Latest Virgin Media O2 Insight – Page 24
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Consumer (B2C)BT ends inflation-only price hikes to fund fibre
CPI + 3.9% set as new price rise formula across BT’s consumer products. Covering increased infrastructure investment is the party line, but move is an awkward reversal of recent commitment to inflation-only increases. Liberty Global’s CEO Fries describes the switch as a “whoops” moment for the rival to his ...
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Network & InfrastructureBT fires another warning shot over fibre roadblocks
Without the right “policy, legislative and fiscal enablers”, BT warns full-fibre nationwide coverage will not happen until 2033. Government target for universal coverage of “Gigabit-capable broadband” is 2025.
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M&AFries and Álvarez-Pallete: two minds on UK JV
While Telefónica and Liberty said to be on same page on O2–Virgin Media integration, respective chiefs hinted at varying concerns and strategic priorities linked to the progress of the JV.
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M&ANew Three boss snipes at O2–Virgin merger
Finnegan doubtful on merits of O2–Virgin Media deal, but bullish on leading further UK consolidation.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach NI pushes to keep pace in dynamic Gigabit contest
Openreach Northern Ireland accelerating full-fibre rollout as challengers expand their ambitions. Market has highest full-fibre coverage in UK, but urban–rural divide persists. Startup Fibrus takes on Openreach and Virgin Media. Long-awaited, £165m Project Stratum to be awarded soon.
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PremiumTelefónica: Elsewhere in core markets
O2 Banking charge on the horizon. OBs find silver linings in pandemic response.
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PeopleSchüler plays down top-job rivalry at Virgin–O2
Virgin Media’s Schüler keeps his cool on competing with Telefónica’s Mark Evans for CEO role.
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PremiumQ2 FY20 first take: Telefónica distracts as reality bites
Another social pact unveiled as COVID-19 and currency falls combine to wipe €1.5bn off reported revenue, and shred profitability. Cash generation a priority as strict — and seemingly permanent — spending and investment restrictions are put in place. Telefónica Infra ambition emerging as plans for new wholesale fibre networks ...
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Suppliers & SCMLords pressures BT on Huawei human rights record
Lords pushing to raise obligations of infrastructure owners to police the supply chain in a way that goes beyond current modern slavery legislation. Government recognised concerns as legitimate, but prioritising improving UK infrastructure rollout. Proposed amendments could put exclusion of Huawei from fixed infrastructure on a faster track than ...
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PremiumGovernment eyes open infrastructure as 2025 plan stalls
DCMS looking at encouraging greater sharing across utilities and telecoms infrastructure, and encouraging Openreach to make use of rivals’ assets. UK government beating drum of infrastructure investment as part of the pandemic response, but references to 2025 Gigabit network deadlines fading into background.
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Network & InfrastructureO2 gives 4G a pre-tie-up top-up
UK operating business seeks to bolster “national champion” pitch ahead of Virgin Media merger. Focus is on eliminating 4G ‘not-spots’ and boosting 4G and 5G coverage at tourist attractions.
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M&AFries on VM-O2 merger: don’t mention the tax breaks
Liberty Global anticipates substantial opportunities for savings by injecting Virgin Media tax losses into O2, but Fries wary that such behaviour may not chime with goal of creating new UK “national champion”.
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PremiumGame on as Virgin swoops for Three backhaul contract
Virgin Media is positioning itself as a BT backhaul alternative, but appeal may be curbed by O2 links.
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PremiumBT to face bona fide converged challenge from VM–O2
Liberty Global and Telefónica Group creating a UK “connectivity champion” that will leapfrog Sky to become a close second competitor to BT Group. BT confident in its lead in the convergence race, and upbeat on consolidation opportunities, but Spanish fibre know-how and comparable digital portfolio could present new threat. ...
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M&AEU court ruling could revive network consolidation
Commission found to have been wrong to block O2–Three merger, based on commitment to upholding four-player mobile markets in larger countries. While not yet final, the court’s decision may fire the starting pistol for a renewed wave of consolidation among telcos struggling to manage competition. Commissioner Vestager side-steps comment ...
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PremiumVodafone public work declines, with battles ahead
VfUK’s position as a strong challenger on the supply of communications to government is under threat from the rise of Virgin Media, with its O2 merger plans likely to intensify competition. New contracts are still flowing through, but prospect of significant contract expiration by the end of 2020 flagged. ...
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PremiumTelefónica Alumni people movements, May 2020
Former Telefónica Ireland Director Paul Farrell gets spot at Virgin Media Television.
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PremiumVirgin Media builds backhaul business before O2 tie up
Virgin Media positioning itself as a BT backhaul alternative, but appeal may be curbed by O2 links.
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M&AO2 and VM: cash in the attic and a new shop front
While building a strong UK competitor is the headline motivation behind the plan to merge O2 UK and Virgin Media, for Telefónica the deal is a shining opportunity to get its Group finances in order. Structure of the JV suggests a key opening for Telefónica to bring its strong ...
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Network & InfrastructureVirgin Media pressuring BT on mobile backhaul
Key BT wholesale rival is on the front foot as mobile operators shop around for 5G backhaul.