MEF

Webinar: Containers to Connectivity; The Ripple Effect of Tariffs on Telecoms

MEF — Tue, 06 May 2025 14:23:52 +0000

MEF Advisor and telecom strategy consultant Paul Ruppert is joined by Ambassador Frank Lavin, former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ambassador to Singapore, for a high-stakes conversation on how new U.S. tariffs are reshaping global telecommunications—from infrastructure to innovation.

This webinar explores the second-order impacts beyond ports and trade balances. Ruppert brings a telecom insider’s view of the real-time effects: declining international travel and roaming revenues, strained supply chains, rising costs for 5G rollout, and the knock-on impact on investment and enterprise messaging.

Ambassador Lavin provides global trade insight into the strategic rationale (and risks) behind the changing U.S. tariff policy, and how trade shapes national power far beyond economics.

Topics include:

The chilling effect of tariffs on 5G and next-gen innovation

Growing reliance on EU-based vendors like Nokia and Ericsson

What smarter tradecraft could look like

The conversation ends on a note of guarded optimism, suggesting that disruption could also open the door to strategic reinvention.

The post Webinar: Containers to Connectivity; The Ripple Effect of Tariffs on Telecoms appeared first on MEF.

MEF Member News Round-up, wc May 5th

MEF — Mon, 05 May 2025 10:23:08 +0000

Get the latest announcements from MEF Members across the mobile ecosystem globally in this weekly review of member news…

Airtel Business launches “Business Name Display” (BND) for enterprises

Airtel Business has introduced ‘Business Name Display’ (BND), a first-of-its-kind solution in India aimed at improving customer trust and engagement by displaying a business’s brand name on the recipient’s screen during outgoing calls. This innovation addresses a key challenge: while anti-spam efforts have helped users avoid fraudulent calls, they’ve also led to legitimate business calls—such as from banks, couriers, or hospitals—being ignored or flagged as spam. BND ensures that customers can clearly identify verified business calls, reducing missed critical interactions and enabling more informed call decisions. The service supports safer, more transparent communication between businesses and customers.

Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO, Airtel Business, said, “At Airtel, we are constantly innovating to create a communication experience that is smarter, safer and more transparent for everyone. With “Business Name Display”, we will be helping businesses establish trust and stand out with every call while simultaneously giving customers the confidence of knowing who is reaching out to them. It is about making communication more personal, secure and seamless for both sides.”

Mobile Network Operators’ Enterprise Revenue to Reach $348bn by 2029

Juniper Research forecasts that global enterprise revenue for telecom operators will grow by 37% to reach $348 billion by 2029. This growth is fueled by operators monetising beyond core connectivity, particularly through offering non-core network services. A key driver will be the use of network APIs, which enable enterprises to integrate telecom capabilities into their applications. By offering these APIs on a per-call basis, operators can attract a broader base of small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting scalable, modular services across various industries. This shift positions operators to unlock new revenue streams within the enterprise market.

Report author Frederick Savage commented: “Operators are tasked with increasing enterprise revenue for both large enterprises and SMEs. We expect 6G standards to focus far more on access to network functionality, rather than performance. APIs will be a key monetisation strategy for operators by allowing enterprises to access networks as needed, rather than committing to monthly connectivity subscriptions.”

SAFR Launches SAFR Guard – A Game Changing AI-based Solution to Prevent Retail Crime and Improve the Shopping Experience

SAFR, a global AI security leader, has launched SAFR® Guard, a new solution tailored for the Retail Loss Prevention and Asset Protection market. Designed to deter retail crime proactively, SAFR Guard enhances safety for both customers and staff.

Leveraging real-time, edge-based AI facial matching, it delivers instant alerts without requiring bulky servers or complex infrastructure. Built on SAFR’s proven computer vision platform, the solution offers high accuracy, rapid deployment, and easy scalability from single stores to nationwide chains — all while upholding consumer privacy.

“SAFR Guard represents the next evolution in proactive loss prevention,” said Charisse Jacques, President of SAFR. “Retailers are under pressure to combat organized retail crime without adding complexity to their operations. With SAFR Guard, we’re providing a smarter, faster way to secure stores, protect employees and enhance the customer experience – delivering both immediate impact and long-term value.”

“As someone who’s spent decades in this industry, I can confidently say SAFR Guard is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Chris Ochs, Director of Product Management at SAFR. “This isn’t just a technology upgrade or another camera system—it’s a true force multiplier for LP teams. From setup to real-time alerting, it’s designed to be fast, simple, and incredibly effective. And with a workflow that virtually eliminates false positives, LP professionals can act on alerts with confidence—knowing they are authentic and actionable.”

MobiBox and Animekey Partner to Bring Seamless Payments to Anime Fans in MENA Region

MobiBox has announced a strategic partnership with Animekey to support the anime streaming platform’s growth across the GCC region. This collaboration will enable Animekey to offer more accessible payment options via seamless telecom operator billing, enhancing the user experience for fans across MENA.

Powered by ComExperts, Animekey delivers a broad selection of on-demand anime content—from the latest releases to beloved classics—through a user-friendly interface and flexible subscription model. As anime continues to gain global traction, this partnership positions Animekey to better serve a growing audience with convenient, cross-device access and an expanding content library.

“Animekey’s community of anime fans keeps growing in the MENA region, and we’re backing their expansion with our MobiBox monetization platform. Our strength lies in helping premium services scale by providing seamless payment solutions, making it easier for more users to access and enjoy premium content.” – Hussein Taki, Managing Partner, MobiBox

“At AnimeKey, we’re not just building a platform — we’re shaping a universe where stories transcend borders, and fans are empowered to explore anime in its purest, most authentic form. This vision aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as we strive to enrich cultural experiences, foster creativity, and elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global entertainment landscape.” – Alkhattab Ali, Animekey by ComExperts

Syniverse Joins GSMA Open Gateway to Expand Enterprise Access to Mobile Networks

Syniverse has joined the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, a global program aimed at simplifying access to mobile network infrastructure through standardized APIs. As a new channel partner, Syniverse will help promote the adoption of open network APIs, enabling developers and businesses to build secure, scalable digital services more efficiently.

The GSMA Open Gateway, backed by 73 major mobile network operators and covering nearly 80% of global mobile connections, offers unified APIs for capabilities such as device location, SIM swap detection, and number verification. These tools support critical services in authentication, fraud prevention, and customer engagement, especially in sectors leveraging 5G and AI technologies.

“Joining GSMA Open Gateway positions Syniverse to give enterprises direct, programmatic access to mobile network capabilities that have traditionally required deeper network integration,” said Nathan Robbins, Vice President of Go-to-Market Strategy and Alliances of Syniverse. “As AI-driven services place new demands on connectivity, our role in this initiative allows customers to integrate with mobile infrastructure in a way that is faster, more secure, and built for scale.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Syniverse on board as an official GSMA Channel Partner,” said Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at the GSMA. “Syniverse has a wealth of experience in connecting global carriers and enterprises and we look forward to working with them to help enterprise developers digitally transform their businesses by utilizing the rich capabilities of 5G networks.”

