The European Commission, always keen to be of assistance to those stateside Big Tech types who know so little about Europe's funny little business ways, has begun telling Apple what it needs to do to meet its interoperability obligations under the terms of the Digital Markets Act. The "proceedings," as the Commission chooses to call them, focus specifically on two areas: the first concerns iOS connectivity features predominantly used by third-party connected devices, particularly relating to functions such as notifications and device pairing; the second concerns how Apple interacts with interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties. In a prepared statement, Margrethe Vestager, the Commission's EVP in charge of competition policy, said: "We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this. This process will provide clarity for developers, third parties and Apple." (See EU acts to tackle might of 'gatekeeper' platforms.)

Vodafone Ireland has completed an overhaul of its BSS/OSS platform, courtesy of software from US-based Amdocs. The new setup, says Amdocs, integrates mobile and fixed services onto a single platform and provides a more consolidated customer view, enabling those handling customer queries to make better decisions, reducing errors and generally streamlining processes.

Cellnex, the Spanish towers giant, is contemplating the sale of its French data center unit, according to a Reuters report citing two unnamed people "familiar with the matter." Cellnex declined to comment on the story.

Lightspeed Group, a UK altnet operating predominantly in the east of England and the West Midlands region, has launched a wholesale offering under the Lightspeed Networks brand. The company now has two distinct strands – Lightspeed Networks (for wholesale partners) and Lightspeed, which offers gigabit broadband to homes and businesses.

How many UK students lose their smartphones? Answer: lots. According to research by operator O2, 25% of undergraduates manage to permanently part company with their handsets during the first year of university. And when replacing a mobile phone, 32% of students opt for a refurbished or secondhand one. Mind you, 19% of them admit to losing their clothing too. Their minds are on higher things, obviously.