10-14 Feb: Your guide to what’s happened this week in the media, entertainment and technology industry.

GSMA cancels Mobile World Congress 2020

The telecoms industry’s largest trade show, Mobile World Congress, has been cancelled by organizers due to the coronavirus outbreak.

GSMA announced in a press release stating its decision to cancel, following a slew of exhibitors pulling out in recent weeks. It had been scheduled to take place later this month in Barcelona.

Ofcom announces plans to fine companies for harmful content

The UK is empowering telecoms watchdog Ofcom to fine social media companies that host harmful material, Associated Press reported.

Ofcom currently has the power to levy fines for radio and television broadcasters, and will now be given a “duty of care” on companies such as Facebook and Twitter to protect users from harmful content. 

Companies that allow content to ‘flourish’ or stay online for too long will be fined.

It comes as Ofcom has named civil servant Melanie Dawes as its new CEO.

BritBox names BT-owned EE as exclusive mobile partner in distribution agreement

Mobile operator EE has partnered with OTT BritBox to offer its customers a free six-month subscription, Telecom paper reported. 

From 13 March, existing EE customers will get the complimentary subscription, which is usually priced at £5.99 a month, alongside other free subscriptions currently on offer like Apple Music and more. 

T-Mobile and Sprint lawsuit gets tossed out

A lawsuit against telco companies T-Mobile and Sprint regarding the operators’ proposed merger has been dismissed, Yahoo reported.

The lawsuit was brought by a group of state attorneys general who argued the merger would reduce competition and increase the phone bill for customers.

The merger, which was announced almost two years ago, is set to come to completion.  

In numbers…

29 million

The number of subscribers Disney+ gained in the US in just 12 weeks.

$1,380

The cost of the new Samsung Z Flip phone, featuring a revolutionary folding display with 5G compatibility. 

23.6 million

The audience viewing figures for the Oscars 2020, marking an all-time low.

35%

The year-on-year increase Eurosport reported in unique visitors to its web and app platforms.

 

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