Sinch and OneReach.ai Announce Strategic Partnership Bringing Customer Communication and Agentic AI to Businesses Globally

Sinch, a global leader in cloud communications, today announced a strategic partnership with OneReach.ai, a top-ranked provider in both the Forrester Wave and Gartner Magic Quadrant for Conversational AI. The collaboration will enable businesses worldwide to deploy advanced, agentic AI experiences across their most-used communication channels.

As AI adoption accelerates, the partnership merges Sinch’s global messaging, voice, and email infrastructure with OneReach.ai’s Generative Studio X (GSX)—an end-to-end platform for building and managing AI-native applications. Together, the two companies aim to simplify and scale intelligent customer engagement.

“At Sinch, we’re relentlessly focused on helping businesses create personalized, relevant, and timely experiences on the channels that matter most, “said Robert Gerstmann, Chief Evangelist, and Co-Founder at Sinch. “Our partnership with OneReach.ai expands on that mission – combining our intelligent global communications infrastructure with their powerful AI agent orchestration platform. This is one of many collaborations where Sinch is powering the next generation of agentic AI through our enterprise-grade architecture, scale, and global presence.”

“We chose to add Sinch as a partner to amplify the reach of our AI Agent Orchestration Platform, particularly given their global leadership in CPaaS and RCS” said Robb Wilson, CEO at OneReach.ai. “With GSX, we’re enabling enterprises to transform customer and employee experiences by combining our strengths in intelligent automation with Sinch’s strength in global communications infrastructure, offering unmatched flexibility in deploying sophisticated agentic solutions.”

Tele2 once again named Europe’s Climate Leader by the Financial Times

Tele2 has been ranked number one in the prestigious Europe’s Climate Leaders 2025 list, affirming its position as a frontrunner in corporate climate action. The company earned an outstanding score of 87.5 out of 100, reflecting its strong performance in emissions reduction, transparency, and ambitious climate goals.

Between 2018 and 2023, Tele2 cut core emissions intensity (Scope 1 and 2) by 58.4%, with total emissions reductions reaching 99%. The ranking considers companies’ success in lowering greenhouse gas emissions from their own operations relative to revenue, transparency in reporting Scope 3 emissions, and broader sustainability strategies.

This recognition follows a series of accolades, including being named Sweden’s most sustainable company by TIME Magazine and Statista in June, and ranking 37th globally. Since 2019, Tele2 has reduced emissions from its own operations by 96%, and in 2022 became the first Swedish company to receive SBTi approval for its net-zero targets.

Being recognized as the number one company overall in Europe’s Climate Leaders 2025 ranking is a strong confirmation that our sustainability efforts are delivering real impact – showing that we are leading in sustainability in Sweden. We are proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing our climate footprint and driving positive change, says Erik Wottrich, Head of Sustainability at Tele2.

Global Mobile News Digest, May 2nd

MEF — Fri, 02 May 2025 10:46:31 +0000

We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… Apple says Trump’s tariffs will boost costs by $900mn in June quarter, AI in national security raises proportionality and privacy concerns, Revolut takes on mobile network operators and much more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.

Apple says Trump’s tariffs will boost costs by $900mn in June quarter

FT

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that U.S. tariffs under President Trump could raise Apple’s costs by $900 million in the June quarter. He cited ongoing uncertainty in global trade policy, making future cost predictions difficult. The warning follows similar concerns from Amazon and McDonald’s, reflecting broader corporate impacts from the tariffs. Apple’s shares dropped nearly 4% in after-hours trading.

Apple referred for possible criminal contempt investigation

BBC

A U.S. district judge has determined that Apple willfully violated an injunction issued in a 2021 antitrust case brought by Epic Games, creator of Fortnite. The injunction was intended to prevent Apple from engaging in anti-competitive practices by requiring it to allow third-party payment options in the App Store. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers also stated that a senior Apple executive “outright lied” under oath and referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California to consider possible criminal contempt proceedings. In response, Apple stated it “strongly disagrees” with the ruling, will comply with the order, and plans to appeal. The case centers on Apple’s control over App Store payments and its commission fees of up to 30%.

AI in national security raises proportionality and privacy concerns

Computer Weekly

A new study released alongside the Centre for Emerging Technology and Security 2025 event reveals growing public concern over the use of automated data processing in national security. The report, UK Public Attitudes to National Security Data Processing: Assessing Human and Machine Intrusion, finds that public awareness of national security agencies’ activities remains low. During a panel discussion, Investigatory Powers Commissioner Sir Brian Leveson highlighted the impact of rapidly advancing technologies—particularly AI—on intelligence operations. He warned that while AI could significantly enhance data gathering and analysis, it also introduces risks related to privacy, proportionality, and collateral intrusion. Leveson emphasized that AI may soon play a central role in investigatory processes, amplifying both the capabilities and ethical concerns facing public authorities.

UK Treasury: ‘Privacy Is Paramount’ in Digital Pound Decision

PYMNTS

The Bank of England and the UK Treasury remain undecided on whether to proceed with a digital pound, but a joint report confirms two key positions: a central bank digital currency (CBDC) would not replace cash, and legislation would be needed to safeguard user privacy. Economic Secretary to the Treasury Bim Afolami emphasized the importance of preparing for innovation in payments, stating that any future rollout would maintain cash access and prioritize privacy. The report represents the latest step in the UK’s ongoing evaluation of a digital pound. While no final decision has been made, proponents aim to introduce the currency by 2030, aligning with global trends as numerous countries explore or implement their own CBDCs.

Mobile Banking Shake-Up: Thai Users Face Security Check Deadline

The Nation

Thai mobile banking users have been urged to verify their identities by April 30 as part of a nationwide effort to combat online fraud. Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced the initiative, which targets users flagged by banks through their mobile apps. Failure to complete the verification may result in account restrictions. The campaign, led by the Technology Crime Suppression Committee and coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), aims to ensure that mobile banking account holders’ identities match the owners of the registered SIM cards. Banks are cross-referencing customer data with mobile network operators, categorizing users as matched (Y), unregistered (P), or mismatched (N), in a key step to deter fraudulent activity.

Meta targets ChatGPT with standalone AI app

Mobile World Live

Meta Platforms has launched a standalone AI assistant app powered by its open-source Llama 4 large language model, aiming to compete more directly with chatbot products from companies like OpenAI. While Meta had already integrated AI features into Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the new Meta AI app marks a distinct expansion. The company highlights that its assistant stands out by leveraging users’ existing data—such as profile details and engagement history—across Meta’s platforms to deliver more personalized interactions. According to Meta, the assistant can remember user-provided information and infer relevant context, drawing on years of experience in personalizing user experiences on its social media platforms.

Revolut takes on mobile network operators

Finextra

Revolut has announced the launch of its new Mobile Plans, offering unlimited calls, texts, and domestic data, along with 20GB of EU and US roaming. The plans come with no fixed contracts and will initially roll out in the UK and Germany, with additional markets to follow. Users can join a waitlist to access an introductory rate of £12.50 per month. Customers will have the option to activate a new Revolut number or port their existing one, and can pay using RevPoints, the company’s loyalty rewards. Following its successful global eSIM launch in 2024, which became Revolut’s most-used non-banking product, the company continues to expand into mobile connectivity services.

