrastructure, not an add-on channel.
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Watchdog proposes new rules to increase blocking of scam texts
BBC
Ofcom has proposed new rules requiring UK mobile networks to block scam texts before they reach users, aiming to close existing gaps in consumer protection. The regulator said the measures would ensure consistent industry-wide action against text-based fraud, which remains widespread — with half of UK mobile users receiving suspicious messages between November 2024 and February 2025. Networks already block around 600 million scam texts annually, but Ofcom wants stronger safeguards. It is accepting feedback on the proposals until 28 January and plans to issue final rules in summer 2026.
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NVIDIA and US Telecom Leaders Unveil the All-American AI-RAN Stack to Accelerate the Path to 6G
Nvidia
NVIDIA has unveiled America’s first AI-native wireless stack for 6G, developed in collaboration with Booz Allen, Cisco, MITRE, ODC, and T-Mobile. This breakthrough marks a major step toward next-generation wireless networks designed to handle billions of connected devices, from AR glasses and autonomous vehicles to industrial robots. Built around AI-RAN architecture, the 6G stack integrates connectivity, computing, and sensing on a unified, software-defined platform. By making networks inherently AI-driven, it enables more efficient spectrum use and supports emerging technologies like integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), which bridge the physical and digital worlds.
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Cambodia’s Canadia Bank Integrates IPification 1-Click Mobile Authentication cutting out OTPs
Telemedia Online
Canadia Bank, one of Cambodia’s leading commercial banks, has partnered with IPification to enhance security and user experience on its mobile banking app through next-generation mobile identity solutions. The integration introduces IPification’s 1-click mobile authentication and phone verification, enabling customers to verify their identity instantly using their unique Mobile ID key — based on SIM, device, and network data. This eliminates the need for passwords or SMS codes, allowing fast, secure logins and transactions. The partnership supports Canadia Bank’s ongoing digital transformation and commitment to delivering best-in-class customer experience and operational excellence across its banking services.
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Dutch telcos launch security APIs
Telecom.tv
Dutch mobile operators KPN, Odido, and Vodafone Netherlands have jointly launched new API-based security services under the GSMA Open Gateway initiative and in collaboration with Vereniging Coin. The coordinated rollout introduces Camara-based APIs such as Number Verification and KYC Match to help businesses and developers verify user identities securely and efficiently during logins and transactions. The initiative aims to strengthen digital security and reduce online fraud, a growing issue that affected one in seven Dutch citizens in 2024, costing €1.75 billion. The launch marks a major national step toward safer and more trusted digital interactions across the Netherlands.
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How does mobile development fit into the overall product strategy for Unreal Engine?
Pocket Gamer
Mobile development is a core pillar of Unreal Engine’s product strategy, driving both internal and external innovation. Epic Games continually refines mobile capabilities through real-world production environments such as Fortnite and Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), ensuring the engine’s tools are rigorously tested and optimized. These advancements are then extended to third-party developers, empowering studios to build high-fidelity, scalable experiences across mobile, PC, and console. With robust tools for animation, procedural content generation, and cross-platform optimization, Unreal Engine streamlines content creation and reinforces its position as a leading solution for delivering premium gaming experiences on every platform.
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