EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 200
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Suppliers & SCMBT buys into blockchain-based vendor monitoring group
Tech-led transformation of telco’s procurement operations continues via adoption of IBM-backed Trust Your Supplier system. Group joins Vodafone, DT, and Verizon in backing new scheme. Move support category-aligned setup of standalone ProcureCo in Dublin.
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Innovation (R&D)T-Mobile US on the prowl for e-health startups
US telco opens applications for Wellness Tech incubator. Net cast wide, with startups operating in both B2B and B2C spaces encouraged to apply. TMUS’ 5G innovation network expanding.
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Premium3G sunsets accelerate amid re-farming push
After Germany and the Netherlands, more Vodafone businesses are laying out plans to repurpose 3G spectrum for 4G and 5G networks.
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PremiumVodafone ties with O2 to tidy up mid-band spectrum
Ofcom closes assignment stage of UK spectrum auction with Vodafone trading blocks with O2, while BT opted to buy preferable positions outright. Vodafone–O2 swap ensures contiguous spectrum blocks in 5G-ready bands.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: Deegan questions Spain's 5G investment policy
5G- and VR-powered maintenance deal on Italy’s railways; call for network investment reform in Spain.
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Strategy & ChangeCornerstone exit could be early item on VM-O2 agenda
Indications made that prospective JV’s Cornerstone stake seen as non-strategic, and could be jettisoned in name of “national champion” Grand Plan. Sale would raise cash for higher strategic ambition of fibre expansion. Liberty “gearing up” for talks with partners to team up on Gigabit rollout. Fries showing willingness to ...
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Network & InfrastructureBT warns “Quantum Apocalypse” might happen in 2024
Optical research expert says quantum computers could crack current public-key cryptosystems within a few years. Ubiquitous fibre connectivity particularly vulnerable to attack. BT sees QKD — “fighting quantum with quantum” — as key in safeguarding national critical infrastructure.
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Products & ServicesVena: BT launches “smart” broadcast network
BT Media & Broadcast division unveils Vena as end-to-end broadcast platform. Enabling remote production at core of new service, reflecting expedited industry-wide transition during pandemic. Two “major broadcasters” already on the books. Evolution pending in existing Media & Broadcast partnerships.
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OperationsDeutsche Telekom Pan-Net adds Austrian DCs
Three new data centres added to Pan-Net’s Europe-wide footprint of 17. Project manager Lazova flags DCs ready for “application onboarding” .
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach offers a hand in all-IP migration
InfraCo launches Call Waiting List as part of analogue shutdown educational campaign. Customers encouraged to sign up for guidance and advice on digital migration, in bid to hang up analogue lines by the end of 2025.
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PremiumDeutsche Telekom people moves: Stenzel leaves DTCP
DTCP MD, Advisory Till Stenzel makes tracks, while ex-BT CTIO Karonis is added to Advisory Council. Magenta Telekom’s Schauerhuber leaves after lengthy tenure. Cesar Martinez takes the helm at T-Sys North America. New blood at T-Mobile: Youngblood named Chief Security Officer.
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PremiumDT puts Access 4.0 through its paces in Stuttgart
“Fully functioning” Access 4.0 platform up and running in city central office. Nationwide rollout not expected until next year, once OSS/BSS processes are better understood and can be automated. And Höttges posts LinkedIn blog reminding his readership that Germany is All-IP and ready to reap the benefits.
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Partnerships & AlliancesDT and SAP win technical brief for EU’s Digital Green Certificate
Technical development gets underway in race to meet June deadline. Sum of around €15m has been allocated for the technical system. Parliament proposes EU COVID-19 certificate as an alternative name.
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PremiumVodafone Germany switches on standalone 5G
“LTE training wheels” are off in Europe’s first 5G SA network. Ericsson, Nokia, OPPO, and Qualcomm share 5G limelight. VfD ushers in low latency and network slicing. Ten 5G data centres by 2023.
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Products & ServicesVodafone Italy’s GameNow goes live
Edge-based gaming platform was first announced in September 2019.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT edges towards virtual reality
Group engagement in multiple digital twin projects signals rising interest in services that exploit new AR, VR, and mixed reality technologies.
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Products & ServicesPlusnet set to join FTTP party
BT-owned service provider to roll out FTTP-based broadband offering later in 2021, with “new” wireless router on the way too.
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Consumer (B2C)Consumer moves up a gear on customer support
Bridget Lea keen to enhance engagement with customers, at home or in-store. New ‘door-to-door’ device repair service set for launch. Division attempting to ensure service resilience, with post-pandemic consumer habits under watchful eye.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT Wholesale opens Partner Plus programme
New programme launched with myriad growth opportunities attached. Much in-demand brand-association rights promised for those deemed “eligible”. Long-time partner Spitfire named as Wholesale’s first “Elite” partner.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: Better Workplace updates
4-3-3 update; Belfast office set for refurbishment; and Ofcom chair position remains open.