New book published charting the 25-year history the Mobile Ecosystem Forum
As the Mobile Ecosystem Forum celebrates its 25th birthday, a new book is being published charting its rise from humble beginnings to a global trade body with members across the world.
Over the last 25 years, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) has been at the forefront of an industry that has evolved beyond recognition.
What began as a niche community of mobile entertainment pioneers has grown into a global network spanning operators, technology providers, media companies, financial institutions and more.
When MEF was founded in 2000, mobile entertainment was a new concept. Early innovators recognised the need for a body that could unify stakeholders, set industry standards, and advocate for best practices. MEF emerged as that body.
Andrew Bud, one of the original founders, has vivid memories of the challenge facing the new organisation. “Nobody understood the business we were in,” he says. “There was mobile and there was entertainment, and they were separate. Our job was to bring them together, create a new category and then give it some personality and value.”
In its 25-year history MEF has been a pioneer within the mobile industry, always looking for ways to ensure that the industry is healthy, and that consumers are treated fairly.
For example, when rogue VAS (value added services) operators were selling unethical subscription services, MEF stepped in to introduce new rules to compel providers to display details of the subscription, supplier, cost and the STOP command. As smishing became overwhelming and consumers lost trust in mobile messages, MEF created the SenderID Registry to help businesses rebuild trust with wary consumers.
MEF also created the hugely popular MEFFYS Awards, which celebrate innovation within the industry and take place each year during MWC in Barcelona, and the annual Consumer Trust Survey – an essential litmus test for the industry.
Plus, MEF holds regular events in dozens of locations across the globe facilitating networking, collaboration, and the advancement of industry solutions. MEF acts as the voice of the mobile ecosystem, focusing on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation.
“Today, MEF’s mission is more relevant than ever. The mobile industry is a cornerstone of digital transformation, powering everything from business messaging and fraud prevention to identity verification and omnichannel customer engagement. MEF has adapted to these shifts and actively shaped them – leading initiatives in messaging security, mobile payments, consumer trust and connectivity.” said current CEO Dario Betti.
As we celebrate 25 years of MEF, we reflect on an incredible journey. Looking ahead, MEF will continue to drive progress, champion emerging technologies and support members in navigating the ever-evolving mobile ecosystem.
“Writing this book has been a fascinating journey of discovery, of reminiscences, and of excitement about the future” commented the book’s author, Tim Green.
“The next chapter promises to be just as exciting as the last.”
’25 years of MEF; the Official History is published 4th March 2025 and available directly from the Mobile Ecosystem Forum. https://mobileecosystemforum.com/
ABOUT THE MOBILE ECOSYSTEM FORUM
The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) is a global trade body established in 2000 and headquartered in the UK with members across the world. As the voice of the mobile ecosystem, it focuses on cross-industry best practices, anti-fraud and monetisation. The Forum, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, provides its members with global and cross-sector platforms for networking, collaboration and advancing industry solutions.
Web: https://mobileecosystemforum.com/
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