The GSMA announced that the Global Mobile Awards 2012, which recognise excellence, achievement and innovation within the mobile communications industry, are now open for entry. The Global Mobile Awards will be presented at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Tuesday 28th February 2012.

"Now in the 17th year, the Global Mobile Awards continue to celebrate and showcase the creativity, diversity and talent that drive the mobile communications industry," said Michael O'Hara, chief marketing officer, GSMA. "To honour the very best achievements, we have introduced new awards to reflect developments in innovation, apps, services, devices and technology across the entire mobile ecosystem. We wish the best of luck to all those taking part."

Global Mobile Awards for 2012 will be presented in the following categories:

• Apps of the Year
• Best Mobile Handsets and Devices
• Mobile Marketing and Advertising
• Mobile Innovation
• Best Technology
• Social and Economic Development
• Best Mobile Services
• Outstanding Achievement Awards

The GSMA is introducing key enhancements to the 2012 awards and in total, 32 awards will be presented over the eight categories, with 18 new awards reflecting the broad and constantly evolving mobile ecosystem. First, the GSMA has consolidated the awards in the 'Apps of the Year' category, which is sponsored by Conduit and reflects the continued explosive demand for mobile applications. In that category, the GSMA has introduced three new awards, two of which will be based on statistical evidence of global downloads and usage, and one, the 'Most Innovative Mobile App' award, which is open for entry to all. This category will also include a 'Judges' Choice - Best Overall Mobile App' award which will be determined by an independent panel of experts.

The 2012 awards will also expand the 'Best Mobile Handsets and Devices' category with specific awards for 'Best Smartphone', 'Best Feature Phone' and a new 'Best Mobile Tablet' award. In addition, a panel of judges will search for and select the best and most promising 'Best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet' on show at the Mobile World Congress 2012 event.

The Global Mobile Awards 2012 can be entered online and nominations close on Wednesday 30th November 2011. Entries are open to companies across the entire mobile ecosystem and all products, services, initiatives and programmes entered must support, be deployed over or be accessible through mobile networks. For a full list of categories, deadlines, award criteria and online submission process please visit: www.globalmobileawards.com.

The judging process will begin in December 2011 and will feature a panel comprised of independent experts, analysts, journalists, academics and, in some cases, mobile operator representatives, with the short list of nominations for each category announced in mid-January 2012.