Early 6G deployments are expected in China, Japan, South Korea, the US, Europe, the GCC states, India and Vietnam. The GSMA forecasts more than five billion 6G connections by 2040, representingaround half of all mobile users worldwide.

However, 6G will not replace existing technologies overnight.

The GSMA expects 5G to support around three billion connections, and 4G roughly two billion, even in 2040. This points to a decade where operators will manage a complex multi-generation landscape, balancing investment across three dominant network standards.

The technology leap to 6G is expected to supercharge global data consumption. Mobile traffic is forecast to reach 1,700 to 3,900 exabytes per month by 2040, driven by a combination of richer video services, gaming, and new 6G-enhanced applications.

These include extended reality, real-time network sensing, and image- and video-driven generative AI, all of which will require far higher uplink capacity and much lower latency.

Behavioural shift

Markets with strong 5G take-up already show the direction of travel. In countries where 5G accounted for at least 30 per cent of broadband connections in 2024, data consumption was 2.5 times higher than in markets where 5G penetration remained below 10 per cent.

The GSMA notes that even if emerging 6G use cases remain niche in the early years, demand will continue to rise as more users migrate to faster networks and adopt higher-bandwidth services.

A major behavioural shift will also shape future network demand. Today, around 10 per cent of mobile users generate 60 per cent to 70 per cent of total traffic. By 2040, the GSMA expects these so-called “power-user” consumption levels to become mainstream, driven by younger generations who already rely heavily on high-bandwidth applications.

Spectrum will be another critical challenge. Many anticipated 6G services, such as immersive communications, digital twins and network-assisted mobility, will require latencies below 10 milliseconds, as well as high reliability and wide channels to avoid congestion.

Traffic distribution will further complicate planning: in a sample of 10 countries, 83 per cent of all mobile traffic occurred in urban areas, which reresent just five per cent of land area.

With 6G on the horizon, the GSMA warns the industry must begin preparing now. The 2030s will bring unprecedented uplink demand, denser urban networks and a dramatic shift in user behavioursetting the stage for the most significant transformation in mobile connectivity since the arrival 4G.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/6g-set-to-reshape-global-mobile-networks-by-2030-says-gsma/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-one-app-rule-telcos-chance-end-subscription-churn/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-one-app-rule-telcos-chance-end-subscription-churn/#respond Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:25:19 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/analysis-one-app-rule-telcos-chance-end-subscription-churn/ As digital services multiply, users are feeling overwhelmed by rising costs and fragmented offerings, writes Hamish White, CEO and founder of SaaS soutions provider Mobilise.  Telcos already possess the foundations for superapp success. Their existing mobile apps provide a natural starting point for layering on new services that engage rather than exhaust consumers. As competition

As digital services multiply, users are feeling overwhelmed by rising costs and fragmented offerings, writes Hamish White, CEO and founder of SaaS soutions provider Mobilise. 

Telcos already possess the foundations for superapp success. Their existing mobile apps provide a natural starting point for layering on new services that engage rather than exhaust consumers.

As competition intensifies and new players enter the market from adjacent industries, operators are in a prime position to modernise outdated VAS (value-added service) models, reduce subscription fatigue, and reassert their value in the digital economy.

A superapp is an all-in-one platform that bundles essential services  from mobile plans to entertainment and lifestyle into a single interface. Last year, Forbes estimated that the average US consumer spends nearly $924 per year on subscription services. And that’s before factoring in essential costs such as broadband and mobile contracts.

Research by YouGov found that 31 per cent of 2,000 UK consumers had cancelled at least one streaming service in the past 12 months, while 39% said they were likely to cancel a service soon. Managing subscriptions has become both a financial and logistical burden, with people juggling logins, payment cycles, notifications, and overlapping services.

Yet subscription fatigue can also be an opportunity. Telcos are uniquely positioned to evolve into digital-first brands and consolidate value by moving beyond legacy VAS into the realm of the superapp.

Unlike over-the-top players such as WhatsApp, Netflix, or Spotify, operators have direct relationships with customers. They control billing, customer identity, and the connectivity infrastructure which are valuable assets for building a multi-service platform. This makes telcos ideally placed to expand into superapp territory, offering multiple services through one streamlined platform.

