The Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) has appointed former ICSTIS Policy Advisor Suhail Bhat to the new role of Policy and Initiatives Director. Bhat will be responsible for driving policy on issues affecting the global mobile entertainment industry and managing all MEF global initiatives to advance member interests and the industrys growth.
In his time at ICSTIS, the independent regulator for premium rate services, Baht ran industry-wide consultations and lead on the development of the influential ICSTIS Code of Practice. The code governs all D2C (direct to consumer) transactions, both mobile and fixed, in the UK and has had a significant impact on regulation adopted by other territories. He was also responsible for working with key external stakeholders and regulatory bodies to advance policy initiatives in mobile content.
Bahts appointment supports MEFs efforts to advance the interests of its key mobile entertainment stakeholders, through a dedicated lobbying, policy-making and initiatives focus. The MEF says it is working to raise awareness of industry issues and facilitate innovative business models across the global mobile entertainment value chain, taking an active role in the development of best practice and commercial guidelines. Recent focus has centred on the Television Without Frontiers Directive currently being reviewed by the European Commission.
Suhail joins us when the industry is evolving at a rapid rate says MEF Chairman Patrick Parodi. New developments are taking place in fields as diverse as Mobile TV, digital rights management and ad-funding for mobile content. Suhail will play a pivotal role in developing MEF policies and delivering impactful initiatives which will make him a valuable asset to MEF members.