Mobile operators set up apps platform to rival Apple

24 leading mobile operators including Orange and Vodafone have joined forces to build a global open industry platform that can deliver applications to all mobile phones.

The operators have set up a Wholesale Applications Community, which is back by the GSMA, LG Electronics, Samsung and Sony Ericsson, in a bid to stop Apple from dominating the apps market.

The group plans to establish a simple system that will provide an easier route to market for app developers, according to reports.

Rob Conway, chief executive of GSMA, said: “The GSMA is fully supportive the Wholesale Applications Community, which will build a new, open ecosystem to spur the creation of applications that can be used regardless of device, operating system or operator.”

Jonathan Arber, senior research analyst at IDC, added: “The initiative should also help to drive uptake of existing, open standards among developers, operators and manufacturers, thereby reducing fragmentation and benefiting the whole industry.”

The group, which has access to over three billion customers around the world, plans to have a new system up and running within 12 months.