Subscription churn is now a pressing concern for businesses. Users are increasingly quick to cancel services that fail to deliver clear, consolidated value.

Take Netflix: the company reported a strong Q1 but announced it would stop reporting quarterly subscriber numbers. Its stock fell 9.4 per cent, as investors worried the move signalled a slowdown in growth. Whether Netflix is concealing weakness or simply changing its reporting strategy is unclear, but the sharp reaction shows just how closely subscription figures are tracked as a measure of business health.

Telecom operators have long relied on value-added services such as streaming, gaming, and fitness bundles to differentiate their core offerings. But these models now feel outdated and they lack personalisation, operate in silos, and fall short of the integrated experience consumers expect.

Superapp success

A successful superapp is defined by diversity. Operators can embed many services into a single platform: mobile plans, financial services, entertainment, travel bookings, and insurance.

Fintechs and other challengers are moving into telecoms. Revolut has entered the mobile space, while companies such as Octopus (energy) and Monzo (banking) are exploring telecom offerings.

According to Gartner, more than half the world’s population will regularly use multiple superapps by 2027. The market, valued at $61.3 billion just three years ago, is forecast to reach $426 billion by 2030, an annual growth rate of 27.8 per cent.

Telcos also have the advantage of customer insights: call history, data consumption, and app usage. These datasets can power algorithms that deliver personalised recommendations — not only for telecom services, but also for travel, entertainment, and financial products. With this, the superapp becomes a true lifestyle hub.

Superapps offer a compelling answer to subscription fatigue. By consolidating fragmented services into a single, personalised platform, telcos can meet consumer demand for simplicity and value while carving out a stronger role in the digital economy of the future.

]]>

The plan is to extend mobile coverage from aircraft flying 12 miles above the Earth, combining aerospace technology linking it to World Mobile’s decentralised telecom model.

“This partnership embodies the potential of blockchain and decentralised economics to reshape global connectivity,” said Watkins (main pic). “By combining token incentives with aerospace innovation, we can bring reliable internet to underserved regions at a scale never seen before.”

World Mobile operates a community-owned network where individuals run “AirNodes” and “EarthNodes” to provide coverage and earn World Mobile Tokens (WMTx). The network uses a mix of land-based equipment, satellite links, and TV white space spectrum.

World Mobile will draw on expertise from Stratospheric Platforms, a UK company that developed the world’s first hydrogen-powered, long-endurance aircraft for telecom services.

The company says each aircraft can cover an area of 15,000 sq km equivalent to around 500 ground towers using a with a 3-metre 5G antenna capable of delivering speeds of up to 100 Gbps and supporting 500,000 direct handset connections at once. The aircraft is fuelled with  liquid hydrogen, producing zero carbon emissions.

Trials with BT in the UK, Deutsche Telekom in Germany, and operators in the Middle East have achieved download speeds of up to 90 Mbps and latency as low as one millisecond. 

Protelindo already manages thousands of towers in Indonesia which is one of the most geographically challenging markets anywhere. World Mobile says its blockchain-based incentive model can deliver a scalable, self-funding way to reach areas where traditional mobile rollouts are too slow or costly.

The aircraft’s modular design also allows other uses, such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, and public safety. Early rollout targets include remote Indonesian islands and underserved parts of the United States, with live demo flights and regulatory discussions planned soon.

WMS will link directly to the World Mobile blockchain, providing high-altitude connections to AirNodes and boosting on-chain activity. Each aircraft will expand the network’s reach, support its token economy, and advance its mission of equitable global connectivity.

World Mobile will add the stratosphere ststem to its network which already spans rooftops, ground stations, and satellites marking what Watkins calls “the next chapter of a people-powered network designed for everyone.”

The first four episodes of the series explore topics such as: how to be creative in digital marketing. AI Tools to work smarter and scale, how to build an online business, how to sell online 

Entrepreneur, investor, author, and podcast host Steven Bartlett has been named in the TIME100 Creators List for 2025, FlightStory is the content agency behind Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO. The series will be distributed primarily across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Vodafone is promoting an “always-on, social-first” model

The move is part of Vodafone’s push to reposition itself as an ally to Britain’s 5.5 million SMEs, a sector it sees as underexploited in terms of revenue growth and long-term customer value.

