It is understood the network will tell dealers and distributors to reduce new consumer connections until the end of the year. It will also cut commissions and tighten its credit checking procedure.

One source told Mobile News: T-Mobile is looking to ditch its dealers and totally restructure the way it operates in the near future.

It will look to take its business away from independents and go more direct.

One dealer said: Business has been really slow this month and T-Mobile connections are the only thing keeping us afloat.

If it was to pull out of the dealer channel it would be a massive blow and could be the beginning of the end for the independents.

But Fone Doctors Faisal Sheikh said the writing has been on the wall for a while. I can count on one hand the number of consumer connections I made through T-Mobile last month. Its scaling-back process wont last beyond the end of the year as they wont be making enough connections overall. Theyll be forced to connect through consumers again.

T-Mobile refused to comment directly on the speculation adding it was aware of the rumour but would not talk about its market strategy.

Vodafones US subsidiary Verizon Wireless relies on Qualcomm products to support its 3G network.

The US International Trade Commission has ruled Qualcomms 3G chips used in mobile phones infringe on patents belonging to Broadcom.

Vodafone said the patent dispute would only affect imports of future models carrying the patent-infringing chips and chipsets. Products that are already on sale or awaiting export to the USA are not covered by the ban.

Tow joined the London mobile phone hire specialists from Vodafone where he was head of indirect distribution. Tow was at Vodafone for 16 years. Financial director James Howlison will handle Tows role until a successor is found.

Adam Phones was one of the first companies to become involved in short-term mobile phone hire and rented out its first mobile in 1988.

The Netto deal follows Payzones agreement with Spar grocery stores to enable top-ups across its retail estate of 2700 outlets.

Payzone deputy managing director Paul Charmatz said more deals were on the cards.

He said: Both partnerships have been very good pieces of business for us and in Netto Foodstores well gain an estimated 1000 new customers per month. We intend to keep penetrating this market and building our retailer base.

An 18-month HMRC investigation called Operation Varlet into carousel fraud concluded on June 27 with arrests across the UK and the searching of 20 premises in dawn raids.

HMRC said the investigation involved a large scale missing trader intra community (MTIC) VAT fraud involving a sophisticated network of individuals companies and bank accounts. Those arrested are suspected to be part of a ring of companies that fraudulently traded mobile phones buying them VAT-free from the continent to supply to businesses in the UK and then defaulting without paying the VAT due to HMRC.

HMRC director of operations and criminal investigation Euan Stewart said: The The level of sophistication of these frauds means that our investigations are becoming more complex but we are committed to working with the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office to bring the criminals behind the frauds to justice and to recovering the money stolen from the British Taxpayer. This crime is not victimless; it is organised and causes real harm.

Two arrests took place in Stoke-on-Trent two in Rickmanswoth and one arrest each in Birmingham Slough Maidenhead Uxbridge Bushey and Hanworth.

Between April and December 2006 HMRC made 11 prosecutions for carousel fraud resulting in 40 convictions with 180 years imprisonment imposed.

The deal will see LG produce YouTube enabled handsets which feature a new user interface that makes uploading video content more simplistic. The handsets will be available worldwide by the end of the year.

LG Mobile CEO Dr. Skott Ahn said: This new service will connect people like never before. For the first time LG customers will be able to film upload and view videos on YouTube using their mobile phone just as they would be able to from their home computer.

The network claim Simplicity will appeal to customers who wont commit to long-term contracts or to those who dont want to upgrade their handset. Prices for the tariff start from £15 pounds a month for 200 minutes and 200 texts.

Simplicity SIM cards are now available from all O₂ stores or from the companys website.

Eleven boats entered the event which was held over two days between Cowes and Hamble but it was a mixed crew from Ariel Telephones and Fone Trader that was victorious.

To view or order pictures from the regatta click here

A Motorola spokesperson said: Its for personal reasons he has decided to make this move. He passionately believes in Motorola and has great confidence in the future of the company. Hes excited to be back this Thursday

On June 4 20:20 Mobile Group said: 20:20 Mobile Group the leading UK European and global mobile handset and accessories distributor has appointed Jim Michel as group business development director. Jim has extensive experience in the mobile industry and joins 20:20 from Motorola where he was UK vice-president.

The 8Gb models were being listed for $1200 double the $600 Applestore price. Punters paying $1200 from an eBayer will get their iPhone immediately. The Apple store is listing shipping times of two to four weeks.

One eBay vendor claimed: I was the first person in Corpus Christi to purchase this phone and Im passing it onto the high bidder. These phones are sold in limited quantities so its first come first served. I have two of these and will sell them in seperate auctions. I personally camped outside of an AT&T store for 20+ hours to receive this phone