Zygo has provided systems to organisations such as Vodafone and O2 in the UK, KPN (Holland) and e-plus and Deutsche Telecom (Germany).

Over the past 15 years, it has been also active in Norway, Australia, Niger, Ukraine, USA and Canada covering a wide range of services for mobile, fixed, VoIP, broadband, telematics, SaaS for service providers, MVNOs and other sectors such as IP TV and Mobile TV.

Ten Zygo staff have joined the Tekton team and the Zygo management team has been given senior roles within Tekton Billing. Zygo’s Chairman has stepped down.

Tekton Billing first approached Zygo three years ago and conversations moved forward at the end of last year.

“The expertise and experience brought by these new staff members will enhance Tekton Billing’s expansion capabilities. By harnessing the synergy between the two businesses, we aim to streamline operations, boost productivity, and invest even more time and resources into the development of ZOEY (billing software).

This marks a pivotal moment for our company, and we are excited about the possibilities it brings for our existing and new customers. Our commitment to delivering the best cloud-hosted billing solution is stronger than ever, and we are confident that this acquisition will further enhance the value we provide to our customers”“Existing customers of Tekton Billing are poised to benefit immensely from this acquisition”, said Tekton managing director Harry McKeever.

“By harnessing the synergy between the two entities, Tekton Billing aims to streamline operations, boost productivity, and create a seamless experience for its clientele. 

Tekton won the Best Mobile Billing Platform at the Mobile News Awards 2023

Many providers have contract clauses that annually increase monthly costs based based on inflation plus an additional percentage.

“That means the initial price consumers are paying will go up in future by an unknown amount. Sometimes this is only a few months from when they take out the contract, depending on the time of year –and often more than once. It is therefore crucial that information about the future price increase is clear to consumers in the ad itself, to avoid creating a misleading impression that the initial stated price will remain the same throughout the contract period.” said the ASA.

Other contracts include clauses that allow providers to raise the price during the contract at their discretion.

“In those cases the customer has the right to exit without paying a penalty fee, however it is still important for them to be aware of the possibility when selecting a contract. Where mobile or broadband contracts with this characteristic are sold together with other services, such as content streaming or device payment, terminating a variable contract might have implications for the status of those other products. Consumers should be made aware of this as it may also be material to their decision to choose a particular product package”.

The guidance makes clear that ads should carry details of what the increase will be based on featured prominently relative to the advertiised price. Inflation terminology must clear and simple to understand and include the full amount the consumer will pay after the increase,They make clear where terminating a variable contract due to a price increase will impact other linked services.

Providers have until December 15 to ensure their ads confirm to the new CAP guidance.

Three UK CEO, Robert Finnegan, and Vodafone UK CEO, Ahmed Essam (main pic) have put more flesh on the bone of the historic merger.

Both confirmed there will be no change to each operator’s pricing strategy and that a multi-brand strategy will continue with Vodafone and Three continuing under their own names .

No change to each operator’s pricing strategy and a multi-brand strategy will continue

Economies of scale will enable the UK’s new third network to bring 5G coverage to more than 99 per cent of the population by 2034 and similar geographic coverage by 2027.

They claim that the UK businesses’ digital transformation will get a boost with improvements to production efficiency from full 5G access while energy consumption will be reduced by enabling business to install more energy efficient 5Ge smart technology to reduce their emissions?

“The merger creates a third network operator with scale and creates more effective competition to the market leaders to become an even more effective challenger on home broadband, accelerating the availability of fixed wireless access to complement the UK’s fibre footprint” said Essam.

Both of the businesses will compete as usual on a stand-alone basis until the merger is complete. So customers should not expect any changes to their plans and prices, They have pledged continuation of support on social tariffs to ensure there are o price rises on these tariffs. In the contract-free market there will be no price rises.

Finnegan said he was confident the regulatory bodies would not stop the merger.

“Ofcom identified that investment is very important in the industry. We’re both investing more than we are generating and that is not sustainable. I think Ofcom and the CMA recognise that and that this is an opportunity to correct what is a dysfunctional market. This is a way of creating a really strong third player that has scale and is wiling to invest £11 billion which is way more than any of the other operators. And that’s got to be good for consumers, The devil is in the detail, We will be engaging with the CMA in due course and listen to what their concerns are and move forward.”

this is an opportunity to correct what is a dysfunctional market.