SME Growth

Vodafone Business currently revenues around £1 billion annually. But growth in this segment has been flat compared to consumer mobile and enterprise accounts. The new campaig is designed to both retain and upsell existing SME customers by driving engagement with Vodafone’s business.connected programme, which offers digital tools and training to small firms.

Vodafone has previously pledged to support one million SMEs through business.connected by the end of 2025. The campaign will also also serve as a lead-generation funnel for Vodafone’s broader business services, including broadband, cloud, and IoT solutions.

The move away from traditional advertising formats also reflects changing media consumption habits among SMEs. Data from Vodafone indicates mostf UK small business owners use platforms like YouTube and Instagram for personal and professional content

This strategy may help Vodafone reach younger business owners and startups, who tend to be to be more digitally native and less loyal to incumbent telecoms providers. odafone is likely betting on lifetime value and bundling opportunities across mobile, broadband, and digital services.

With BT, Sky, and Virgin Media O2 are all vying for small business customers, so Vodafone is using content to sell as well as inspire.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/vodafone-targets-sme-market-social-media-push-steven-bartletts-content-creator/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/mass-market-interest-travel-esim-growing-despite-low-awareness/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/mass-market-interest-travel-esim-growing-despite-low-awareness/#respond Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:48:33 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/mass-market-interest-travel-esim-growing-despite-low-awareness/ Nearly half of consumers surveyed in the USA and UK expressed interest in using a travel eSIM, despite limited adoption, according to Belgium telco Proximus Global. 

Nearly half of consumers surveyed in the USA and UK expressed interest in using a travel eSIM, despite limited adoption, according to Belgium telco Proximus Global. 

An international study, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Proximus Global, surveyed more than 6,500 adults. It found that only 23 per cent of respondents had used an eSIM, while just 33 per cent were familiar with the concept. A further 42 per cent said they weren’t even sure whether their device supported eSIM functionality.

The findings highlight a growing gap between consumer awareness and the commercial potential of eSIM technology. Proximus Global is urging telecom providers, retailers, and travel companies to move quickly in developing services that meet evolving customer needs.

Awareness was lowest in the USA, where 52 per cent of respondents said they had never heard of eSIMs. By contrast, 27 per cent of Chinese consumers said they had used an eSIM, significantly higher than usage rates in the UK and US.

Despite this, consumer appetite is growing. Overall, 49 per cent of respondents said they would consider using a travel eSIM to stay connected abroad. This figure rose to 56 per cent in the UK and 60 per cent in China.

Travel eSIMs allow users to connect to local networks overseas without swapping out a physical SIM card. Most modern smartphones already support the technology.

Consumers are also open to buying travel eSIMs from a wide range of providers. More than a third said they would consider purchasing from non-traditional vendors such as airlines, supermarkets, and travel websites. This model is already being adopted by brands like Revolut, NordVPN, and Carrefour.

“Demand for eSIM technology is rapidly increasing,” said Surash Patel, Chief Revenue Officer at Proximus Global. “Companies that act now will be well-positioned to capture substantial market share. This isn’t just an opportunity for telcos—retail and travel brands can also tap into this space with the right partners.”

Jorn Vercamert, Chief Product Officer at Proximus Global, added: “To lead in the expanding global travel eSIM market, businesses must prioritise consumer education and innovation. By closing the awareness gap, brands can unlock one of the most exciting growth opportunities in mobile connectivity.”

]]>

She will take over on October 1 to replace Luka Mucic, who is leaving at the end of November to become CEO of German real estate company Vonovia SE

López will receive a base salary of £725,000, with a maximum bonus opportunity of 200% of salary and a long-term incentive plan of up to 450%. Her pension allowance is set at 10% of salary—aligned with Vodafone’s broader UK workforce—and she will receive a car allowance of £19,200.

She joins Vodafone after a decade in senior leadership roles at Microsoft, where she most recently led the company’s strategic partnership with the London Stock Exchange Group.