UK Bans SIM Farms to Tackle Telecoms Crime and Cyber Fraud

Cyber Magazine

The UK has become the first European country to ban SIM farms as part of a broader crackdown on cyber fraud, following a surge in mobile-enabled crime now accounting for over 40% of reported offences in England and Wales. The ban, introduced by Fraud Minister Lord Hanson, will take effect six months after the Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent. SIM farms—devices that can hold and automate activity across numerous SIM cards—are frequently used by criminals to send scam texts, conduct phishing attacks, and create fake accounts. The move coincides with Vodafone’s efforts to block cybercrime, having intercepted 73.5 million scam texts, marking a significant advance in UK telecom and mobile security.

Google Messages rolling out ‘Unsubscribe’ button to stop SMS and RCS spam

9to5 Google

Google Messages is rolling out a new “Unsubscribe” feature aimed at reducing spam and unwanted texts or RCS messages from businesses. Available in select countries—including the US, UK, India, and several others—the feature allows users to easily opt out of promotional or non-essential communications. The “Unsubscribe” button appears either above the message input field or in the conversation menu. Upon clicking, users can specify a reason such as spam, too many messages, or lack of interest, and in spam cases, they can report the sender. Google then automatically sends a “STOP” message on the user’s behalf to halt further messages.

Ofcom’s Move on Mobile Network Security: Understanding the Global Title Ban

MEF — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:15:38 +0000

MEF Director of Programmes Nicholas Rossman discusses the news that UK regulator Ofcom has introduced new rules surrounding Global Titles for UK telephone numbers, that could have major implications for mobile network security.

In a significant development for the UK’s mobile network security landscape, the communications regulator Ofcom implemented new rules on April 22, 2025. At the heart of this decision is a ban on the leasing of Global Titles (GTs) associated with UK telephone numbers.

This move, strongly supported by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), aims to address a persistent technical vulnerability within mobile network signaling infrastructure that has been increasingly exploited by malicious actors.

To understand the implications of this decision, it’s crucial to grasp what Global Titles are and why their leasing has become a security concern. Global Titles are essentially network addresses derived from telephone numbers. They play a fundamental role in routing signaling messages across mobile networks, enabling various services we rely on daily.

However, the practice of leasing these GTs to third parties has inadvertently created a security loophole. By gaining access to these leased GTs, malicious actors can tap into the global signaling network. This access opens the door to a range of harmful activities, including the potential interception of sensitive communications, the ability to illicitly track the location of individuals, and even the disruption of network operations.

For the industry as a whole, this development serves as a clear signal. Proactive engagement and the development of robust solutions are crucial to prevent further regulatory interventions on a global scale.”

While the misuse of Global Titles isn’t a new issue, previous industry-led efforts to combat the associated fraud have, unfortunately, fallen short.

Initiatives such as the GSMA Global Titles Code of Conduct and the MEF 2016 Code of Conduct on Global Titles, while well-intentioned, have not proven sufficient to deter determined fraudsters. This lack of effectiveness ultimately necessitated regulatory intervention.

Ofcom’s new rules reflect this reality, with an immediate cessation of new GT leasing arrangements and a defined transition period for existing agreements to be phased out.

It’s important to acknowledge that Global Titles serve essential functions within mobile communications and have been utilized for legitimate business purposes.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and various service providers, for instance, have historically relied on leased GTs for their operations. The new ban, therefore, presents tangible operational challenges for these legitimate players.

They will now need to navigate the complexities of migrating to alternative solutions to ensure the continued delivery of their services.

In conclusion, Ofcom’s recent action represents a decisive step towards bolstering the security of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure. By addressing the vulnerabilities associated with Global Title leasing, the regulator aims to create a more resilient and secure mobile environment for users.

However, the long-term success of this measure will likely depend on the broader international landscape.

For the industry as a whole, this development serves as a clear signal. Proactive engagement and the development of robust solutions are crucial to prevent further regulatory interventions on a global scale.

Without such efforts, more regulators worldwide may feel compelled to take similar action to protect their national telecommunications infrastructure and their citizens.

Nicholas Rossman

Director of Programmes, MEF

The post Ofcom’s Move on Mobile Network Security: Understanding the Global Title Ban appeared first on MEF.

The Conversational Commerce Shift: Ushering in a New Messaging Era

MEF — Thu, 01 May 2025 08:53:54 +0000

Caitlin Long, Senior Director for Product Management & Strategy at Bandwidth, shares an overview of their session from MEF Global Forum 2025 in Barcelona, where she and Stephanie Lashley explored the shift towards “conversational” commerce and how you can best prepare for and embrace this new era in business messaging.

The ecommerce landscape is evolving rapidly towards conversational commerce. This isn’t just about adding a “Buy now” button; it’s a paradigm shift in how brands engage with customers, and it presents significant opportunities–and challenges–for the messaging ecosystem as a whole.

Beyond transactions: The expanding definition of commerce

Conversational commerce, at its core, is the use of to facilitate a rich conversation between brand and customer, ultimately leading to the transfer of goods and services.

While ecommerce and retail are the most obvious applications, the potential extends far beyond into other verticals like financial services, civic engagement, healthcare, and more. As this use case continues to expand and gain traction, our highly templated solution for A2P messaging registration is being challenged by the art of the possible, and as a collective we should look towards evolving more robust and flexible processes and systems.

Where we are: The template bottleneck

The rise of conversational commerce highlights a critical challenge for messaging ecosystems players: Can our existing infrastructure & processes adequately support these richer, more complex interactions?”

Currently, the ecosystem largely revolves around templated, transactional SMS messages. While functional, this approach limits the potential for truly engaging and personalized customer experiences.

We’re seeing a clear need to move beyond these rigid structures and enable free-flowing, dynamic conversations. According to data from TCR, there have been around 80,000 registered e-commerce marketing campaigns across the last three years–a testament to the demand for more sophisticated messaging solutions.

The challenge for telecom: Supporting richer interactions

The rise of conversational commerce highlights a critical challenge for messaging ecosystems players: Can our existing infrastructure & processes adequately support these richer, more complex interactions?

The limitations of traditional SMS are becoming increasingly apparent. We need to move beyond simple text messages and enable features like:

Rich media support: Images, videos, carousels – essential for visually engaging product showcases and personalized recommendations.
Interactive elements: Quick replies, buttons, and other interactive components that facilitate seamless navigation and reduce friction.
Real-time presence & status: Enabling features that mimic the immediacy of a live conversation.
Advanced routing & delivery: Ensuring messages reach the right recipient at the right time, even with complex routing requirements.

The opportunity: Building the foundation for the future

Consumer preferences and the acceleration and adoption of AI applications into Customer Experience (CX), will continue to push commerce into a more personalized and conversational direction. Meanwhile, players in the messaging ecosystem will play an active role in several ways:

Registration & Monitoring Frameworks: Establishing registration and monitoring frameworks and processes will be critical for fostering success of the conversational commerce use case.
RCS adoption: Driving the adoption of RCS (Rich Communication Services) to unlock the full potential of rich messaging.
API development: Providing developers with powerful APIs to build innovative conversational commerce applications.
Network optimization: Ensuring reliable delivery and low latency for real-time interactions.
Data analytics & insights: Providing brands with actionable data to optimize their conversational commerce strategies.

