Infrawatch: EMEA
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone looks to Taara-equipped drones to fill in where fibre fails
Drone-based wireless optical communications tech seen as potential fix for fibre faults in areas where traditional fixed networks are susceptible to damage.
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Network & InfrastructureDT’s fibre build pace picks up after 2024 crash
Operator reports “strong” rollout result in January, comfortably beating homes passed numbers from previous years, but FTTH build still hampered by planning hurdles, inflation, and focus shift…
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PeopleEx-Vodafone CEO Nick Read joins another digital infra boardroom
Nick Read picks up another digital infra role, expanding on I Squared Capital links to chair its DC service provider nLighten. Since leaving Vodafone, Read has built up a portfolio of non-exec posts in the infra world…
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PeopleSwedish digital infra investor EQT picks new CEO
Insider Per Franzén to replace stalwart Christian Sindig at European infra investment major which has a portfolio across fibre, data centres, and towers…
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M&AKPN inaugurates new TowerCo after completing (another) ABP tie-up
Dutch operator launches Althio JV, with portfolio of 3,800 sites. Move aligns with strategic goals to increase value of passive infra while retaining majority control over critical assets…
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M&ABrookfield keeps watch on digital M&A opportunities
Data centres, fibre, and towers are among sectors Brookfield is keeping a close eye on for potential acquisitions, according to President Connor Teskey.
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M&ASaudi tower consolidation rolls on as state fund completes TAWAL buy
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF completes combination of existing tower assets with those of TAWAL, creating new player with 30,000-mast portfolio. Move marks another step towards achieving objectives of country’s Vision 2030 strategy…
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PeopleTelefónica’s network ops boss to lead Vodafone fibre JV
Spanish operators put more pieces in place for 3.6 million premises fibre venture, naming a CEO and unveiling its branding. Regulatory approval and third-party investor outreach also seen as progressing, ahead of mid-2025 target. Read more…
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Weekly BriefingsUK Infrawatch Weekly: UK satellite taking off; Equitix bailing on Gigaclear?
Latest from the digital infra scene in the UK, including the latest on public sector network investment; a rapidly developing SatComms scene; signs of Equitix edging away from Gigaclear, and plenty more…
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Weekly BriefingsEMEA Infrawatch Briefing: SatCos explore new options; subsea revamps
Spain’s Indra eyes bigger role in European satellite picture, while Eutelsat moves to bring space connectivity to Nigeria and (reportedly) Egypt. Meanwhile, fibre players have struck fresh deals in Ireland and Spain, while others consider if further buys are immediately necessary…
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M&AIndra to create integrated European satellite player with Hispasat buy
Spanish defence and IT group firms up plans for €725m purchase of Hispasat, with plans to form “most integrated” SatCo in Europe. Indra’s Executive Chairman Angel Escribano says deal is “key” to reaching target of at least €1bn total space sector revenue by 2030…
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M&ABT Ireland grabs Cordiant’s attention for infra, wholesale sell-off — report
Operator reportedly looking to firm up sale of infrastructure and wholesale business units “in the coming weeks”, advancing Kirkby’s ‘asset-light’ strategy following recent sale of Irish data centres…
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Network & InfrastructureKPN seeks to temper Dutch overbuild amidst fibre storm
CEO Joost Farwerck eager to temper overbuild in the Netherlands, as fibre rivals including DELTA Fiber and Open Dutch Fiber lock in overlapping city build programmes. Concerns accompany latest earnings showing incumbent maintaining pace to hit own rollout target…
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Strategy & ChangeHelios Towers CEO casts vision for ‘symbiotic’ telco–energy expansion in Africa
Tom Greenwood took to the Mission 300 Africa stage to promote mutual benefits of telco-energy provider partnerships, as both look to expand their respective footprints on the continent.
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Strategy & ChangeAcquisitive Polish FibreCo slows M&A, seeks funding in strategy rethink
Jacek Wiśniewski, Chief Executive at Poland’s Nexera, says business is exploring financing options to fuel push past 1.5 million premises. M&A and build-out set to slow down in 2025, as Nexera follows broader European trend of focusing on take-up…
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Network & InfrastructureT-Mobile US could add satellite broadband to fixed-line portfolio
CEO Mike Sievert indicates openness to a tie-up enabling satellite internet to be marketed alongside terrestrial broadband services, widening reach of ambitious fixed-line business. But also notes capacity contraints at Starlink…
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica–Vodafone fibre venture takes shape
Operators reported to have lined up Telefónica’s Spanish network boss to lead set-up of their pending wireline infra joint venture, and to be close to receiving bids from prospective financial partners as they look to firm up the FibreCo’s ownership structure and capital base. Read more…
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Network & InfrastructureMásOrange, Vodafone Spain seek synergies with mobile infra JV — report
Operator duo reportedly looking to form tower joint venture to capture synergies and reduce operating costs. If confirmed, move would continue rejig of Spanish telecoms market and prompt questions over tower consolidation in the country…
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M&ASpanish state’s digital musical chairs continues: Indra said to near Hispasat buy
Defence and IT conglomerate reportedly closing in on €650m acquisition of satellite operator to grow defence and space capabilities. State holding company SEPI again seen pulling strings, following Telefónica coup. National, regional and global geopolitical angles…
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PeopleViasat rejigs exec line-up after Inmarsat integration
SatCo shakes up leadership team in a bid to drive “long-term” growth, which includes President Guru Gowrappan stepping down and the creation of a new strategic initiatives role…