Latest Vodafone Insight – Page 63
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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.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone’s broadcasting gets smarter
Vodafone Germany launches upgraded transcoding platform at two of its five broadcasting centres, notching improved energy efficiency and reduced reliance on hardware.
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Suppliers & SCMBT protégé DoubleMe doubles down on 5G and MEC
3D image processing specialist highlights collaboration with BT, DT, Telefónica, Vodafone, and others to realise real-time ‘metaverse’ ambitions using 5G.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone Turkey makes next-gen network improvements
5G prep accelerated as Turkish OpCo “future-proofs” backbone network. 400Gbps-capable SuperCore solution deployed, but vendor partner(s) undisclosed. Telco continues march towards 2025 ambition.
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Partnerships & AlliancesTelecom Egypt to hold Vodafone to “strict” dividend deal
Executives of Vodafone’s Egyptian partner suggest new deal gives watertight dividend flow from their joint mobile business. Agreement creates path for Vodafone to do an internal switch of its Egyptian OpCo, following failed Saudi Telecom deal.
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Suppliers & SCMGreek TowerCo ramps up tenancies with Sigfox deal
Sigfox taps Vantage’s Greek business for infra support in “nationwide” IoT deployment programme. Ten-year strategic agreement to increase mast tenancies by more than 250 over next three financial years.
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PremiumTPG Telecom pre-assembles 5G units to speed rollout
TPG accelerates 5G drive with new processes, spectrum, and research partnerships. Aims to cover 85% of population in six cities with 5G by the end of 2021.
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PremiumVodafone IoT powers Westenergie’s renewable grid
Westenergie is a case study for digitalisation and IoT.
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Network & InfrastructurePortuguese operators remain embroiled in epic 5G auction
Portugal’s 5G auction has completed 146 days of bidding, and counting. Government said to have no plans to intervene, but drag adds to 5G deadline pressure.
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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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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.
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Products & ServicesIoT.nxt takes sports performance platform on tour
Rugby team the first to leverage IoT.nxt’s PLAYER.Connect real-time sports performance platform. Vodacom-owned IoT specialist targets fresh industry segment, drawing on breadth of Vodafone partnerships.
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PeopleNew digs for Vodacom exec duo
Vodacom DRC sources from within for new MD appointment. Al Americani to head digital services push following Soussa’s transition to Ethiopia. Vodafone veteran Hendi swaps Tanzania for Spain.
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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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PremiumVodacom optics take off with Nokia tech
South African optical network trials hailed as a success, with Nokia hardware enabling long-distance, high-capacity data transmission. Testing seen as a proof of concept for wider rollout and 5G services expansion.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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PremiumVodafone Spain snags 700MHz at reserve price
Capital outlay of €350m on 2×10MHz block of low-band spectrum. CEO, in brief statement, says concession will enable “acceleration” of 5G rollout.
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PremiumVodafone plugs into Grid to aid fibre expansion
OpCo ties with Grid Telecom in 20year mutual exchange agreement. Vodafone looks to drive infrastructure investment elsewhere, including 5G and submarine projects.