EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 187
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Financial & PerformanceVodafone, ABG keep funding taps closed for beleaguered Indian JV
Vi shareholders wash their hands of JV’s plight. Insist that private investment is the only way for Vi to remain going concern. Vi CEO Ravinder Takkar claims private investors are more put off by India’s floor pricing than AGR dispute.
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PremiumVodafone people moves: Pasquali steps into Italy’s Consumer leadership
With Duilio leaving for Sky Italia, Pasquali is lined up to become Director of Vodafone Italy’s Consumer Business Unit. In Albania’s Consumer division, Kir takes the helm. Safaricom makes two changes to its senior leadership team: Kamunyu and Senanu to lead Channels and Enterprise respectively.
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Financial & PerformanceBT Q1 FY21–22: another toughie, but with promise(s)
Q1 reiterated as a road to a recovery that will materialise in H2. Consumer reviving but Global eponymously damned. Microsoft deal more than slideware. Virgin Media–O2 FTTP investment could be a backhanded compliment and gift to BT.
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M&AVivo open to fibre M&A via new FiBrasil JV
CEO Christian Gebara signals interest if the price and quality is right. Brazilian fibre market becoming increasingly competitive.
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M&ACancom joins Telefónica Tech stable
Telefónica Tech picks up cloud and security specialist Cancom, as the Group’s growth-oriented technology division targets a strengthened UK presence. Move appears enabled by compete parameters in Virgin Media–Telefónica UK shareholders’ agreement.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT wants a billion pounds “minimum” from Microsoft deal
Microsoft beefs up its position within BT’s enterprise ecosystem with formation of an updated strategic partnership. BT aiming for a nine-figure revenue target from “complicated”, “big” deal. Software giant separately acquires BT spend-tracking partner Suplari.
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PeopleVodafone Carrier Services’ boss moves into key UK role
Vodafone Business lieutenant Nick Gliddon sent in to perform key UK enterprise mission. Move fills vacancy opened up by Anne Sheehan’s exit to Microsoft Ireland.
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone eyes corporates with Unisys tie-up
Group launches Digital Factory, offering digitalisation support and integration services for AR/VR, big data, blockchain, edge compute, and IoT. Move chimes with Business:2025 growth strategy.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra buys into sustainable energy startup Solum
Open Future-accelerated Solum adds Wayra cash to funding pot. Embryonic startup to initiate recruitment drive and go-to-market expansion strategy. Move builds on existing relationship with Telefónica.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica’s Rao hails bold approach to customer tech refresh
CTIO highlights ‘co-creation’ role played by partners such as Salesforce.
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M&AVivo set for a longer wait as CADE rules Oi deal is complex
Regulator to take its time to examine Oi divestment in detail. Decision confirms fears that closure will likely take place in 2022. Suggestion raised that deal could even be rejected.
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Network & InfrastructureEuropean Aviation Network charts 5G NSA flightpath
5G NR backwards compatibility with existing Evolved Packet Core main attraction over standalone variant. Allows EAN to simultaneously support existing aircraft fleets using 4G, and 5G fleets when onboard equipment becomes available.
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PeopleCTO said to exit Vodafone Spain after Tech reshuffle
CTO Ismael Asenjo set to leave, according to local reports. Changes continuing to take hold from reworking of Europe-wide Technology operating model. Move follows appointment of Networks and Digital leads at OpCo.
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PeopleAhuja resigns Vodafone directorship
Telecom veteran departs Group Board, citing commitments elsewhere. High-profile resignation comes on eve of Vodafone AGM, with Olaf Swantee set to be sworn in.
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Network & InfrastructureJoosub fears Telkom will put spanner in SA spectrum works
Vodacom CEO hopeful that operator dialogue with ICASA can solve impasse on 4G/5G spectrum. However, Joosub thinks Telkom has a propensity to “delay or play games”.
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Strategy & ChangeBT Global shuts down Kuwait HQ
Division’s rationalisation of Middle Eastern footprint continues as Group confirms closure of Kuwaiti facilities. Residual presence in country — and region — maintained via new reseller alliance with Ooredoo.
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PremiumVM O2 bites bullet and pledges fibre future
A future upgrade of VM O2 fixed infrastructure will see coaxial cable edged out and fibre deployed throughout the operator’s footprint. Switching to XGSPON instead of DOCSIS 4.0 pricy, but manageable within modest budgets and with multiple longer term benefits. Pragmatic approach to fibre is partly driven by the ...
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Innovation (R&D)BT explores metamaterials for future networks
Researchers delve into new materials for smarter, greener wireless tech. Metasurfaces applied for better signal propagation and performance. Operator planning to increase investment in materials R&D.
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Products & ServicesMovistar+ sets stage for aggregator play in Spain
New CEO Cristina Burzako restructures and refocuses strategy. Focus tightening on partnerships and customer experience, but original content and exclusive sport remain important differentiators. Amidst Movistar+ revamp, Telefónica faces big decisions and bigger bills for content rights.
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M&AVantage back in shop window as Vodafone builds revival
M&A remains a lever to help Vodafone revive growth, says CEO Read. New Chairman van Boxmeer lighting a fire under Group strategy and ambition. Another chunk of Vantage could be sold off to “like-minded” partner. Hint made of some UK deal-making in pipeline. Egyptian and Spanish assets remain in ...