The risk of channel fragmentation

If the mobile ecosystem fails to adequately support these conversational experiences, brands will inevitably migrate to alternative channels – chatbots, social media, and other platforms and apps like WhatsApp. This fragmentation risks undermining the value of SMS and RCS, and ultimately, the entire mobile messaging infrastructure.

Bandwidth’s approach: a developer-first mindset

At Bandwidth, we’re committed to building the infrastructure that powers the future of conversational commerce, and supporting our customers in their own innovations. As platforms continue to find new ways to support retail messaging, we remain focused on providing developers with the tools and APIs they need to build innovative applications.

Because the shift to conversational commerce is inevitable.

Caitlin Long

Sr. Director, Product Management & Strategy, Bandwidth

Available on Demand Now

The post The Conversational Commerce Shift: Ushering in a New Messaging Era appeared first on MEF.

Navigating Indonesia’s New Data Regulation: What Public ESPs Must Do to Stay Compliant

MEF — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:13:04 +0000

MEF CEO Dario Betti discusses new regulatory framework issued in Indonesia regarding digital communications, exploring what the regulation means, who it applies to, what actions are required, and how stakeholders in the mobile ecosystem—particularly those operating in or serving the Indonesian market—can prepare.

Indonesia’s digital economy is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia, projected to reach over $130 billion in gross merchandise value by 2025. As digital infrastructure expands, so does the regulatory framework governing data and electronic systems.

In this context, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (MOCDA) has taken a significant step by issuing Regulation No. 5 of 2025—a game-changing directive that introduces new compliance obligations for Public Electronic System Providers (Public ESPs).

This new regulation, promulgated on March 18, 2025, serves as the implementing instrument for Government Regulation No. 71 of 2019 on Electronic Systems and Transactions. It comes with a clear deadline: all Public ESPs must fully comply by March 2026, or face progressive administrative sanctions that include blacklisting and delisting.

If you’re a cloud provider, messaging platform, fintech service, healthtech app, or digital public service enabler operating in Indonesia, this regulation likely affects you.

Who Is a Public ESP?

Under MOCDA Reg. 5/2025, a Public ESP is defined as an electronic system operated by a government agency or an institution formally appointed by such an agency. Notably, the regulation excludes regulators and supervisory authorities in the financial sector.

However, this definition also opens the door for private companies to be designated as Public ESPs if formally appointed under a legal or regulatory instrument. This means a private platform hosting services on behalf of government ministries—such as e-learning tools, healthcare portals, or public service apps—may fall under the new regime.

MEF encourages stakeholders to monitor updates from MOCDA and consider joining MEF’s ID&Data Interest Group to stay informed and share industry responses. For further support or introductions to local regulatory experts in Indonesia, MEF members can contact us directly.”

To be classified as a Public ESP, an entity must:

Be registered as a Private Scope Electronic System Provider;
Be legally established in Indonesia;
Operate a data center located within Indonesia’s borders.

Key Compliance Obligations

1. Mandatory Re-Registration

Whether you’re an incumbent Public ESP or newly appointed, re-registration is mandatory under the new framework. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. The updated registration process requires:

Disclosure of the ESP’s operational infrastructure, data flows, and system governance;
Full profiles of designated personnel, including identification numbers and contact details;
Detailed system descriptions, including data categories, DNS/IP addresses, and processing locations.

Public ESPs must complete registration before launching or continuing operations.

2. Enhanced Data Governance

Public ESPs must now:

Deploy robust cybersecurity systems to prevent, detect, and mitigate cyber threats;
Implement personal data protection measures in line with Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP);
Conduct feasibility testing to ensure systems are operationally and technically sound.

These requirements underscore a shift toward accountability and resilience, especially for systems managing sensitive or mission-critical public services.

3. Control Over User-Generated Content (UGC)

Platforms that allow users to upload, share, or display electronic information or documents—such as forums, social media channels, or community engagement portals—must:

Monitor for and remove prohibited content (e.g., terrorism, child pornography, false information);
Provide Indonesian-language service guidance for users;
Offer mechanisms for public reporting of illegal or harmful content.

MOCDA is authorized to take direct enforcement action for urgent violations, including access blocking and delisting, underscoring the need for vigilant content moderation.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

MOCDA Reg. 5/2025 includes a one-year grace period until March 2026. After this, progressive sanctions apply:

Up to three written warnings within a week
Temporary suspension of system access if no action is taken
Blocking and removal from the registry if violations persist.

These administrative sanctions can significantly disrupt operations—especially for companies serving large user bases or relying on continued public access.

What Mobile Ecosystem Stakeholders Should Do Now

Here is a practical step-by-step compliance roadmap for businesses affected by this regulation:

1. Internal Audit

Review your system’s legal status, data center locations, and registration classification. Determine if you’re considered a Public ESP under the new criteria.

2. Legal & Regulatory Review

Identify compliance gaps by mapping your operations against the new requirements. Engage local counsel to interpret regulatory grey areas—especially for cross-border operations or hybrid service models.

3. Policy and System Updates

Update your privacy policies, terms of service, and content moderation procedures. Ensure you have:

Data protection protocols
Cybersecurity risk management frameworks
UGC governance and complaint handling mechanisms

4. Initiate Registration Early

The registration process is documentation-heavy and may involve coordination with multiple departments. Starting early minimizes risk of non-compliance and avoids last-minute administrative hurdles.

Looking Ahead: Building Trust in Indonesia’s Digital Infrastructure

Indonesia’s regulatory tightening reflects a broader global trend: governments are increasingly asserting sovereignty over digital systems, data localization, and content governance. While these regulations can introduce operational complexity, they also present opportunities.

Public ESPs that align early can:

Build trust with Indonesian authorities and consumers
Gain preferential access for public-private partnerships
Set themselves apart as responsible digital actors in a crowded market.

For MEF members and partners active in Southeast Asia, compliance isn’t just a legal necessity—it’s a strategic advantage.

Next Steps

MEF encourages stakeholders to monitor updates from MOCDA and consider joining MEF’s ID&Data Interest Group to stay informed and share industry responses. For further support or introductions to local regulatory experts in Indonesia, MEF members can contact us directly.

Dario Betti

MEF CEO

The post Navigating Indonesia’s New Data Regulation: What Public ESPs Must Do to Stay Compliant appeared first on MEF.

MEF Member News Round-up, wc April 28th

MEF — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:48:34 +0000

Get the latest announcements from MEF Members across the mobile ecosystem globally in this weekly review of member news…

TMT ID and GBG Announce Strategic Partnership

TMT ID has partnered with GBG to enhance global mobile identity verification and fraud detection capabilities. As fraud becomes increasingly industrialised and sophisticated—accelerated by advancements in generative AI—businesses face heightened risks in the digital space. This collaboration combines TMT ID’s mobile intelligence with GBG’s identity and fraud prevention technologies, enabling real-time, seamless user verification and continuous fraud monitoring. The partnership offers businesses stronger protection throughout the customer lifecycle, addressing the urgent need for scalable, cross-border fraud mitigation in an evolving threat landscape.

John Wilkinson, CEO of TMT ID, commented: “We’re excited to work with GBG to deliver a layered, real-time approach to identity and fraud prevention. By combining our mobile identity expertise with GBG’s fraud detection technology, we can help businesses verify users more accurately, reduce risk, and create safer online experiences.”