Her previous roles include Chief Operating Officer for Western Europe and General Manager for Spain. Before joining Microsoft, López spent 16 years at Telefónica, holding senior finance and leadership positions such as CFO of Telefónica Europe and O2 Plc, as well as Strategy & Business Development Director in Spain.

Commenting on her appointment, López said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Vodafone at such an important time in the Group’s transformation. I’m excited to work with Margherita and the team as Vodafone continues to improve customer service, simplify operations, and deliver sustainable free cash flow growth.”

Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle (below) welcomed the appointment, saying:
“I am delighted that Pilar will be joining Vodafone in October. She brings deep knowledge of both the telecoms and technology sectors through a range of international leadership roles. Following a significant period of change at Vodafone, Pilar’s appointment supports our continued focus on operational excellence across the Group.”

Vodafone Chair Jean-François van Boxmeer added:
“Following an extensive and rigorous international search, I am very pleased to welcome Pilar to Vodafone and our Board. She brings strong experience from the finance, telecoms, and technology sectors across Europe and is an excellent addition to our leadership team.”

López began her career at J.P. Morgan and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Inditex S.A. She was previously a board member at Ferguson Plc.

How does the GSMA currently assess the scale and impact of mobile device theft on a global level?

Mobile device theft continues to pose a significant challenge, which is casting a long shadow across the mobile ecosystem. It’s affecting mobile users, network operators, device manufacturers, OS developers and society as a whole.

Smartphones are now indispensable tools for communication, commerce, and personal expression, so the stakes associated with their theft have risen exponentially in recent years.  

In terms of assessing the scale and impact, the scale and nature of the problem very much varies country by country. At a global level, the annual rate of mobile device theft  remains steady and is estimated at approximately 1% of active subscribers.

However, as the global market for mobile devices expands, the total number of thefts is rising. In certain markets, such as the UK, we can see it becoming a greater problem, which is why the industry is working closely with the Home Office, law enforcement and other crime agencies to tackle the problem. 

The international nature of device theft and trafficking complicates matters further. Stolen devices often cross national borders, entering markets with limited or non-existent monitoring or blocking systems, which significantly hampers the industry’s ability to prevent the reuse or resale of stolen devices.

Addressing the multifaceted challenge of device theft demands a concerted effort from all stakeholders, from industry to law enforcement, governments and individual device users. It is critical that the lessons from the past and best practice in all markets is understood, so we can recognise what does and doesn’t work, so we can protect device owners wherever they are in the world.

Is there a global database or initiative to assist efforts to combat device theft?

Yes, the GSMA operates Device Registry on behalf of the mobile industry. Using mobile devices’  IMEI numbers, the Device Registry database allows participants – including mobile operators, device manufacturers, device insurers and inventory managers – to report upload the IMEIs of devices that have been reported stolen to help prevent their connection to mobile networks.

The registry has strong participation from mobile network operators in the Americas and Western Europe, however there are significant gaps in other regions, especially in parts of Asia and Africa, which limits our visibility of global theft patterns and our ability to prevent the reuse of devices globally. In total, 130 out of approximately 800 operators currently contribute data to the registry. 

Some countries have set up their own national databases and tracking systems that are not connected to the global Device Registry. For example, Pakistan has its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) and in 2020, the Communication Authority of Kenya proposed the introduction of a Device Management System which attempted to address a number of different abuse cases, including device theft and counterfeiting. These national efforts are valuable but result in a fragmented approach to stolen device data sharing that is essential to combatting device theft. 

To tackle mobile device theft effectively on a global scale, the GSMA encourages all mobile network operators to upload to the Device Registry the IMEIs of stolen devices and to download the IMEIs submitted by other network operators to ensure the devices to whjich those IMEIs apply are blocked ion their networks.

More participation and data sharing can enhance our ability to block stolen devices and impede their trafficking across borders, which in turn can reduce the number of devices that are stolen, thereby better protecting mobile users. 

What collaborative efforts does the GSMA lead or support between mobile operators, device manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies to combat device theft?

The GSMA is leading a number of key initiatives to combat mobile device theft, bringing together industry stakeholders to tackle this issue. Central to these efforts are the GSMA Device Registry and Device Check services, which allow stolen device data to be shared across borders and organisations. 

