We are working on a powerful vision with Ubuntu; to build a convergent Operating System that runs on [phones](https://www.ubuntu.com/phone), [tablets](https://www.ubuntu.com/tablet), [desktops](https://www.ubuntu.com/desktop), and [TVs](https://www.ubuntu.com/tv). A core part of this vision is that this is a platform and ecosystem that you can influence, improve, and be a part of, significantly more-so than our competitors.
One consistent piece of feedback we have seen from carriers and handset manufacturers is a a greater desire for platform competition and participation on helping to shape and define the ecosystem. A key goal for Ubuntu is to satisfy these needs.
Today we launched the the [Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group](https://www.ubuntu.com/phone/carrier-advisory-group) (CAG) which includes **Deutsche Telekom, Everything Everywhere, Telecom Italia, Korea Telecom, LG UPlus, Portugal Telecom**, and **SK Telecom** as founding members. Wide industry participation in the group will help us to prioritize the delivery of new Ubuntu features, and grow an ecosystem of software, services and devices that meets that need.
The CAG provides regular meetings that take place regularly and typically include a briefing by Canonical or a partner company, followed by feedback from carriers. Members can bring domain specialists to calls for each relevant topic covered. Topics planned for discussion in the CAG forum include:
* Differentiation for OEMs and operators.
* Developer ecosystems and application portability.
* HTML5 standards, performance and compatibility.
* Marketplaces for apps, content and services.
* Revenue share models for publishers, operators, and OEMs.
* Payment mechanisms and standards.
* Platform fragmentation.
* Consumer and enterprise market segments and positioning.
CAG members can also launch Ubuntu devices before non-members in local markets. The first two launch partners will be selected from within the group, with the next wave following six months later; non-members will face a substantial wait to gain access to the platform. Members will have early knowledge of silicon, as well as OEM and ODM partners involved in the Ubuntu mobile initiative.
The Carrier Advisory Group is chaired independently of Canonical by *David Wood*, who has 25 years’ experience in the mobile industry, including leadership roles at *Psion, Symbian* and *Accenture*. He has wide experience with collaborative advisory groups, and twice served on the board of directors of the *Open Mobile Alliance* (OMA).
David has this to say about the CAG:
> “The mobile industry still needs an independent platform that enables innovation and differentiation. That platform is Ubuntu. The Carrier Advisory Group will have the opportunity to influence the Ubuntu roadmap, and take full advantage of the potential this emerging platform.”
**If you are a carrier interested in helping shape Ubuntu’s mobile strategy and being part of the CAG, [click here](https://pages.canonical.com/carrier-advisory-group-contact-us.html)**.