Micah Willbrand, Chief Product Officer – Identity Fraud at GBG said: “As online fraud continues to rise, implementing a layered and robust fraud prevention strategy is critical for businesses. We’re looking forward to working with TMT ID to help businesses combat identity fraud and protect digital transactions through mobile intelligence and continuing our mission to ensure every business in the world can connect safely with every genuine identity in the world.”

Omdia ranks Infobip as a Leader in the CPaaS Universe report for the third time

Global communications platform Infobip has been ranked as a leader in the Omdia CPaaS Universe report 2025, marking its third consecutive time receiving this recognition. Infobip improved its overall ranking compared to the 2023 report, with the evaluation highlighting its strong CPaaS services, success in RCS Business Messaging (RBM) campaigns, growing role in the Network API ecosystem, and innovation in AI and Gen AI.

The Omdia CPaaS Universe report offers a detailed analysis of the CPaaS market based on forecasting and enterprise insights survey data, presenting a forward-looking matrix of key capabilities and features. Omdia praised Infobip for delivering outstanding communication services to enterprises, developers, hyperscalers, partners, and telcos, reinforcing its leadership position in the evolving CPaaS landscape.

Pamela Clark-Dickson, Principal Analyst at Omdia, said: “Infobip provides an extensive range of communication channels and APIs. One of its key differentiators from other vendors in this Universe is that it is also at the forefront of adding emerging channels for business messaging, such as RCS Business Messaging and communications, which are crucial growth drivers for the industry and the company. Infobip enhances the developing Network API ecosystem and assists customers in achieving their business objectives through innovative AI and Gen AI features.”

“We are driving innovation within the communications platform ecosystem. With more than 9,700 connections to telco companies, our CPaaS platform is a leading option for various communication and customer engagement solutions. Omdia emphasizes our incorporation of AI and Gen AI features in the CPaaS solution, which promotes innovation, develops new use cases, and enhances existing ones. Combined, this has enabled us to strengthen our leadership position in the market this year.” Said Silvio Kutić, CEO at Infobip.

Bandwidth Receives Top Honors for Customer Engagement and Customer Service Innovation at 2025 Stevie Awards

Bandwidth Inc. has announced it won two Gold StevieⓇ Awards for achievements in Customer Engagement and Customer Service Innovation. Selected from over 2,100 nominations across 45 countries, Bandwidth earned recognition for its inaugural customer conference, Reverb24, held in September 2024 at its Raleigh, N.C. headquarters. The event gathered more than 1,400 in-person and virtual attendees globally. Judges praised Reverb24 for its seamless execution, strong engagement, and strategic value, describing it as a top-tier customer engagement experience that was thoughtfully designed to meet customer needs.

“These awards are a clear reflection of our mission to put customers at the center of everything we do,” said David Morken, Bandwidth’s CEO. “Thank you to the Stevie Awards for this recognition, and congratulations to our Bandmates—your talent, drive, and unwavering commitment to our customers is what sets us apart.”

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Airtel announces new plans to revolutionize International Roaming (IR) experience

Bharti Airtel has introduced new additions to its international roaming (IR) portfolio, including India’s first unlimited* IR plans offering unlimited data access across 189 countries. To cater to the long-staying NRI community, Airtel also launched a unique ₹4000 recharge plan with one-year validity, providing 5GB of data and 100 voice minutes for use abroad, while offering 1.5GB daily data and unlimited calls within India. These new plans aim to deliver a hassle-free, seamless connectivity experience globally, allowing customers to use the same number without needing separate recharges.

Siddharth Sharma, Director Marketing and CEO – Connected Homes, Bharti Airtel, said, “At Airtel, we are dedicated to simplifying our customers lives and delivering greater value and convenience to them. We have dramatically simplified our IR plans that will truly redefine our value proposition for customers and give them the freedom to use data and voice generously while roaming the world. We remain continuously committed to delivering solutions that meet our customers’ ever-evolving needs.”

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Powering the Future of Connected Fleets: iBASIS and iMatrix Drive Telematics Innovation at ACT Expo 2025

Driven by rising demand for real-time data, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance, fleet management is undergoing a smart transformation. The global fleet telematics systems market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.87%, reaching $134.6 billion by 2028, fueled by next-generation telematics, cloud platforms, and AI-ready IoT infrastructure.

This growth highlights telematics’ critical role in modern fleet operations — optimizing routes, monitoring vehicle performance, and enhancing safety standards. Addressing these needs, iBASIS and iMatrix are partnering to deliver a powerful end-to-end solution that unites global connectivity with intelligent, edge-powered telematics.

Through iBASIS’s Global Access for Things platform, fleets gain seamless mobile data access across 700+ networks in over 190 countries, supported by advanced eSIM/eUICC technology that ensures remote programmability, simplified logistics, and scalable, future-proof telematics infrastructure.

Complementing this, iMatrix brings FleetConnect Gateways and EdgeUplink technology, enabling secure, real-time data transmission over 4G/5G and Wi-Fi. With capabilities like dual CAN bus ports and Bluetooth-linked environmental sensors, iMatrix captures critical vehicle health and performance data at the edge and instantly relays it to the cloud for actionable insights.

Sinch Named a Leader in the 2025 Omdia Universe CPaaS Report

Sinch has been recognized as a Leader in the Omdia Universe: CPaaS Platform Providers 2025 report. The company was noted for its strengths in AI-powered customer communication, RCS messaging, secure and trusted communications, and global regulatory expertise. Sinch’s investments in conversational AI and fraud prevention were highlighted as key factors supporting its leadership position. According to Omdia, Sinch’s capabilities enable enterprises to deliver personalized, real-time digital customer experiences across more than 60 countries, with a focus on mobile-first engagement strategies.

“We’re proud of being recognized by Omdia for our continued progress toward a leadership position in RCS and AI-enabled customer communications, “said Laurinda Pang, CEO of Sinch. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing a secure, trusted platform that helps enterprises confidently deliver personalized, automated conversations across every digital communications channel.”

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SomosID Powers Deeper Device Intelligence with Finite State

Somos, Inc., a provider of connected device security, identity management, and fraud prevention services, has partnered with IoT security firm Finite State. The collaboration will integrate Finite State’s binary and source code analysis capabilities with SomosID’s connected asset registry, enhancing its ability to deliver more detailed device-level insights. This partnership comes as regulatory demands around IoT security, such as NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, and U.S. federal mandates, continue to grow. Together, Somos and Finite State aim to offer comprehensive security and compliance solutions that help enterprises better manage device vulnerabilities and protect their software supply chains.

“IoT security is no longer optional — it’s essential,” said Sri Ramachandran, SVP & Chief Technology Officer at Somos. “Our collaboration with Finite State allows us to provide organizations with unparalleled visibility into their IoT devices as well as the software/firmware that goes into them, ensuring they meet compliance requirements and proactively mitigate security risks.”

“Ensuring the integrity and security of connected devices is fundamental to building trust in the IoT ecosystem,” said Matt Wyckhouse, Chief Executive Officer at Finite State. “Our partnership with Somos brings together powerful binary and source code analysis and asset registry capabilities, offering enterprises a comprehensive solution to address security vulnerabilities and supply chain risk at scale.”

Read more...