The Device Registry lets over 130 operators worldwide exchange information about stolen devices, helping to block their use on individual participating networks. Device Check allows recyclers, insurers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders  to check if a device has ben reported stolen before purchase. 

Beyond these technical solutions, GSMA’s Fraud and Security Group (FASG) gathers mobile operators, device manufacturers, operating system providers, SIM manufacturers and other stakeholders to develop technical security standards and anti-theft measures. A subset of this group focused on devices- the Device Security Group (DSG).

Earlier this year DSG published its “Mobile Device Theft – State of Affairs Report” charting the history of device theft and sharing best practices on how different operators, device manufacturers and law enforcement agencies have been tackling the problem.

DSG has achieved significant results, including the development of technical design principles for device identifier protection, a process for the reporting and remediation of device identifier security issues and device based anti-theft feature requirements that have been widely adopted by manufacturers.

The GSMA has supported law enforcement efforts and continues to encourage broader participation in a range if device theft initiatives, particularly urging more network operators globally to contribute to the Device Registry and to block stolen devices. 

Outline the role of the GSMA’s Device Registry in deterring or preventing mobile device theft, and how widely this database is adopted by mobile networks globally.

The GSMA maintains a unique system known as the GSMA Device Registry, previously referred to as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Database, which is a global central database containing basic information on the serial number (IMEI) ranges of millions of mobile devices (e.g. mobile devices, laptop data cards, etc.) that are in use across the world’s mobile networks. The IMEI is a 15-digit number that is used to identify a device on a mobile network.

The effectiveness of the system relies on mobile operators participating in the Device Registry service to report and block IMEIs of stolen devices on the global block list. When these devices are rendered useless on participating networks, they have significantly less value, which helps remove the incentive for thieves.

The GSMA Device Registry is crucial in fighting mobile device theft by allowing network operators worldwide to share information about blocklisted devices. Many operators in North America, South America, and Western Europe use this system, making it possible to identify and block stolen devices across multiple networks. This significantly lowers the street value of stolen devices in these regions, as they become unusable on participating networks and are only valuable for parts.

For criminals, the domestic blocking of stolen devices creates a logistical headache because they are required to transport the devices to other countries that don’t participate in the registry to, where they will not be blocked, to maintain their value. In some jurisdictions where official product distribution channels and device blocking don’t exist, stolen devices can fetch high prices, underscoring the importance of expanding use of the Device Registry and stolen device blocking.

The GSMA runs both the Device Registry and Device Check services for the mobile industry. While the Device Registry allows operators to share information about blocklisted devices, GSMA Device Check allows organisations such as repair shops, insurers, recyclers, law enforcement, and even mobile users to look up a device against the GSMA Device Registry. This helps verify a device’s status before purchase, repair, or insurance claims.

What are the biggest obstacles the GSMA faces in achieving a coordinated international response to mobile device theft, especially across developing and developed markets?

The biggest challenge is trying to co-ordinate a unified global response to mobile device theft. We’ve seen strong commitment and results in some markets, where the entire industry unites behind standard approaches, but with only 130 out of around 800 mobile network operators worldwide taking part in the Device Registry, it’s possible for organised crime to ship devices out of participating countries to other markets where stolen devices are not blocked and can still be used. There is clearly a great opportunity to build on this foundation by engaging with governments and industry partners to encourage broader participation to tackle this issue. 

As it stands, the limited participation affects two key areas: reporting and blocking. Many operators do not report stolen devices to the registry, while others fail to block devices reported stolen by other operators. Even among participating networks, inconsistent practices weaken the system’s effectiveness, with some operators selectively downloading stolen device data, allowing devices stolen from certain countries to operate on their networks.

The gap between developed and developing markets adds further complications. In regions without official distribution channels or blocking systems, stolen devices can fetch high prices, creating economic incentives that drive theft. This cross-border dynamic means thieves can easily export stolen devices to non-participating regions where they retain their value.

Regulatory frameworks also vary greatly across different jurisdictions. While some countries have specific laws against device theft and identifier manipulation, most do not, leading to legal inconsistencies that criminals exploit.

