CMA starts its investigation into Vodafone and Three merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has started its Phase 1 investigation into Vodafone UK’s joint venture agreement with Three UK to combine the companies’ telecommunications operations under one single network provider. The CMA must assess the potential impact of a merger on competition. It cannot consider other potential effects, such as national security concerns,

OPPO and Nokia settle longstanding 5G patents battle

OPPO and Nokia have settled their legal dispute over the alleged unauthorised use of unlicensed 5G patents by OPPO. The two companies have agreed to a global patent cross-license agreement, encompassing standard-essential patents in 5G and other cellular communication technologies. As a result of this agreement, all pending litigation in various jurisdictions will be resolved.

Fónua completes integration of Bluechipworld after 2022 acquisition

Fónua has completed the integration of Bluechipworld Sales and Marketing Limited (BCW) following the Fónua acquisition of Bluechipworld 18 months ago. Bluechipworld’s facilities in Cannock are now Fónua’s UK Head Office. Bluechipworld was established in 2009 to design technology, audio, and mobile accessories. It managed licensed brands such as MiTEC, iT7 Audio, SilverLabel, iCandy, Keplar,

EU cops swoop on used phone £16 million marginal VAT fraudsters

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has carried out 25 raids in six countries targeting a suspected £16 million VAT fraud involving used mobile phones imported from Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States. The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It?is responsible for investigating, prosecuting

A Galaxy S24 not so far far away

London’s skyline was lit up by a huge hovering spaceship last evening made up of hundreds of illuminated drones. More than 550 drones and took an awestruck audience on a journey through the solar system with a series of colourful celestial scenes above Canary Wharf. The mysterious spectacle wasorchestrated by Samsung to celebrate the landing

Vodafone to invest £1.18bn in 10-year Microsoft partnership to combine AI and IoT expertise

Vodafone and Microsoft have joined forces in a 10-year collaboration partnership to develop a new AI and IoT connectivity platform and revamping Vodafone’s global data centre cloud strategy.  Vodafone will invest £1.18 billion over the next decade in  cloud and customer-focused AI services developed with Microsoft.  Microsoft will use Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services.

Cellhire appoints Vodafone IoT leader Tony Guerion as CEO

International mobile comms connectivity provider Cellhire has appointed former Vodafone IoT sales chief Tony Guerion as its new CEO. Guerion has more than 27 years of experience in the communications industry. He joined Vodafone in 2010 and become Global Head of Sales for IoT in 2016. Cellhire provides mobile communications, M2M/IoT services and data connectivity

Focus Group buys NHS England-approved comms supplier RPM Communications

Focus Group has acquired RPM Communications which sells cloud-based telephony to the healthcare sector. The move bolsters the growth of Focus’ specialist healthcare division Think Healthcare which is an approved supplier to NHS RPM Communications and is also a preferred supplier to NHS England. “When the opportunity arose to further enhance our capabilities and bolster