EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 147
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DT Q4 FY21: Strengthening TDE nails targets
Telekom Deutschland stays ‘in the zone’ with twin-track sales and profit growth during FY21. NatCo maintains commercial momentum in broadband arena. Executives downplay threat of inflation to fibre mega-project. Ongoing growth expected in FY22.
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Partnerships & Alliances
DT partner SoftBank hit by perfect storm
Investors raise concerns over ‘money-losing startups’ that litter SoftBank’s portfolio. Vision Fund II, DT’s partner in at least three investments, remains a priority.
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Network & Infrastructure
Ofcom pursues ‘strategy refresh’ on satellite spectrum
UK regulator says the growing number of LEO broadband satellites is adding pressure on the use of spectrum. Warns that complexities of managing interference between different NGSO systems could have implications for competition. Starts industry consultation to review where best to focus efforts in space sector.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone to roll out hybrid working, shrink Newbury HQ
Vodafone seeks sale and leaseback options for The Connection HQ, new Manchester and Newark hubs, and repurposed Stoke-on-Trent site all part of shift to permanent “blended working” model. New approach to work underpinned by “flexibility and trust”, instilling lessons learnt under pandemic conditions.
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Nemat confirms 2023 open RAN target
DT is now looking for vendor partners as open RAN gets ready for primetime. The Group remains convinced of the need for both mobile and fixed-access disaggregation.
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DT gears up for 5G SA and network slicing
Cross-border PoC with Ericsson puts ‘E2E’ 5G SA network slicing through its paces. TDE aims to launch 5G SA in 2022. RTL pilot looks to 5G’s future role in live broadcasting.
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Network & Infrastructure
Liberty Global’s Fries hints at UK fibre consolidation
CEO outlines plan to create a separate ‘light NatCo’ for new fibre JV. Liberty Global and Vodafone at inflection point over VodafoneZiggo. Despite fibre plans, Fries says HFC technology will be around for a long time yet.
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Products & Services
M-PESA not threatened by talk of central Kenyan e-money
A central digital currency would not step on M-PESA toes, says MD Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, but cooperation key to finding efficiencies in a market dominated by Safaricom’s e-money offering. M-PESA at 15: 51 million users in seven markets; Kenyan strength; Super App prospects on the horizon, as is competition.
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Operations
DT outlines ‘digital experts’ upskill target
2021 Annual Report sets 17% digital workforce target within three years. Places emphasis on in-house digital upskilling; recruiting outside digital talent seen as “challenging”. Overall FTE headcount drops 4% year-on-year, but Group still manages to hire more than 8,000 employees outside the USA with focus on IT and technical ...
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Products & Services
DT’s RDK router revamp gets ready to roll
Group goes “full throttle” on RDK router overhaul. Router software platform seen as foundation for complete home services. DT is “major contributor” of software to open source community.
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DT Q4 FY21: Leadership of Europe? Done that, got the T-shirt
Another strong year of growth for Group, led by USA. As Sprint integration progresses, DT targets €10bn in free cash flow for current year. Unfortunate clash with Ukraine invasion dulls shareholder reaction. Executives stress openness and flexibility when it comes to a big TowerCo deal, but want full recognition ...
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DT Q4 FY21 Headlines: cash flow back on course, before spectrum
Headlines: cash flow back on course, before spectrum Source: Aaron Burden / Unsplash The Group’s FY21 results again drove home the dramatically increased scale and power of DT’s Transatlantic platform, following the Sprint takeover. DT ended the FY strongly, recording a 4.7%-rise in net revenue, to €28.9bn, ...
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DT Q4 FY21 Spend: strategy on track
Spend: strategy on track Source: Wolfgang Rottmann / Unsplash Spending-wise, FY22 appears set for more of the same, with DT expecting to continue increasing capital expenditure (capex) during the current year, driven by mega-projects at TDE and (particularly) TMUS. It is forecasting €19.3bn in capex during the ...
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Products & Services
FamilyMode relaunch now in T-Mobile’s hands
TMUS partner Smith Micro completes its work on the new SafePath 7-based FamilyMode 3.0 product. TMUS launch on SafePath 7 provides vendor with ‘migration blueprint’ for rival operators.
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M&A
Vivendi head sees Telefónica–Prisa “synergies” as acquisition rumours continue
Arnaud de Puyfontaine wants strategy alignment with “common vision”. Local reports claim Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez “does not look favourably” on potential Vivendi involvement with Telefónica. Atresmedia also in the frame as part of convoluted acquisition scene in Spain.
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People
BT names drone chief to fuel unmanned aviation
Dave Pankhurst appointed Drones Director at BT Digital’s newly-formed Incubation unit. Drones highlighted as one of four key verticals for the startup creation and acceleration division.
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M&A
Former Telefónica business Atento seeks sale — reports
LatAm contact centre operator hires Goldman Sachs to advise on options, with sale on the table, according to Bloomberg. Telefónica partner and former subsidiary sees share price spike on news.
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Strategy & Change
Mehta puts BT Digital “on steroids” to power transformation
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer Harmeen Mehta relishes opportunity for dramatic change at BT, as she sets about untangling digital architecture. Google-powered Digital Brain to bolster AI and data platform. Digital jumps on cost savings bandwagon, with £500m contribution expected. Talent and recruitment drive incoming.
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Premium
Deutsche Telekom people moves: cloud changes at T-Systems
T-Systems’ Cloud Services department makes changes across accounts, with movements in Automotive and Public Transport verticals. Krämer replaces Fleutiaux in senior T-Sys spot. Google Cloud partnership gets new frontman in Queck. TMUS integrates rideshare acquisition Octopus Interactive. Wide-reaching leadership team rework at TMUS heightens focus on enterprise and targets ...
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Venturing & Investments
Wayra teams with Iker Casillas on sports tech investment
Telefónica hub enters collaborative venturing partnership with SportBoost targeting sporting innovation. Wayra seeks stake in sports technology future and offers financing, networking, and business development in return.