Without widespread global participation and consistent implementation, the system’s effectiveness is diminished. Increasing participation, especially in regions to where stolen devices are trafficked and resold, is crucial to reducing the global impact of mobile device theft and increasing the protection of mobile users worldwide.

Does the GSMA support or endorse any specific policy frameworks or regulatory approaches to make device theft less profitable or traceable for criminals?

The GSMA works with governments and law enforcement agencies around the world and welcomes best practice initiatives being developed and adhered to in a number of markets. However, mobile device theft is a global problem, with criminals operating across borders and exploiting deficiencies in national policies and regulations around the world. Therefore, a concerted effort from all stakeholders, from industry to law enforcement, governments and individual device users is needed.

The mobile industry has led numerous initiatives and developed a range of enablers in the global fight against mobile device theft. Although the problem of device theft is not of the industry’s creation, the industry recognises it is a key part of the solution. When lost or stolen mobile devices are rendered useless, they have significantly less value, removing the incentive for thieves to target them so it is essential that devices reported stolen are promptly and comprehensively blocked.

The GSMA encourages mobile operators to participate in its Device Registry service to report and block the IMEIs of devices flagged as stolen on the global block list. Typically, operators deploy equipment identity registers (EIRs) on their local networks to deny connectivity to flagged devices and to share identities of devices from their local block list to ensure devices stolen from their customers can be blocked on the networks of other Device Registry participants. These block list solutions have been in place on some networks for many years.

To enable a wider range of stakeholders to combat device crime, the GSMA provides a service that allows eligible parties, such as law enforcement, device traders and insurers, to check the status of devices against the GSMA Block List and, in some cases, to also flag stolen devices. IMEI blocking, when combined with other multistakeholder measures, can be the cornerstone of a highly effective anti-theft campaign.

Mobile users who have had their devices stolen can be vulnerable to their personal data being accessed and used to commit a range of additional crimes. Industry, law enforcement agencies and regulators are recommended to provide anti-theft education material on their websites with advice and measures appropriate to their markets.

A range of mechanisms that remotely disable stolen devices have been developed for mobile devices. The GSMA supports the development and availability of device-based anti-theft features and has defined feature requirements for globally applicable solutions. These high-level requirements describe security solutions on mobile devices that can help render devices useless and unattractive to criminals by preventing those devices from working on non-mobile networks such as Wi-Fi, where IMEI blocking on EIRs would otherwise be ineffective.

National authorities have a significant role to play in combating device theft and related criminal activity. It is critical that they engage constructively with the industry to ensure the distribution of mobile devices through unauthorised channels is monitored and that action is taken against those involved in the theft and/or illegal distribution of devices.

A comprehensive cross-border information sharing approach, involving all relevant stakeholders makes nationally deployed measures more effective. The GSMA advocates the sharing of stolen device data globally for blocking and status-checking purposes, and this can be facilitated by the GSMA Device Registry and Device Check services. Regulation must allow and encourage the sharing of stolen device information across all countries for this deterrent have a global impact.

Stolen device information can be exchanged between mobile operators through the GSMA Device Registry by having them individually establish the necessary access as part of their GSMA membership benefits package. Alternatively, if a national device block list system is already in place it may be approved to access the GSMA Device Registry to exchange block list information.

Are there any recent or upcoming GSMA-backed initiatives, technologies, or partnerships specifically designed to reduce the incidence of mobile device theft?

The GSMA is tackling mobile device theft through a range of initiatives devised in and supported by our Device Security Group. At the heart of these efforts is the GSMA Device Registry, which lets network operators share information about stolen devices via a blocklist system. Right now, 134 operators in 44 countries are onboard, along with over 50 Contributing Third Parties, helping to protect over a billion users by enabling the global blocking of stolen devices. The GSMA also runs the Device Check service, which allows retailers, insurers, and law enforcement to check if a device has been reported stolen before they buy or accept it.

One of the key contributions from the GSMA to the global efforts to combat device theft is its ‘Anti-theft Device Feature Requirements document (SG.24)‘. This sets the standard for device based disablement features across the industry, helping to harmonise anti-theft capabilities worldwide. It ensures users can protect, track, disable, and re-enable their stolen devices consistently.