Added Essam added: “If you reflect on where the market was five years ago and where we are today clearly it is a very different market. What materially changed is the MVNO market which is competitive. MVNO’s enjoy a market share of more than 16.5 per ent. It is very different from the position five years back. This changes the competitive landscape and makes our case very strong and which will bring our transaction over the claiming weeks to the CMA”.

The Three China connection is not seen as an obstacle for security concerns as it did with Huawei.

“We work with the security bodies and they have no concerns about our operations. This will be Hutchison taking a 49 per cent stake. So we don’t see an issue here”, said Finnegan.

Essam emphasised that both networks are already heavily regulated in the UK and adhere to strict compliance on customer data.

“We both abide by customer privacy regulations, Clearly the deal will be subject to national security approvals. We are on a good position to take this case to the security agencies and bodies”

Consumer references are defined as the numbers required to switch service provider Failure to comply is an offence . ComReg found the discrepancy after investigating complaints by some customers reporting issues with switching from Sky.

ComReg found that Sky had failed to include consumer references on customers’ online bills and some paper bills. Sky confirmed that the issue with online bills was resolved in April 2021 and the issue with paper bills was resolved in December 2022.

“Consumer references are the numbers required to switch service provider. They appear names like Universal Account Number (UAN) and Circuit Reference Number (CRN).Account number and phone number might also be consumer references as they could be required to switch service providers. Service providers should include all of consumer references on all bills”, said ComReg

Mobile operators will generate over $10 billion of roaming data revenue globally in 2024, rising from $8.6 billion in 2023 according to Juniper Research in its roaming research report.

But, despite an annual growth of 15 per cent, operators’ future retail roaming revenue will be threatened by the growth of eSIMs as the key enabling technology for the growth of travel mobility services.

By next year, over 1.5 billion smartphones globally are expected to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity, rising to 3.5 billion by 2027 says Juniper.

“Mobile subscribers’ potential roaming costs will increase as consumers’ demand for data proliferates following the increased deployment of 5G networks”, explains Juniper.

Juniper says operators should launch services aimed specifically at long-term travellers who are likely to become permanent roamers.

“ These platforms must allow subscribers to self-manage their travel mobility mobile subscriptions, including the setup, data allowance and cancellation in real-time. As a result, this will lessen the reliance on the delivery of physical SIM cards which can increase the time for a travel mobility subscription to be created.

Retail Roaming Market Research Report

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/billing/article/10-billion-global-roaming-revenue-take-hit-esim-growth-juniper/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/billing/article/virgin-media-o2-accuses-networks-ripping-off-customers-nt-switching-cheaper-tariffs-paying-devices/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/billing/article/virgin-media-o2-accuses-networks-ripping-off-customers-nt-switching-cheaper-tariffs-paying-devices/#respond Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:30:56 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/virgin-media-o2-accuses-networks-ripping-off-customers-nt-switching-cheaper-tariffs-paying-devices/ Virgin Media O2 UK says consumers are being “swindled” by networks charging for phones they have paid for. But Vodafone calls this claim ‘incorrect and misleading’ Virgin Media O2 says UK consumers are spending millions of pounds buying their smartphones twice over”.  “Three of the four UK mobile network operators EE, Vodafone, and Three, are

Virgin Media O2 UK says consumers are being “swindled” by networks charging for phones they have paid for. But Vodafone calls this claim ‘incorrect and misleading’

Virgin Media O2 says UK consumers are spending millions of pounds buying their smartphones twice over”.

 “Three of the four UK mobile network operators EE, Vodafone, and Three, are continuing to charge millions of customers for their handsets long after customers have finished paying for them”, said a statement from Virgin Media O2.

“Millions of customers tied into classic contracts with EE, Three and Vodafone are at risk of overpaying for smartphones they already own”.

But Vodafone said it too had split contracts on Vodafone EVO for a number of years and called Virgin Media O2s’s claim to be the only operator to do this “inaccurate and misleading for consumers”.

‘Customers device contracts end when the loan is paid off. They are never ‘overcharged’ for their device. Therefore they will never overpay for a phone they already own. We’re disappointed to see VM02 confusing consumers with incorrect information and sensationalist headlines at a time when as an industry, we all need to be providing greater trust and clarity” said a Vodafone spokesperson.

