Get the latest announcements from MEF Members across the mobile ecosystem globally in this weekly review of member news…
First Orion Expands Call Authentication Integration Capabilities with Leading Call Originators
First Orion has expanded integration for its INFORM® with Call Authentication feature, now compatible with more contact center and communications platforms. The solution enables enterprises and SMBs to authenticate and brand outbound calls, boosting engagement, conversion, and trust while combating spoofing. Paired with INFORM® Branded Calling, it verifies call legitimacy and protects consumers from fraudulent calls. Call Authentication also lays the foundation for SENTRY® Call Blocking, allowing unauthenticated calls to be blocked at the network level.
“Our compatibility with industry leaders underscores First Orion’s commitment to simplifying secure, trusted communications,” said Jeff Stalnaker, President of First Orion. “Businesses can now seamlessly access Call Authentication through their preferred platform and start authenticating.”
Stalnaker added, “Call authentication is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s essential for any business serious about stopping spoofing and ensuring customers pick up the phone. Our integrations reduce friction, so more organizations can implement branded calling with security in mind. Our approach enhances STIR/SHAKEN with our standards-based end-to-end call authentication method, providing the highest level of protection available on the market.”
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Global Sports Fans Demand Always-on Engagement from Their Favorite Teams
A study by Infobip shows that 66% of sports fans feel disconnected from their favorite teams, rising to 81% for those under 35. Fans criticize generic, transactional communication and seek personalized, ongoing engagement, including behind-the-scenes content and player stories. While 82% follow teams on social media, many want richer content via direct messaging and apps. Rising costs of subscriptions, tickets, and merchandise also limit access for 61% of fans. The research highlights a key opportunity for clubs to enhance loyalty and satisfaction through digital innovation and personalized communication.
Ervin Jagatić, Product Director at Infobip, stated that ” Fans want a deeper, two-way relationship with their teams that keeps them engaged throughout the year, not just on match days. With AI and other new technology, such as Conversational AI Gamification, sports organizations can create personalized, real-time fan experiences that build loyalty and drive participation. Infobip’s AI-driven chatbots on platforms like WhatsApp and Rich Communication Services (RCS) enable fans to instantly ask questions, access exclusive content, and receive updates 24/7.”
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Orange Hosts the Medusa Submarine Cable at Its Infrastructure in Marseille for Its First Landing
Orange has reinforced its commitment to international connectivity with a new submarine cable linking Marseille to Bizerte, Tunisia, the first European landing of the Medusa system. Supported by a fully redundant fiber infrastructure, the project provides secure, direct access to Marseille’s data centers and major European hubs such as Paris, London and Frankfurt. Fully managed by Orange, the 1,050 km cable enhances network resilience, meets growing regional bandwidth demand and strengthens Marseille’s position as a key global interconnection hub in the Mediterranean.
Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, states: “We are proud to bring our leadership and expertise to the Medusa cable, hosted within our secure infrastructure in Marseille, with laying operations carried out by our cable ships, Teliri and Sophie Germain. Our infrastructure offers a key link in Mediterranean basin connectivity, ensuring digital resilience and supporting socio-economic development. With this landing, Orange enhances Europe’s digital sovereignty and positions Marseille as a global digital hub, now hosting the arrival of 17 submarine cables connected worldwide.”
TELUS Exceeds Expectations to Earn Silver in Indigenous Relations Certification
TELUS earned Silver certification from the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business through the PAIR program, surpassing expectations in advancing Indigenous reconciliation. The assessment evaluates executive commitment, Indigenous employment, support for Indigenous-owned businesses, and long-term community partnerships. Integrated into TELUS’ Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan since 2021, the Silver certification marks a milestone, reflecting the company’s dedication to building trust-based, meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and demonstrating leadership in reconciliation through action and accountability.
“Our TELUS team is honoured to receive this certification and prestigious recognition from Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. As the first technology company in Canada to commit to a public Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, we are dedicated to listening, learning and taking action on our collective journey of reconciliation,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS. “Indeed, by exceeding expectations and earning Silver certification, it is a reflection of our team’s heartfelt efforts in respect of working collaboratively with Indigenous communities to provide the connectivity, tools and resources that enable unique social and economic growth opportunities.”
“Each year, we are honoured to recognize a growing number of organizations that have been independently verified for their commitment to building strong and respectful relations with Indigenous communities and businesses,” said Tabatha Bull, President and CEO of CCIB. “TELUS’ achievement of Silver certification in the PAIR program shows a meaningful commitment to action and accountability, representing a crucial step toward integrating economic reconciliation throughout their operations.”
“We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with TELUS and are celebrating their well-deserved PAIR Silver level accreditation alongside them,” said Chief Derek Epp, Tzeachten First Nation. “Since 2018, our relationship has benefited our community while advancing reconciliation. From bringing connectivity to our territory to removing access barriers through programs like Connecting for Good, TELUS demonstrates true reconciliation through action and innovation. Their approach prioritizes reciprocity, making this a partnership we’re proud to continue.”
Tele2 First Swedish Operator to Launch Satellite IoT Connectivity with Skylo
Tele2 IoT, in partnership with Skylo, has launched a Global Satellite IoT Connectivity service, becoming the first Swedish operator to offer a 3GPP-based direct-to-device satellite IoT solution. Using Skylo’s Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, the service ensures continuous connectivity by allowing devices to switch seamlessly between terrestrial and satellite networks. This innovation enables industries such as agriculture, logistics, energy, infrastructure, and maritime to maintain reliable operations in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
“At Tele2 IoT, we believe connectivity should work everywhere. By partnering with Skylo, we are removing the final coverage gaps and ensuring our customers’ devices stay online – whether at sea, in rural terrain, or other remote locations. This launch is an important step in our ambition to deliver reliable, simple, and global IoT connectivity,” said Stefan Trampus, EVP B2B at Tele2.
“We are proud to partner with Tele2 to bring the world’s largest commercially available satellite network to their globally-focused customer base. We’re excited about supporting Tele2 and their customers as they look to leverage NTN to bring about new business models and insights for new use cases. We look forward to working together to expand our customer footprint with one of most influential operators in Europe,” said Simon Glassman, Senior Manager, EMEA Business Development, at Skylo Technologies.