Looking ahead, the GSMA is working on leveraging eSIM blocking capabilities to further disable and devalue stolen devices throughout 2025. This initiative has the potential to significantly resolve the existing deficiency related to the failure of most network operators to block stolen devices and to share stolen device data via GSMA’s Device Registry as a new approach could remove the current dependency on network operators to take action.

These initiatives demonstrate the GSMA’s commitment to working with all parts of the ecosystem—mobile operators, device manufacturers, OS developers, and law enforcement—to create solutions that reduce the financial incentives for device theft.

How does the GSMA work with second-hand and trade-in marketplaces to ensure stolen devices are not resold or recirculated through legitimate channels?

The GSMA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the second-hand mobile device market through its Device Check service. This service provides trade-in marketplaces and recyclers with access to the world’s largest and most accurate database of blocked devices. While the GSMA cannot compel marketplaces to use this service, we strongly recommend that device identities of devices offered for sale should be checked against the Device Registry block list as best practice across the industry. We’re already seeing a number of market leaders including Assurant, Blackbelt 360 and NSYS Group use the service.

GSMA Device Check ensures businesses can check the identities of devices they handle against the global block list, potentially preventing stolen devices from re-entering legitimate channels.

Unlike some services that might use outdated information, Device Check uses the official and definitive source of device blocklist data from the Device Registry, guaranteeing its accuracy and legitimacy. The Device Check service gathers information from over 170 companies across six continents, allowing checks against the identities of devices reported stolen in one country that subsequently appear in another market.

Industry partners hold the Device Check service in high regard. NSYS Group, which develops software solutions for mobile device diagnostics and trade-ins, regards GSMA Device Check as being essential for protecting customers and ensuring smooth transactions. Similarly, Blackbelt Smartphone Defence, which has used the service for over ten years, considers it “integral” to their business operations.

Through these partnerships, the GSMA helps build trust in the second-hand device market while also reducing the incentives for theft by making stolen devices harder to resell through legitimate channels.

To what extent does the GSMA believe eSIM and device locking technologies can play a role in reducing mobile device theft, and are you promoting these capabilities globally?

It depends what you mean by device locking. There are at least three different interpretations; restricting a device to a specific network, locking a device from accessing a network (such as via Device Registry) and remotely locking down a device so it can’t be used. 

Leveraging eSIM blocking capabilities is something that the GSMA is actively considering as something to complement the GSMA Device Registry. It is envisaged that the Device Registry could be enhanced to incorporate an eUICC identifier (EID) block list. The EID is the 32-digit unique identifier that every embedded SIM card has.

This has the potential to be hugely beneficial and make it much easier to block devices, because the reliance on operators that are reluctant to block devices is removed and they don’t need to have an equipment identity register (EIR) deployed on their networks. This could facilitate a rapid and comprehensive extension of device blocking beyond the operators and countries that have supported industry efforts to date. This isn’t to say that mobile network operators are not in control of blocking on their network, on the contrary, eSIM based blocking will make it easier for operators to adopt. It will add a level of trust, providing greater confidence in the device in question. 

Our Device Security Group is currently looking at how the EID can be leveraged to block stolen devices and this work involves specifying common requirements, specifications and usage policies to prevent the download of profiles to eSIMs that have been reported stolen.

This is something that can be done by the SM-DP+ providers or mobile network operators or a combination of both.

In summary, the idea is that we will create an EID blocklist, and then SM-DP+ providers and mobile network operators can refuse to download the profiles onto device that have been reported stolen, thus rendering those devices inoperable over networks. We expect this to be implemented in the next year. 

What mobile user education or awareness campaigns has the GSMA run (or plans to run) to help users protect their devices and personal data from theft?

As I’ve outlined earlier in this interview, our main focus at the GSMA is to help unify the mobile ecosystem behind best practice approaches and technical specifications that can help tackle device theft. Working with law enforcement agencies, our members including mobile operators, device manufacturers and the wider technology industry, are also actively working together to educate mobile users.

