Latest Virgin Media O2 Insight – Page 23
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Partnerships & Alliances
BT heads to the quantum cloud with Arqit
Group backs QuantumCloud developed by UK startup, which purports to provide QKD security protection to end-point devices over the cloud. BT named exclusive reseller of Arqit’s products in the UK.
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Premium
Vantage may be set for new Cornerstone allies
Indications that O2 UK’s Cornerstone stake seen as non-strategic by prospective new co-parent Liberty Global, and could be jettisoned in name of post-merger “national champion” plan. Sale would raise cash for higher strategic ambition of fibre expansion. Liberty’s Fries shows willingness to get hands-on in refashioning VM–O2 post-merger. The ...
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Strategy & Change
Cornerstone 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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People
Telefónica, Liberty lay out leadership for merged VM-O2
Telefónica and Virgin Media execs share the spoils 50:50 at the new venture, which is still pending regulatory approval. Jo Bertram and Gareth Turpin among the O2 names to get a seat, with Telefónica Argentina’s de Meo brought in as CIO. No room for O2’s HR guru Catherine Leaver, ...
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Group: O2-VM gets provisional nod
BT remains neutral as CMA clears Virgin Media–O2 deal.
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Interview
Vishal Dixit: MVNOs are vital to Vodafone UK growth
Conversations with potential UK MVNO partners are “in the double digits”. Asda Mobile and Virgin Media deals exemplify OpCo’s new approach to MVNO partnerships. OpCo moving away from a ‘computer says no’ approach to MVNOs.
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M&A
CMA doubts bundle demand as it greenlights VM-O2
Provisional clearance of merger based on limited ability of the partners to manipulate wholesale pricing and services in their favour. Creation of a new fixed-mobile giant not expected to unleash a sudden surge towards single-contract multi-play bundles in the UK market.
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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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People
Schüler coronated as VM-O2 CEO
Lutz Schüler, dynamic Virgin Media chief, with a track record at O2 Germany, is to lead the new VM-O2 joint venture, subject to competition clearance. O2 CFO and experienced merger overseer Patricia Cobian to take on the JV finance role. No room for O2 CEO Mark Evans.
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People
O2 looks to Mexico for access network leadership
Telefónica Mexico CTIO has replaced O2’s exiting Brendan O’Reilly on CTIL board and is taking a broader network leadership role in the UK. Successfully piloting Movistar Mexico’s customer migration to the AT&T access network means incoming Calvo may be able to offer valuable support as Virgin Media/O2 tie-up draws ...
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Premium
Virgin Media’s foray into 5G signals end of BT era
All Virgin Media subscribers expected to leave BT network by early-2022. BT highlights “healthy pipeline” of new MVNO business opportunities.
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Network & Infrastructure
Virgin Media’s foray into 5G signals start of Vodafone era
Vodafone signs up MVNE Digitalk to support MVNO growth strategy.
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Network & Infrastructure
Virgin Media preps Lightning for post-JV world
Liberty Global confident of JV clearance, and anticipates Telefónica talks on ambitious and aggressive fixed-line rollout. Liberty’s Sky relationship appears key, with prospects for collaboration heightened by a friendly face at the helm. Meanwhile, Virgin Media appears to be finally embracing PIA from Openreach for cheaper fibre rollout.
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M&A
Wholesale power under scrutiny as CMA reviews VM-O2
Proposed JV’s ability to tilt backhaul market in its favour and limit opportunities for MVNOs will be central to competition review. The impact of the deal on the development of providers offering fixed-mobile bundles will receive particular scrutiny. CMA wields new powers post-Brexit, but this is accompanied by greater ...
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People
CTO O’Reilly exits O2
Brendan O’Reilly appointed Global CTO at infrastructure provider BAI Communications, leaving a gap at the top of O2 UK ahead of its impending Virgin Media merger. BAI hoping to tap O’Reilly’s 5G and network sharing expertise.
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Public Affairs
eir’s fury over BT’s NI PSSN contract award reignited
BT hit with substantial fine for misinformation that may have affected the outcome of a £40m government contract. Irish operator “considering our options” on prized PSSN contract, although Ofcom found no deliberate breaches.
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Network & Infrastructure
Ofcom hints at ten-year “fair bet” timeframe for BT
Openreach to be unconstrained on full-fibre pricing until 2031 under proposed plans from the regulator. Jansen claims he would rather have a cap on returns, and more time. Fellow infrastructure builders happy with clarity, but Openreach customer TalkTalk unhappy with impact on wholesale. Regulatory clarity may kickstart discussions on ...
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M&A
Vestager: Brexit complicates O2-VM competitions ruling
European Competition Commissioner signals openness to allowing CMA to oversee the review of O2’s proposed merger with Virgin Media History, and the appeal of the EC being able to reassert its views on market consolidation, may still point to Europe asserting its prerogative however. O2 and Virgin Media see ...
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica’s core markets: Nokia and Juniper pick up gigs
Vivo into loans; Juniper picked for 5G backhaul security; Nokia wins UK SDM.