The telecoms industry has seen a number of strategic links forged in recent weeks, as mobile handset manufacturers and service providers seek to keep ahead of the competition.

In the latest move, Vodafone has tied up a deal with the BBC to pilot a scheme in which mobile users will be able to receive regularly updated news on their handsets. The service starts with text messages, but plans are being developed to follow with sound and video clips.

Also being developed is the option of personalising the news received, for example, concentrating on specific subjects or locations.

At the same time, Siemens and Casio have announced plans to work together on developing a mobile telephone with multi-media and internet access capabilities, as well as a high colour touch-screen.

This unit will use Microsoft's Windows CE operating system. Microsoft has already announced a deal with Ericsson for a new unit using its Mobile Explorer system.

The fact that virtually every key player who could get involved in mobile technology is involved, suggests how big and competitive this market is set to become.

Elliott Chase