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Global Mobile News Digest, April 25th

MEF — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:52:50 +0000

We take a weekly look at mobile and tech stories from around the world. Headlines include… Apple and Meta Slammed with Fines as EU Targets Big Tech, Toshiba’s Quantum Leap: Hacker-Proof Messaging Could Secure Future Mobile Apps, Trump’s Tariffs Threaten $350B Digital Ad Market and much more… Alternatively listen On MEF Radio.

Apple and Meta Slammed with Fines as EU Targets Big Tech

Politico

Top story this week: The European Union took a hard swing at Big Tech, slapping Apple with a €500 million fine and Meta with €200 million under its new Digital Markets Act. Apple was targeted for App Store restrictions, while Meta got dinged for forcing users into personalized ads on Facebook and Instagram. Both tech giants plan to appeal—but Brussels warned: comply, or face even tougher penalties. The move ratcheted up tensions with Washington, with President Trump blasting the EU’s regulations as a direct hit on American innovation. More tech turbulence could be on the horizon.

Toshiba’s Quantum Leap: Hacker-Proof Messaging Could Secure Future Mobile Apps

Tech Monitor

A leap toward hacker-proof messaging: Toshiba has successfully sent quantum-encrypted messages across a 250-kilometer commercial telecoms network in Germany. The breakthrough—using off-the-shelf fibre and no cryogenic gear—makes quantum security practical for real-world use. What’s the mobile angle? This tech could soon underpin ultra-secure communication for mobile apps and services, especially as data-rich platforms like banking and health go mobile-first. Toshiba’s Robert Woodward says it’s a crucial step toward national-scale, quantum-secure networks—and that means safer smartphones down the line.

Trump’s Tariffs Threaten $350B Digital Ad Market

Wall Street Journal

The $350 billion U.S. digital ad market is bracing for impact as Trump’s tariffs spark early signs of a slowdown, according to the Wall Street Journal. Analysts say mobile ad platforms like Meta and Google, which dominate digital spend, are seeing cutbacks as sectors like e-commerce, auto, and fashion conserve cash.

Chinese mobile-first platforms like Temu and Shein are pulling ads amid 100%+ tariffs and the end of the $800 de minimis loophole, threatening billions in mobile ad revenue. With small businesses moving fastest to slash spend, the mobile ad ecosystem—usually a growth engine—is now showing signs of contraction.

Nokia CEO Signals US Manufacturing Boost to Offset Tariff Hit

Reuters

Nokia’s new CEO, Justin Hotard, has signaled that the company may increase its US manufacturing to offset the impact of tariffs, which could cost Nokia up to €30 million in operating profits this quarter.

With 90% of US communications relying on Nokia’s tech, Hotard is eyeing potential expansions to ensure resilience and growth in the competitive US market.

Nokia currently operates five manufacturing facilities in the US, including semiconductor plants in California.

As Nokia navigates tariff challenges, its moves to boost local production could influence its position in the rapidly evolving mobile infrastructure ecosystem

Ofcom Bans Global Titles in UK to Boost Mobile Security

Guardian

Ofcom has banned UK mobile operators from leasing Global Titles (GT) due to security risks.

Criminals could exploit GT to intercept calls and messages, including two-factor authentication codes, or track individuals.

While typically leased to legitimate businesses, the ban aims to prevent misuse.

New agreements are banned starting April 22, 2025, and existing leases must end by 2026.

TikTok Sparks Electronic Music Boom, Outpaces Indie in 2024

Guardian

Views of TikTok posts using electronic music outpaced those with indie music for the first time in 2024.

Clips tagged #ElectronicMusic garnered over 13 billion views, a 45% increase from 2023, with growth surpassing that of indie and hip-hop genres.

The rise is driven by creators using electronic music in videos about sports, fitness, fashion, and travel.

TikTok has become a key platform for promoting electronic music, helping artists like Disclosure and Joel Corry achieve mainstream success.

British DJs like Hannah Laing and Billy Gillies have also gained significant followings through the app.

DOJ Takes Aim at Google’s Search Monopoly, Eyes Chrome Sale

NPR

Among the top stories this week, the U.S. Justice Department is pressing a federal judge to force Google to sell its Chrome browser and end its default search agreements, in a bid to break up its monopoly in online search.

This follows a ruling last year that found Google’s practices illegal.

The DOJ argues these moves would open up the market to more competition, while Google says it could harm consumers and innovation.

The judge has scheduled three weeks of hearings to determine the next steps.

Big Tech’s Earnings Climb Meets Trade War Jitters

Reuters

Also in tech news this week, SK Hynix warned of possible challenges later in 2025, citing U.S. tariffs despite reporting a 158% surge in quarterly profits, driven by strong demand for memory chips used in AI.

The company overtook Samsung as the top Dynamic Random Access Memory vendor and is expanding its factories, but future demand could weaken if tariffs impact global tech spending.

Meanwhile, Texas Instruments exceeded estimates with Q1 revenue up 11%, forecasting Q2 sales between $4.17 billion and $4.53 billion, boosted by industrial and automotive demand. TI is optimistic about a market recovery.

STMicroelectronics reported Q1 earnings in line with expectations but forecasts stronger Q2 revenue, anticipating a recovery in the second half of 2025, though the outlook excludes potential tariff impacts.

And IBM posted Q1 sales of $14.5 billion, up 1%, but cautioned that economic uncertainty and U.S. government cost cuts could affect business.

These projections come as AI, 5G, and IoT are poised to dominate discussions at MWC25 Shanghai, scheduled for June 18–20 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre and Kerry Hotel Pudong, following the success of the event in Barcelona.

Baidu Slashes AI Prices, Turbocharges the Race

Reuters

Baidu is shaking up the AI market, unveiling upgraded models and slashing prices in a bid to challenge rivals like Alibaba and DeepSeek.

The company introduced the Ernie 4.5 Turbo and Ernie X1 Turbo, promising faster, cheaper AI solutions for developers.

The 4.5 Turbo sees a whopping 80% price drop, while the X1 Turbo—Baidu’s answer to DeepSeek—is now half the price of its predecessor.

The company also launched Xinxiang, a new AI platform designed to automate tasks, putting pressure on competitors like Manus AI. The push is part of Baidu’s strategy to maintain its position in China’s increasingly competitive AI landscape. The game is on!

Musk’s Million-Robot March Stalls on Tariff Trouble — Lex

FT

According to the Financial Times’ Lex column, Elon Musk may be bullish on deploying a million Optimus humanoid robots by 2030—but tariff troubles are jamming the gears.

Global robotics giants like ABB and Fanuc face weak demand and tangled supply chains, with key parts like actuators still reliant on China.

Even Musk admits sourcing magnets is a pain.

With robots slowed by geopolitics, the Lex team wryly notes this might be one case where tariffs actually preserve American jobs—at least until the bots catch up.

Unlocking value with RCS for Business: Insights from Sinch, Google, and WeCredit

MEF — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:06:29 +0000

At The Future of Mobile 2025 event during MWC in March 2025, industry leaders from Sinch, Google, and WeCredit took the stage to discuss why businesses should be paying attention to RCS as a business messaging solution – below, Sinch shares an overview from the session.

