EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 172
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PremiumSafaricom to debut 5G in 2022
Kenyan operator extending 5G trials to “additional towns”; commercial launch slated for 2022. Operator looking to further boost mobile data revenue. Rival Airtel on 5G scene too.
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PeopleBT’s new function to commercialise network assets
Recently-formed BT Networks seeks new revenue streams, with initiative led by finance and procurement veteran Paul Crouch. One of many efforts to identify commercial opportunities from existing assets and infrastructure as competition hots up.
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Network & InfrastructureVivo picks up Brazilian 5G spectrum
Brazilian operator among 15 participating in spectrum bidding. Long-awaited auction includes frequencies across a handful of 5G-friendly bands. Interest from new entrants poses competitive impact questions, with new national MNO now in the mix. Vivo opting for multi-vendor approach to its standalone core.
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PremiumTelefónica people moves: Group seeks strengthened government relations
Juan Montero takes over public policy and competition remit, with reshuffled reports in support. A direct swap on the Group’s Board sees María Rotondo Urcola fill Sabina Fluxà Thienemann’s shoes. Vivo names a successor for its vacant CIO spot. VM O2 builds out a marketing team to grow its ...
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Network & InfrastructureEE says “delays elsewhere” have impacted ESN delivery
Mobile operator “committed to ESN contractual obligations” as Home Office announces revised timetable for the UK’s LTE-based emergency services network. Unveils ESN Coverage Extender prototype from Parallel Wireless as part of ongoing preparations for nationwide shutdown of Airwave.
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OperationsRestructuring and legacy write-down hurt T-Systems UK
Deutsche Telekom’s UK enterprise IT unit records a loss on revenue slowdown. Figures also blunted by impairment of Managed Infrastructure unit.
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Network & InfrastructurePortugal 5G spectrum auction finally ends after 200 days
Vodafone Portugal is second-biggest spender after NOS. Auction ushers in Dixarobil and Nowo as new entrants.
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OperationsUnions eke out concessions on Vodafone Spain cuts
Operator firms up yet another business overhaul. Deal made to outsource remaining retail outlets rather than close them as part of job cull. Terms agreed for voluntary redundancies and retirements.
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Strategy & ChangeBT picks advisors to patch takeover vulnerabilities
Robey Warshaw testing BT defences ahead of the end of restrictions on a full takeover bid from major shareholder Altice. Jansen’s ambitious strategy coupled with share price volatility may also be contributing to need for additional City counsellors.
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M&ATelefónica’s El Salvador sale under review by regulator
$144m deal cannot go ahead without authorisation. SC has 90 business days to reach a decision.
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Financial & PerformanceHrvatski Telekom continues to eye regional M&A
Croatian operator sees an uptick in business during summer months, leading to raised forecasts. Management remains keen on building HT into a regional telco/IT business, saying dealmaking opportunities are being monitored.
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Network & InfrastructureDT said to be closing in on partner for fibre JV
Report names Brookfield, CDPQ, and IFM as among potential investment partners. In the region of €6bn could be injected into Telekom Deutschland’s FTTP funding pot.
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Products & ServicesGovernment considering BT’s emergency comms proposal
UK Home Office in discussions with BT over introduction of 888 emergency comms and tracking system. 888/Walk Me Home working titles for platform that could act as “deterrent to criminals”. £50m public funding required. Christmas 2021 launch possible.
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Public AffairsUK government defends Ethiopian mobile investment
Vodafone and CDC investment in Ethiopian mobile operator crops up in parliamentary debate on Tigray humanitarian crisis. Investment deemed to be “right” and long term. CDC emphasises role as impact investor with a lot of patience. Vodacom agrees to fund Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia.
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Network & Infrastructure“A tremendous task ahead”: DT continues post-flood rebuild
All mobile network and 93% of fixed lines now recovered. 35,000 new fibre connections to be built in worst-hit areas.
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Network & InfrastructureDeutsche Telekom’s Choi sees open RAN deployments from 2023
Group’s tech boss likens RAN disaggregation complexity to landing a space rocket booster. Delayed SD-RAN trial one of many remaining legs on “journey” towards open RAN maturity. DT acknowledges geopolitical challenges around O-RAN ecosystem. Call-to-action made on collaboration.
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Public AffairsVodafone pursues UK government over lost contract
Vodafone loses Foreign Office contract to Fujitsu, claims process breached procurement rules. Preliminary issue trial set for January 2022.
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone sees sales dip from international tie-ups
Revenue from Group’s Partner Markets federation falls back amid pandemic and footprint reduction. Vodafone’s flow of cash from Africa takes a drop following rework of M-PESA business.
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PremiumVodafone in the driving seat for 5G-powered mobility
Vodafone Germany flags a number of automotive use-cases for its 5G standalone technology in action. BMW, Porsche, and Sony on the automaker partnerships list. Second 5G test track activated.
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PremiumBT’s McRae flags benefits of Tarana’s FWA solution
McRae says customer trials have been encouraging so far. BT’s Allera and Watson tending to play down FWA’s role.