We’re disappointed to see VM02 confusing consumers with incorrect information and sensationalist headlines at a time when as an industry, we all need to be providing greater trust and clarity”  – VODAFONE

‘Unlike VM02, we don’t position the loan coming to an end as a ‘discount’, it’s simply paid off and customers are charged for their airtime contract. All Vodafone customers are contacted at the end of their contract – to make sure they are aware of the best new deals and packages”

At the time of writing EE  and Three had not responded to an invitation from Mobile News to comment on the Virgin Media O2 claim they were overcharging.

Virgin Media O2 says it is the only mobile network operator to discount contracts automatically by putting customers on an airtime plan, once they own the phone.

An online survey conducted by Strand Partners on behalf of Virgin Media O2 analysed responses from 5,303 people.

This showed 93 per cent of users are unaware that being on a bundled phone contract can lead to overpaying for a device. Around 81 per cent said they’d feel ripped off if they discovered they’d overpaid for their phone Fourt four per cent of those out of contract for over a year earn less than £15,000 a year, meaning those on low incomes are being hit hardest

 “Three of the four UK mobile network operators EE, Vodafone, and Three, are continuing to charge millions of customers for their handsets long after customers have finished paying for them”

Eighty per cent of consumers in the study felt cheated and believed they should be automatically moved to a cheaper tariff once they pay for their handset. Most were unaware they could be charged for mobile phones they’ve already paid for through their mobile contracts.

“Bamboozled Brits don’t realise they’re being taken for a ride by opaque, confusing and outdated mobile contracts,” said Gareth Turpin, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2.

“Consumers are being kept in the dark about when they’ve paid for their phone so are spending millions of pounds buying their smartphones twice over.

“With millions of customers from other operators stuck on contracts that force them to overpay for their smartphones, all too often in the mistaken belief it will save them money, we’re sounding the alarm on this smartphone swindle.

“Customers who buy from Virgin Media O2 will never overpay for their phone with bills automatically reduced when they’ve paid for their device – it’s simply the right thing to do.”

O2 said it was the first operator 10 years ago to introduce split contracts and automatically reduce customers’ bills once their handset loan had been repaid. Virgin Mobile launched similar plans in 2014 known as Freestyle so most Virgin Media O2 customers now take split contracts.

Citizens Advice reckons customers are spending tens of millions of pounds each month on mobile phones that they already own when out of contract.

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HMD Global has launched three new Nokia devices. The new C32 and Nokia C22 are said to offer up to three-day battery life with improved imaging and durability in the C-series and the first Nokia. The G22 benefits from a global collaboration with American e-commerce and how-to website iFixit which sells repair parts, tools and repair guides and affordable parts.

Ben Wood, Chief Analyst, CCS Insight commented: “The ability to repair smartphones easily and affordably will become a key differentiator in the market. CCS Insight’s end-user research reflects this with approximately half of mobile phone users in Western Europe saying they would like to be able to have their device repaired at a reasonable cost if they break outside of the warranty period.”

Adam Ferguson, Head of Product Marketing, HMD Global: “People value long-lasting, quality devices and they shouldn’t have to compromise on price to get it. The new Nokia G22 is purposefully built with a repairable design so you can keep it even longer, and with advanced imaging on Nokia C32 and improved durability on Nokia C22, we are bringing even more value to the C-series.”

Nokia C32 comes with a 50MP camera and improved imaging algorithms and comes with the latest Android 13. The Nokia C22 has IP52 splash and dust protection, toughened 2.5D display glass, rigid metal chassis housed and a polycarbonate unibody design.

Nokia G22 comes in Meteor Grey and Lagoon Blue starting at £149.99 At-home Fit Kits for Nokia G22 are available for £5 from iFixit.com. Replacement parts are available from iFixit.com: battery £22.99, display £44.99 and charging port

£18.99. Nokia C32 comes in Charcoal, Autumn Green, and Beach Pink starting at £129.99. Nokia C22 comes in Midnight Black and Sand and will be available in the UK from Spring starting at £109.99.

Finalists of the Mobile News Awards 2023 have been chosen by 16 mobile industry experts who spent a day at the InterContinental Park Lane business centre discussing and scrutinising 111 entries (above).

The judges were: Clive Bayley, Afi Chaudhary, Shan Vyas, Lizzie Bailey, Karl Liriano. Dane Hipkin, Mark Curtis-Wood, Gareth Elliott, Ru Bhikhar, Peter Richardson. Runar Bjorlhovde, Aman Bachu, Andy Coughlin, Simon Dunn, Paul Nield, Steve Fraser.