For more than two decades, SMS has been central to business messaging because it’s reliable, universal, and familiar. But as consumer expectations evolve, so do the tools brands need to engage them with. And that’s where Rich Communication Services (RCS) comes in, blending the broad reach of SMS with app-like features that drive deeper engagement and trust. With Apple’s recent commitment to support RCS on iOS accelerating RCS adoption worldwide, now businesses have a unique opportunity to rethink how they connect with customers.

Unlike traditional SMS, RCS supports branded messages, verified senders, interactive buttons, and rich media, which creates a more engaging experience for consumers.”

Miriam Liszewski, Global Commercial Product Manager for RCS at Sinch

RCS is here and it’s growing fast

One of the first questions that always come up when discussing RCS is how it differs from other messaging channels. So, during the panel, Miriam Liszewski, Global Commercial Product Manager for RCS at Sinch, kicked off the discussion by providing an overview of RCS as a business messaging channel, highlighting its potential over traditional SMS.

The perspective of increased engagement is certainly one of the appeals of RCS, and businesses are starting to take note. The growth of RCS was a hot topic at MWC, and Josh Pepper, Head of Product for RCS for Business at Google, backed this up by sharing some impressive growth numbers of RCS as a business messaging channel:

RCS now has over a billion active users across 100+ carriers worldwide
Growth in RCS for Business has grown by 30 times over the past 18 months
In key markets like Brazil, monetized business messaging has grown by 97x, while in Europe and India, growth has been 22x and 29x respectively

Sinch has witnessed the impressive growth of the channel firsthand. In fact, by mid-November 2024, they had already delivered over one billion RCS for Business messages worldwide – and that’s before Black Friday and the holiday season hit.

WeCredit’s success with RCS

More and more businesses across all industries have started to explore RCS’s capabilities. And some of them, like WeCredit, are already seeing impressive results.

WeCredit is a fintech platform in India, where WhatsApp and SMS have a huge penetration. Their platform allows customers to find the best online finance solution for their needs. Laksh Dua, co-founder of WeCredit, joined the panel to provide first-hand perspective on how using RCS for Business, the fintech platform has successfully scaled their digital communications strategy to reach millions of users in India.

In the last two months, we’ve scaled volumes to 20 million RCS messages. It’s completely transformed our in-funnel customer journey.”

Laksh Dua, co-founder of WeCredit

WeCredit uses RCS for a range of business-critical use cases:

Promotional messages to market paperless loans with attractive interest rates
Customer engagement to inform potential borrowers about exclusive offers
Customer nurturing to encourage applicants to complete their loan applications

Before adopting RCS, WeCredit relied heavily on SMS and WhatsApp for customer communication. While SMS was cost-effective, it lacked engagement and tracking capabilities.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, was visually appealing and encouraged interactivity, but it lacked the kind of analytics they were looking for – and required their users to use a separate app altogether.

RCS sits in the perfect middle ground between SMS and WhatsApp. It has the visual appeal of WhatsApp with the cost-effectiveness of SMS, plus great tracking and analytics.”

Laksh Dua, co-founder of WeCredit

Today, WeCredit has seen about 35-40% of its target users having RCS-enabled devices in the Indian market. While this is a significant reach, it’s not yet enough to connect with their entire audience, so their messaging strategy includes a mix of both RCS and WhatsApp to ensure maximum reach.

In some markets where Apple has launched RCS support, user adoption is already exceeding 70%, and this number is expected to grow. But for now, businesses can and should take a hybrid approach using RCS and other messaging channels to ensure they’re engaging their audiences on the channels they’re already using.

The business case for RCS

Introducing a new channel often requires careful consideration, but success stories like WeCredit is a good example of the opportunity RCS brings to businesses looking to connect with their customers on their mobile devices.

Liszewski highlighted how WeCredit’s journey reflects what many companies experience when implementing RCS: a gradual evolution from basic messaging to more advanced, high-impact use cases.

For businesses considering RCS, the value is clear:

Higher engagement: “We see three to seven times higher CTRs for some of these experiences compared to an SMS or Rich SMS message,” noted Liszewski.
Better brand trust: Verified sender profiles reduce fraud risks and boost consumer confidence.
Improved analytics: Businesses gain access to real-time delivery and read receipts, something SMS lacks.

One of the cool things about RCS is that you can do so much with it. A lot of businesses start with fairly simple messages, by converting their existing SMS over. That works well for improving security with the sender verifications, the branding, and the delivery receipts. And once you start seeing it working, you start to move on to more advanced use cases.”

Miriam Liszewski, RCS Commercial Product Manager at Sinch

Fraud prevention and consumer protection

As RCS adoption grows, so does the need for strong fraud prevention measures. This is something that’s top of mind for businesses and is often a hot topic, as seen during the Q&A portion of the panel. Panel moderator Steinbach shifted the conversation to security, asking Pepper what practices Google has in place for consumer protection.

“One phrase I use with my team is: ‘Reach is life, spam is death,” Pepper said. “It really succinctly sums up what we need in a messaging solution because you need to reach everybody, and you can’t miss them.”

According to Pepper, Google works closely with mobile operators and the GSMA to verify businesses and monitor for abuse. Their approach to spam protection is based on the “ABC model,” which stands for “Actor, Behavior, Content,” so they’re always identifying and mitigating risks before they become widespread.

He also highlighted Google’s investment in spam detection, using learnings from the teams that built Gmail’s spam protections to safeguard RCS messaging.

The future of RCS: What’s next?

Looking ahead, both Google and WeCredit see RCS evolving beyond its current capabilities – and so does Sinch!

When talking about WeCredit’s use of RCS, Dua outlined his company’s next steps, which can serve as good inspiration for businesses looking to adopt the channel:

AI-driven, two-way conversations to handle more inquiries in real-time
Dynamic offers based on user behavior for more targeted financial recommendations
Omnichannel integration to ensure seamless transitions between RCS, SMS, and WhatsApp

What’s on Google’s RCS to do list? Pepper explained that Google is focused on expanding RCS’s reach and functionality.

“We’re rolling out support for Dual SIM services, which is massive in markets like India,” he said. “WebView capabilities are also expanding, which will allow businesses to leverage their existing mobile assets while ensuring customers seamlessly return to the conversation after closing the browser.”

As we roll out RCS throughout the world, we do so by forming partnerships with carriers, and we have to do that in a sequenced and methodical way.”

Josh Pepper, Head of Product for RCS for Business at Google

And, of course, driving adoption by mobile operators across the world is key to making RCS work.

Why enterprises should be paying attention to RCS

While adoption varies by region, Sinch, Google, and WeCredit’s discussion at MEF 2025 made one thing clear: RCS is making a big impact on business results, and it will just keep growing.

For enterprises evaluating their messaging strategies, RCS represents a compelling opportunity to leverage rich features, security, and analytics in one high-impact channel.

Ready to explore RCS with Sinch? Find out more!

This post originally appeared on Sinch’s Blog and is re-published here with kind permission.

Available on Demand Now

The post Unlocking value with RCS for Business: Insights from Sinch, Google, and WeCredit appeared first on MEF.

The $1.03 Trillion Problem – Today’s Sophisticated Fraud Environment

MEF — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:07:43 +0000

MEF Member netnumber shares an overview of their keynote presentation at the recent MEF Leadership Forum Americas 2025, where Catalin Badea, VP of Product Management, unveiled key strategies for combating phone number fraud – including discussing a recently launched innovation as well as a long-time industry staple – that strategically make a difference in circumventing malicious activities.

