Latest Strategy News – Page 77
-
Strategy & ChangeSpaceMobile targets satellite status quo
AST SpaceMobile’s satellite tech represents break from past, says CEO. US space venture posts first results update since going public, as high-profile, iconoclastic startup edges closer to commercial get-go. Vodafone lends helping hand in satellite-to-cell compatibility tests. FCC opens gateway to domestic market.
-
Strategy & ChangeDT’s real estate “right-sizing” takes effect
Deutsche Telekom’s property rationalisation, optimisation, and “right-sizing” project, mooted by execs at the Capital Markets Day, has started in earnest. Offices in Ansbach, Flensburg, and Regensburg among the first to change.
-
PeopleBT confirms Crozier as ‘turnaround’ chair
Former ITV CEO unanimously picked to replace Jan du Plessis, with BT highlighting his experience in changing the fortunes of struggling public and private businesses. Digital evolution and a return to growth highlighted as key priorities for Crozier-era BT.
-
Strategy & ChangeBT to export ‘made in Scotland’ 5G innovations
BT’s Simon Haston highlights importance of ensuring 5G use-cases can be “translated globally”. Focus placed firmly on commercial viability.
-
M&AHöttges “ready” for Drahi tête-à-tête after BT raid
DT confirms Altice’s secretive acquisition of a large BT holding went unflagged. Group “open” to discussions and sees prospect of “exciting” developments towards end of 2021. DT accentuates lack of pressure to sell up, should Altice target its holding.
-
M&ADT interest Community Fibre subsumes rival
FTTP altnet backed by BT shareholder absorbs assets of smaller fibre builder. Business now looking “beyond London” as it continues to accelerate growth. Community Fibre’s FTTP footprint stands at 300,000 premises. Acquisition not impacting commercial operations or leadership structure of “independent” merger partner.
-
Strategy & ChangeFrom Bonn to Bellevue: DT CEO Höttges visits TMUS HQ
In a break from virtual meetings, TMUS CEO Mike Sievert hosts Höttges. Much to discuss between parent and NatCo, but talks were said to focus on innovation and serving consumers and businesses. No signs yet of TMUS and DT collaboration on trans-Atlantic B2B. Are Sprint International assets part of ...
-
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.
-
Strategy & ChangeSafaricom looks closer to Ethiopian fintech expansion
Newly established Ethiopian OpCo reportedly given green-light to offer fintech service by market regulator. But incumbent rival already gifted year-long head start in m-money services realm.
-
M&ATelefónica (finally) exits Costa Rica
Group finalises long-awaited divestment. Final transaction price is $538m, around $40m short of previously agreed deal. Movistar marque utilised by Liberty as it pursues multi-brand strategy in Costa Rica. Former Movistar Costa Rica exec to head operations.
-
Network & InfrastructureJansen now sees BT chasing 30 million premises with full-fibre
Extra five million presented as ‘infill’ and presumably more rural. Immediate competitive riposte to news of Virgin Media O2 FTTP retrofit, which it neatly doubles. Jansen says BT not concerned, but challenger altnets should be. No rush for fibre JV partner, but Jansen reveals a UK compatriot would be ...
-
PeopleBT targets serial moderniser to back Jansen transformation
Strong media rumours emerged identifying former Royal Mail Chief Executive Adam Crozier as the likely Chairman-successor to du Plessis, reflecting continued pressure on BT to accelerate restructuring. Crozier would come with little direct digital background, but considerable experience of shaking up venerable institutions, and with recent experience linked to ...
-
Partnerships & AlliancesSky “fundamental” to BT Sport strategic partnerships
As BT’s sports broadcasting division hunts for minority investors or strategic partners, CEO Jansen puts Sky tie-up front and centre. ITV backs away from chipping in, but remains keen on partnership.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesVivendi reignites Telefónica relationship with new stake
1% shareholding set to be just the start of a closer alliance and reflects the media group’s enthusiasm for strategic telco partnerships. Partnership opportunities exist across the Telefónica footprint, but Spain appears the main area of interest for Vivendi. The move reverses earlier Vivendi exit as a Telefónica investor, ...
-
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.
-
OperationsIndus Towers said to firm up IT systems rework
TowerCo CEO flags progress in pursuit of post-merger synergies. “Indus team” completes IT systems integration, meaning management of 180,000+ site portfolio falls under one roof.
-
Strategy & ChangeVM O2 preps for wholesale with code powers application
Concerns over securing acceptable commercial terms for key sites on VM O2 network behind request for additional tenancy rights. Code-based flexibility will simplify the process of enabling wholesale access to sites, while supporting potential network expansion.
-
Financial & PerformanceTelefónica’s alarms JV accelerates sales
Partner Prosegur sees JV outpacing growth of its standalone alarms business. Security group open to alliances in areas where it is not already present.
-
Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Safaricom’s tax hike response
Safaricom responds to excise tax hike; M-PESA management rejig reaches Lesotho; change at top of Xlink.
-
PeopleTrio exit Vodafone Spain’s upper hierarchy
Second-in-charge Vicente leaves vacancy, as do leading lights in regulatory and television departments. Changes follow soon after news of CTO Ismael Asenjo’s exit, amid internal Tech rejig.