The most competitive categories were Best Customer Service for Business and Best Secondary Market Provider which attracted a dozen entries each, Best Online Retailer (9) and Best Customer Service for Consumers (7).

Finalists 

Best 5G User Case

The winner is to be announced on the night (no Commendations)

Best Accessories Distributor

Mobio Distribution

Fonua

Satya Tech

Best Accessories Manufacturer

Samsung

Zagg

Belkin International

Best Airtime Partner Portal

The winner is to be announced on the night (no Commendations)

Best B2B Dealer

Focus Group

Barclay Communications

Uplands Mobiles

Aerial Direct

Cellhire

Best Community Care Initiative

Sky

Cellhire

Radius Connect Solutions

Focus Group

Best Customer Service Business

Barclay Communications

Uplands

Vodafone Business

The One Point

Digital Wholesale Solutions

Aerial Direct

Cellhire

Best Customer Service Consumer

Sky

The Techout

Samsung

Lebara

Mozillion

Mobiles.co.uk

Best Devices Distributor

Eurostar Global Electronics

Exertis

Best Phone/Gadget Insurance Provider

Asurion

Bastion Insurance Device Cover

Assurant

Best Innovative Product

Ocushield

Twig

Belkin

Samsung

Best Innovative Service

Celllhire

EE

Twig

Samsung

Sky

Device Network

Best Mobile Billing Platform

Tekton Billing

Lifecycle Software

Union Street Technologies

Best MVNO

Lyca Mobile

ID Mobile

Plan.com

Lebara

Sky Mobile

Best MVNO Partner

Three UK Wholesale

BT Wholesale

Telna

Best Network For Business.

Vodafone Business.

Neos Networks

Three Business.

Tango Networks

Best Network for Consumers

Lebara

Sky

EE

Best Online Retailer

Mobio Distribution

Repair Outlet

The Techout

Music Magpie

Virgin Media O2

Mobiles.co.uk

Best Secondary Market Facilitator

Zone Global

Compare and Recycle

Device Network

Twig

Best Secondary Market Provider

TMT First

Mazuma

MTR Group

Mozillion

Music Magpie

Ingram Micro Lifecycle

Envirofone

Best Service and Repair Provider

MTR Group

The Techout

Pocket Geek Tech Repair

TMT First

ArmaFone

Samsung

Best Sustainability and Environmental Programme

Twig

Device Network

Belkin International

Juice Global

Assurant

Winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony and late-night party at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on March 16 hosted by Simon Evans.  Tables and tickets HERE

Hundreds of Digital Wholesale Solutions partners and channel guests were treated to hours of entertainment at a DWS partner event in the historic Leake Street graffiti tunnels of the Wunderground par venue under the renovated arches of Waterloo Station

The evening was sponsored CityFibre, TalkTalk Wholesale Services, Microsoft, Acronis, BT Wholesale, Sophos, Neos, Pangea and Draytek and organised by Red Blaze, the producers of the Mobile News Awards ceremony and party.

This was the first partner event to be held by DWS this year and follows last autumn’s highly Oktoberfest party. According to DWS, the objective of Wunderground was to celebrate the success achieved with partners during 2022, and the opportunities in store for 2023. It also provided an informal atmosphere to meet with senior DWS members, as well as companies from the wider group such as Giacom and Union Street.

“A big thank you to all our partners and sponsors for making such an unforgettable event. Wunderground was the perfect way to beat the January blues and show partners our appreciation in true DWS style. It also proved to be a great setting to discuss our plans for 2023, specifically how we intend to help partners make the most of the opportunities on offer in the year ahead.”, said DWS chief executive, Terry O’Brien.

Union Street Technologies has brought out a new product called RPI Increase Service, to help react to inflation by enabling their partners to make price increases to products and services across an entire customer base.

The RPI Increase Service enables resellers to give the work to Union Street consultants. Prices can be changed by a percentage increase or the value.

“Union Street introduced the service in response to the massive increases in inflation seen over the past year,” said Union Street’s Product Owner, Samantha Dennahy

“Many resellers, especially those with larger bases, were experiencing challenges increasing their prices in response to inflation. We developed our RPI Increase Service to help them overcome these challenges. Resellers across the ICT channel have seen the cost of their services go up dramatically, forcing them to increase prices and pass on costs to their customers. Depending on the complexity of a reseller’s estate, increasing prices across a customer base can be a labour-intensive exercise with high potential for human error” .