There’s a number of good examples, where law enforcement agencies are using “nudge psychology”, including subtle changes to the environment or the presentation of information, to influence people’s choices and behaviours around how, when and where they use their mobile devices. The City of London Police, for example, has spray painted fake blue plaques on to pavements to mark where mobile devices have been stolen, thereby increasing mobile user’s vigilance.

Device manufacturers including Apple, Samsung and Google all provide advice to their customers on their websites, on how to further protect their devices, as well as providing tools to further protect them. We recommend mobile users read up on the specific functionality that their devices support and that their mobile network operators offer.

We’ve also outlined measures that de users can take to protect themselves and their personal information from theft and how to respond if they become victims in our recent report. This includes advice on using strong PINs and passwords, biometric authentication, recording the device’s IMEI number, enabling additional security features on devices and Apps, backing up data and hiding notification content from appearing on locked screens. 

How does the GSMA measure the effectiveness of its anti-theft strategies, and are there any public reports or metrics that illustrate progress in this area?

The effectiveness of anti-theft strategies tends to be measured by law enforcement agencies and national crime agencies and how they report can differ significantly country by country. So, it’s hard to measure effectiveness at a global level. What our own data shows us, is that the annual rate of mobile device theft reported by participating network operators is about 1% of active subscribers. 

However, while this percentage has stayed the same for a number of years, we recognise that the actual number of thefts is rising as more people around the world use mobile devices.

The role of the GSMA is more around increasing adoption of technical standards, industry solutions and security recommendations. Our SG.24 ‘Anti-theft Device Feature Requirements’ document has been crucial in standardising security features across the industry over the past decade, allowing users to consistently protect their devices.

Looking ahead, we’re working on enhanced eSIM blocking capabilities, which will greatly improve our ability to make stolen devices unusable, no matter how they connect to networks. The Device Security Group is actively collaborating with operators, manufacturers, and platform providers to implement these next-generation protections.

We remain dedicated to expanding participation in these initiatives and developing more advanced anti-theft technologies that adapt to changing criminal tactics, while protecting mobile users worldwide.

The trial boosted 5G speeds, reaching up to 520 Mbps and is part of a government-backed project called SCONDA, which explores smarter, more efficient ways to build mobile networks.

Three will now expand the trial from 18 to 34 small mobile sites across Glasgow city centre.

SCONDA (Small Cells in Open RAN Dense Area) is a collaboration between Three UK and several technology partners, with support from Glasgow City Council and funding from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Iain Milligan, Chief Network Officer at Three UK, said:
“This is the UK’s first Open RAN trial to address the real-world complexity of a dense urban environment. Urban deployments present a different set of technical and operational challenges compared to rural areas. We’ve had to integrate legacy systems, manage security layers, and adapt to evolving software—all while delivering measurable improvements for customers. The results are encouraging and lay a strong foundation for scaling and optimising Open RAN in cities.”

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/three-uk-glasow-open-ran-trial-doubles-data-speeds/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ee-subscriber-base-soars-10-per-cent-year/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/ee-subscriber-base-soars-10-per-cent-year/#respond Thu, 22 May 2025 07:21:20 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/ee-subscriber-base-soars-10-per-cent-year/ EE’s 5G subscriber base rose 10 per cent to 10.8 million customers according to BT’s full year results to March.

He holds a Ph.D. in Financial Mathematics and degrees in Mathematics and Physics. He began his career at McKinsey & Company, where he was a founding member of its Business Technology Office.

In 2007, he joined Commerzbank as CIO, leading one of Europe’s most complex IT integrations following the acquisition of Dresdner Bank and was voted “CIO of the Year 2011.”

Leukert later held CIO and strategy roles at NYSE Euronext and FIS, and co-founded fintech investment firm Motive Partners in 2016. He will join BT 1 September 1 and be a member of the Executive Committee, reporting to Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive. 

Kirkby said: “He joins the business at an exciting time as we focus on investing in the fixed and mobile networks while improving how we serve our customers. 

Leukert added: “ The opportunity to transform and simplify BT’s operations will improve customer outcomes and drive sustainable business growth, and I am excited to get started.”

Howard Watson will continue to lead the Digital Unit alongside his responsibilities as Chief Networks and Security Officer until Leukert joins.