All articles by Joseph Purnell – Page 51
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica draws new logo to reflect digital vision
New marque is the first corporate identity refresh this century for the operator. Executive Chairman Álvarez-Pallete outlined symbolism behind the change at Group AGM.
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People
T-Mobile execs fill pockets after Sprint merger success
SEC filings show a bumper pay-day for new CEO Sievert and CFO Osvaldik. Predecessors Legere and Carter picked up sizable severance packages.
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Content & TV
Ex-BT chief Patterson tipped for Super League top-spot
Former BT CEO Patterson said to be among those considered for controversial European Super League stewardship. Former employer BT stands against the breakaway league proposals.
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People
Deutsche Telekom moves: Werner named Zesch’s Magenta B2B successor
New Magenta CCO confirmed as Zesch readies to take CEO role elsewhere. Simone Wamsteker takes third seat at Detecon’s top-table as HR lead. T-Mobile US Chief of Staff heads off, as does Digital Security SVP.
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Network & Infrastructure
BT completes EE Digital Platform Services migration
Multiple EE services now based in Kubernetes-powered environment. New system “more flexible and ultimately cheaper”.
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M&A
hubraum-backed Flexperto sold to RGI
The software provider, one of hubraum’s first investments, is acquired by insurance tech specialist RGI Group. Communications SaaS provider Flexperto claims to have seen significant growth during lockdowns.
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People
Álvarez-Pallete hails Spanish leadership in digital revolution
Telefónica Executive Chairman says Spain is in a “leadership position” in digitisation, but requires a new “framework” to take full advantage. Data underlined as paramount, with a ‘social contract’ needed to ensure privacy and fair valuation.
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Products & Services
Joosub hints at pan-African ambitions for Vodacom’s Super App
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says Alipay-backed “Super App” could “transform the continent”. Super App’s enterprise offering will build on current VodaTrade and VodaPay functionality, with Vodacom targeting SMEs in its expanding financial services goals.
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Innovation (R&D)
Machine safety startup nets grant to join BT-backed Belfast Smart Port
AI-powered safety startup Machine Eye wins £75,000 proof-of-concept competition from Techstart. Business wins grant for access to BT’s private 5G network at Belfast Harbour’s Smart Port development.
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Premium
Telefónica people moves: senior strategic appointments at Hispam
Ancelovici and Caballero named Directors at Telefónica Hispam to lead business intelligence and development at the regional division. Competition policy head named at Group level. A new R&D CFO in Chile.
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Venturing & Investments
hubraum begins hunt for network sustainability startups
Innovation hothouse hubraum closed applications for its Network Sustainability Award, being run in partnership with Solar Impulse Foundation. Microsoft, Orange, and SK Telecom also in support. Green network management and energy production among the focuses as Deutsche Telekom ups its climate protection endeavours.
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M&A
Bids expected for Telxius subsea cables
Telefónica debt reduction strategy set to extend to submarine infrastructure as buyers are sought for 100,000km cable network. Reports indicate that an agreement is wanted by mid-2021, with rough valuations standing around the €2bn mark.
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Premium
BT people moves: Karonis replacement named at Enterprise
Following the launch of BT Digital and BT Networks, Dave Matthews was appointed BT Enterprise CTIO to fill Karonis’ shoes. BT Non-Executive Director Cheshire takes a Chairman role at Spire Healthcare. BT Global SVP Roger Woodend departs for AWS.
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People
DT’s long-running search for new chair continues
A replacement for Deutsche Telekom’s outgoing Supervisory Board Chairman Lehner continues after tight-lipped incumbent gave nothing away at Group AGM. External candidates considered. Disappointment of scuppered Harald Krüger appointment not yet rectified.
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Public Affairs
Telefónica softens Millicom litigation demands
Millicom calls to dismiss legal case ruled out by Supreme Court. Telefónica dampens demands to instead seek damages. Litigation remains in motion.
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Public Affairs
Vivo in CADE firing line for cartel foul play
Brazilian consortium of Claro, Oi, and Vivo may face fines for alleged cartel practices relating to a 2015 broadband services tender. BT Brasil on the receiving end of supposed competition violations.
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Products & Services
Vodafone Germany builds up smart-home portfolio
German OpCo launches Building Connectivity 4.0 for central smart home management. UPLIFT startups tapped for periphery IoT products. Sustainability credentials touted again.
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Network & Infrastructure
Safaricom partners Huawei, Nokia for 5G trials
Kenyan operator becomes the first East African telco to launch commercial 5G services in a limited rollout. Huawei and Nokia named technology partners, with local communications authority giving full backing to the China vendor’s security credentials.
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Network & Infrastructure
Slovak Telekom rides Orange network for fibre growth
Operators reach agreement to share fibre network in bid to expand reach to greenfield sites. Over-the-top products to be a focus on launch in April.
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Strategy & Change
Networks joins Digital division to replace BT Technology
BT Technology was shuttered and replaced by two new divisions: BT Digital and BT Networks. Harmeen Mehta and Howard Watson at the respective helms as BT seeks transformation and modernisation. Fotis Karonis replacement named at BT Enterprise.