It wasn’t a time for just talking about the telecom industry’s frustrating and enduring fraud problems. It was a time for sharing real-world solutions that are helping communications service providers, telecom carriers and enterprises undermine fraud.

Badea noted that the phone number has become the defacto identifier in a mobile-first world, and is the one constant that cuts across all the various malicious fraud techniques. That makes the ability to vet and verify phone number accuracy in real time a pivotal component of fraud-fighting tools.

Yet with billions of phone numbers and a myriad of interactions happening daily, the ability to successfully manage the connection journey remains complex. “Fortunately, the industry has developed and continues to develop innovative tools that combat fraud at various points in the connection journey,” Badea said, noting one of the newest ecosystem registries focuses on the financial services industry, a key sector increasingly hit by fraud.

Buttressing the Financial Sector – The Fraud Prevention Registry

If money is the root of all evil, as the adage goes, nowhere is that more apparent than in communications fraud targeting the financial sector. Whether it be through illegal robocalling, robotexting, SIM swapping or a variety of other scams, the main goal of fraudsters is to take money from innocent victims through deceptive means. In fact, a new report shows scammers siphoned off over $1.03 trillion from consumers globally in 2024, according to a study from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. Phone calls and text messages remain the most popular method of initial contact.

Badea said the newest innovation for the finance sector and beyond is the Fraud Prevention Registry (FPR), which combats one of today’s most critical challenges: developing and maintaining a centralized fraud number database that can be updated and accessed in real time by those who need it most.

Launched in North America and expanding globally, the FPR operates as a global, consortium-based registry and contains millions of phone numbers from active attacks. It also provides actionable data about victims’ phone numbers when they are exposed during phishing attacks or breaches and observed on threat actor target lists.”

This groundbreaking solution, developed by netnumber, facilitates the rapid exchange of fraud data among industry stakeholders, including communication service providers, telecom carriers and enterprises.

Once a fraud attack is identified by one of the FPR participating members, all other members can react quickly and prevent the attack from spreading further.

Near-instantaneous data distribution is a key attribute of the FPR, as high-volume real-time data is critical for fraud data sharing because fraud is typically very volatile. For example, fraudsters rotate through phone numbers in a matter of minutes to avoid detection.

Launched in North America and expanding globally, the FPR operates as a global, consortium-based registry and contains millions of phone numbers from active attacks. It also provides actionable data about victims’ phone numbers when they are exposed during phishing attacks or breaches and observed on threat actor target lists.

The nnSR® – A Longtime Industry Mainstay That Combats Messaging Fraud

Text messaging has become one of the most popular forms of communication today, with industry estimates pointing to over 2 trillion text messages sent annually. In North America, a single industry registry provides the pivotal information essential for text messaging to proceed.

Launched in 2008, the netnumber Service Registry® (nnSR) is the respected industry database that underlies this critical communications channel. The nnSR® collects, manages and distributes authoritative routing information for the telecom messaging industry in North America. Not only does this tool underlie North American text messaging, but it also plays a crucial role in combating fraud, particularly message spoofing.

In text spoofing, fraudsters hijack phone numbers in an attempt to trick consumers into thinking they are receiving texts from a legitimate source, such as a bank. Using this approach, bad actors seek to steal money or key account information from unsuspecting consumers.

The nnSR® helps carriers and other North American mobile telecom participants outwit texting fraudsters through its required sender ID registration process. By registering APIs with nnSR®, carriers can access real-time number validation and verification information that serves as a powerful tool for ensuring accurate message routing, along with fighting spoofing and other texting fraud.

The nnSR is highly regarded throughout the world and is being used as a model for other countries currently working to implement sender registries, added Badea.

Find out more about the netnumber Services Registry

MEF Leadership Forum Americas 2025

MEF Leadership Forum Americas returns to South Beach, Miami for the third year running. This forum brings together industry leaders, innovators, and regulators to discuss the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the mobile ecosystem.

Watch on Demand now

The post The $1.03 Trillion Problem – Today’s Sophisticated Fraud Environment appeared first on MEF.

MEF

Webinar: Containers to Connectivity; The Ripple Effect of Tariffs on Telecoms

MEF Member News Round-up, wc May 5th

Get the latest announcements from MEF Members across the mobile ecosystem globally in this weekly review of member news…

Read more...

Global Mobile News Digest, May 2nd

Ofcom’s Move on Mobile Network Security: Understanding the Global Title Ban

Nicholas Rossman

The Conversational Commerce Shift: Ushering in a New Messaging Era

Beyond transactions: The expanding definition of commerce

Where we are: The template bottleneck

The rise of conversational commerce highlights a critical challenge for messaging ecosystems players: Can our existing infrastructure & processes adequately support these richer, more complex interactions?”

The challenge for telecom: Supporting richer interactions

The opportunity: Building the foundation for the future

The risk of channel fragmentation

Bandwidth’s approach: a developer-first mindset

Caitlin Long

Sr. Director, Product Management & Strategy, Bandwidth

Available on Demand Now

Navigating Indonesia’s New Data Regulation: What Public ESPs Must Do to Stay Compliant

Who Is a Public ESP?

Key Compliance Obligations

1. Mandatory Re-Registration

2. Enhanced Data Governance

3. Control Over User-Generated Content (UGC)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

What Mobile Ecosystem Stakeholders Should Do Now

1. Internal Audit

2. Legal & Regulatory Review

3. Policy and System Updates

4. Initiate Registration Early

Looking Ahead: Building Trust in Indonesia’s Digital Infrastructure

Next Steps

Dario Betti

MEF Member News Round-up, wc April 28th

Get the latest announcements from MEF Members across the mobile ecosystem globally in this weekly review of member news…

Global Mobile News Digest, April 25th

Unlocking value with RCS for Business: Insights from Sinch, Google, and WeCredit

Unlike traditional SMS, RCS supports branded messages, verified senders, interactive buttons, and rich media, which creates a more engaging experience for consumers.”

Miriam Liszewski, Global Commercial Product Manager for RCS at Sinch

RCS is here and it’s growing fast

WeCredit’s success with RCS

In the last two months, we’ve scaled volumes to 20 million RCS messages. It’s completely transformed our in-funnel customer journey.”

Laksh Dua, co-founder of WeCredit

RCS sits in the perfect middle ground between SMS and WhatsApp. It has the visual appeal of WhatsApp with the cost-effectiveness of SMS, plus great tracking and analytics.”

Laksh Dua, co-founder of WeCredit

The business case for RCS

Miriam Liszewski, RCS Commercial Product Manager at Sinch

Fraud prevention and consumer protection

The future of RCS: What’s next?

As we roll out RCS throughout the world, we do so by forming partnerships with carriers, and we have to do that in a sequenced and methodical way.”

Josh Pepper, Head of Product for RCS for Business at Google

Why enterprises should be paying attention to RCS

Available on Demand Now

The $1.03 Trillion Problem – Today’s Sophisticated Fraud Environment

Buttressing the Financial Sector – The Fraud Prevention Registry

The nnSR® – A Longtime Industry Mainstay That Combats Messaging Fraud