All articles by Ken Wieland – Page 12
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OperationsVodafone Spain’s downsizing plan under union scrutiny
Operator proposes to outsource remaining retail outlets, rather than close them as part of job cull. Unions want assurances that employment is “guaranteed” and that outsourcing of workers is voluntary.
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Innovation (R&D)BT wants 6G to solve real-world problems
Senior BT execs say new technology should respond to consumer, industry needs. No appetite for a “step change” in radio; 5G backwards compatibility a must. Coverage, reliability more promising areas for 6G improvement than peak data rates.
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Network & InfrastructureBT says awareness of 2025 PSTN shutdown not high enough
Senior BT Enterprise exec highlights lack of forward all-IP planning among some critical national infrastructure organisations. Encourages all CPs to put CNI at the heart of their transformation programmes. Advocates a government-led campaign to raise PSTN shutdown awareness. Industry still grappling with how best to provide power backup and ...
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PremiumDeutsche Telekom finally exits Romania’s fixed-line market
After nearly a year-long wait, OTE signs off on deal to sell majority TRC stake to Orange. Deutsche Telekom’s interests in Romania now limited to mobile. As eyes turn to next moves in Group’s reshaping in Europe, OTE continues to indicate commitment to leftover Romanian mobile interest. Höttges says ...
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M&ALiberty CEO: call me, Nick, if you want to sell VodafoneZiggo
Mike Fries says Liberty “open-minded” on possibility of transaction with co-parent Vodafone. Management of Dutch JV conducting “strategic review” around issues including infrastructure and content ownership.
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PremiumT-Systems picks outsider to replace sales boss Fleutiaux
Urs Krämer to replace François Fleutiaux as CCO. Fleutiaux said to be leaving “at his own request”. Newcomer arrives from European management and technology consulting firm Sopra Steria. Krämer’s remit for sales growth comes as Deutsche Telekom’s chronically underperforming IT unit has seen turnover slump through pandemic.
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Innovation (R&D)BT likes NANF hollow core fibre, but work still to do
Senior BT researchers optimistic about multiple use-cases for Lumenisity’s hollow fibre, but commercial timeframes unclear. “Reams and reams of data” still need to be pored over as part of due diligence process. BT confident, however, that Lumenisity has reached the point of producing “duct-deployable” HCF cable.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone CEO disses DSS
Nick Read flags “performance degradation” when using DSS in blended environment of 4G and 5G. Not clear if all vendors equally guilty in Read’s eyes. Ericsson’s proprietary Ericsson Spectrum Sharing solution used in key Vodafone markets, including Germany and UK. Vendor emphatically denies there is any meaningful performance dip ...
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Innovation (R&D)BT quantum-secures hollow core fibre in trial
QKD hook-up with Lumenisity HCF pitched as world first. Lord says trial “accelerates the UK’s lead in quantum technologies”. Widespread HCF deployment still some way off, however.
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PremiumBT includes rugby in Vena line-up
Tressler enthusiastic about Vena commercial model for sports. Media and Broadcast launches Vena ‘quick start’ programme to learn more about sports’ requirements.
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M&ADeutsche Telekom sees Dutch exit door loosen — report
India’s Reliance Industries reportedly set to make €4.8bn non-binding offer for T-Mobile Netherlands. Several top foreign banks apparently formed syndicate to fund the takeover. Akash Ambani said to be personally managing the T-Mobile transaction.
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Partnerships & AlliancesAldi enters smart home space with DT tie-up
Entry-level SmartHome Magenta package to be made available on online shelves. Tie-up with Germany’s discount supermarket chain will no doubt be watched closely by smart-home rivals.
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CorporateDT sees shareholder dissent over exec pay: report
Georgeson flags DT among big European companies facing increased dissent from institutional investors over exec remuneration. BlackRock unhappy about growing trend among firms to contrive large bonuses from changing previously agreed performance metrics. Unclear if DT falls into this category.
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Partnerships & AlliancesArqit CEO lets slip mixed feelings about BT links
Startup boss concedes that its partner is also a QKD competitor, which “changes the addressable market somewhat”. He also tellingly describes BT as “very cautious” at a time when terrestrial QuantumCloud on cusp of commercial rollout.
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PremiumTelefónica Tech likes to be in Cloud Garden with IBM
Duo launches hybrid cloud enterprise solutions based on AI and blockchain. Aim to make omni-channel customer support services more efficient and improve supply chain management. New set of services leverages recently upgraded Cloud Garden, a joint Telefónica–IBM initiative.
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PremiumTelefónica adds 700MHz to 5G spectrum arsenal
€310m capital outlay on 2×10MHz block of low-band spectrum. Operator confirms longstanding network partners Ericsson and Nokia as 5G SA radio suppliers. CTIO claims provider has the “best technology partners” that can help develop 5G “at the highest level of quality”. 5G TV pilots with regional broadcasters in Castilla-La ...
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Suppliers & SCMMovistar preps 5G backhaul with SIAE Microelettronica
Italian supplier scores another microwave deal in Latin America. Another building block for coming 5G launch.
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Financial & PerformanceVi AGR appeal torpedoed; Birla seeks to jump ship
Vi challenges Supreme Court decision to stick with DoT’s AGR liability calculation. Vodafone’s junior partner Kumar Mangalam Birla resigns as Vi Chairman shortly after India’s top court sides with DoT. Vi CEO Takkar claims private investors are more put off by India’s floor pricing than AGR dispute.
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Suppliers & SCMVPC’s Wilson praises Lenovo for help in pandemic crisis
Ninian Wilson impressed by Lenovo’s ability to meet “huge demand” for laptops when Vodafone call-centre operatives needed to work from home during lockdown. Extends existing Lenovo contract as reward: “when people help you in a crisis you don’t forget”.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica Tech extends cloud reach in Brazil
TC&CT division snags 49.99% stake in Vivo’s CloudCo Brasil. Deal builds on TC&CT’s earlier purchase of CyberCo Brasil. Working in parallel with local operating businesses becoming a Telefónica Tech trend.