The Mobile Data Association

London, UK; 14th October 2008: The Mobile Data Association (MDA) has today announced changes to its UK board of directors.

The move includes the announcement that Dr. Mike Short will stand down as Chairman after a highly successful 10 years at the head of the association. Vice Chairman, Steve Reynolds will take over the Chairmanship while Dr Short will assume the honorary role of MDA President. Nick Hunn has been appointed MDA Vice Chairman.

The new board draws experience from all areas of the mobile industry and will kick start the next stage for the MDA. The revised focus will see key initiatives put into play that reflect the needs of both MDA members and the mobile industry as a whole.

"The Mobile Data Association has constantly evolved and reinvented itself throughout its 14 year history. Change is something we’re used to - we represent one of the fastest moving and most dynamic industry sectors in the industrial age," said Steve Reynolds, Chairman of The Mobile Data Association.

He added: "The MDA plays a vital role in the growth of the mobile industry; I think it is important for us to acknowledge the part Mike Short has played in this success. His commitment not just to the association, but to the growth of mobile data and applications as a whole has been significant."

A time of change at the MDA and for the mobile industry

The mobile phone continues to be central to our lives at work and at home. This fascination is set to continue as new technologies such as Near Field Communications (NFC), the mobile wallet (PayforIt) and new mobile web browsers enable us to use mobile phones in increasingly innovative ways. The MDA’s future focus will be to support and help its members navigate through these developments. Whether it is the continued growth of mobile marketing, the potential of the mobile internet or satisfying the industry’s appetite for data and market intelligence, the MDA aims to deliver meaningful value to its members and the mobile industry as a whole.

The association has a long history of driving the adoption of new mobile services and helping businesses and consumers get the best experience out of their mobile devices. As the only source of actual mobile data usage in the UK, the MDA regularly reports on these trends, recently highlighting that 1.5 billion text messages are sent every week, over 10.5 million video and pictures messages are sent each month and mobile phone internet access reached 17.5 million this year.

The new board of directors is made up of the following individuals:
MDA Chairman - Steve Reynolds, TBS Mobility
MDA Vice Chairman - Nick Hunn, Ezurio
MDA President - Mike Short, Telefónica O2 Europe
MDA Secretariat - Martin Ballard, CamTec Data Ltd

Board of directors
· Mike Hawkes, Broca Plc
· Mark Hawkins, MX Telecom Ltd
· Stuart Godfree, mkodo Ltd
· Anuj Khanna, Tanla Mobile
· Nigel Chadwick, Stream Communications Ltd

Strategic advisor
· Rob Bamforth, Quocirca

Communications Director
· Paul Doran, Switch Communications

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

The Mobile Data Association (MDA) was established in 1994 to increase awareness of mobile data amongst users and their advisers. The MDA acts as a focal point for its members, (vendors and users) and outside parties interested in knowing more about the industry

The MDA announces the total number of chargeable person-to-person text messages sent on behalf of the UK GSM Network operators. For further information visit the MDA Messaging web site at www.text.it

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Paul Doran, Communications Director for the Mobile Data Association:

Tel: 07768 373 100 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it