More Latest Insight – Page 234
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Group: Nextory acquires e-book JV; Group joins handset sustainability drive
Nextory subsumes e-book JV; Group joins handset sustainability drive; Wayra plants capital in transcription and shopper-tracking startups.
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M&AIn detail: Liberty and Telefónica’s VM-O2 pre-nup
Three-year wait expected before a potential IPO of new joint venture, while both parties expected to remain involved in the business for at least five years. Telefónica reserving its right to go it alone in UK on IoT, cloud, and cybersecurity services. Liberty to get a board presence at ...
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PeopleT-Systems CTO takes the helm on Gaia-X board
Maximilian Ahrens elected Chairman along with first board of directors. First Gaia-X services expected by end of 2021. Another sign of Deutsche Telekom’s support for the initiative.
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Enterprise (B2B)DT’s Antje Williams puts three year timeline on enterprise 5G
Enterprises initially focusing on private networks but they want to test all types of features. ‘Fear of missing out’ cited as a key driver of digitisation and 5G.
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Strategy & ChangeDT on standby for 5G European Aviation Network add-on
Group open to a 5G upgrade on flagship European Aviation Network system. Execs see user demand for faster connectivity on planes. Vendor partner SkyFive working on 5G system in China. Airwave-dependent European update could be “some time” away, however.
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M&AVodafone Turkey buys into enterprise IT specialist FGS
OpCo takes 50% share of business services provider and frames deal as reflecting Vodafone’s march into “TechCo” territory. FGS products to be launched in Vodafone markets outside Turkey.
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Suppliers & SCMNPS revival makes for happy shopping at Vodafone’s VPC
Digital transformation at Vodafone’s procurement unit said to have driven positive Net Promoter Scores for user experience. VPC says it is now faster, more efficient, and has “happy” purchase orders. Process mining and machine learning driving further efficiencies.
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M&ADeutsche Telekom smart-buildings partner snapped up
2017 “strategic” investment offloaded by Group. Netherlands’ Planon to subsume Axonize’s IoT platform into wider facilities management product and services suite.
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OperationsAST SpaceMobile sets up UK arm
High-profile US startup establishing tech team in Leicester space hub. Move eases collaboration with Vodafone ahead of joint launch in Africa.
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M&ABT quietly divests Boingo Wireless interest
Telco offloads small minority stake in Boingo. US wireless internet service provider recently subsumed by Digital Colony.
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Enterprise (B2B)Sims to head up new BT SoHo unit
Enterprise launches new iteration of Halo for Business with added support for micro-businesses. One of first major moves by Enterprise division following entrance of new CEO Rob Shuter in February.
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Venturing & InvestmentsDTCP’s monetary fuel fires up One Store expansion plan
Fund joins venture funding round in business owned by close partner SK Telecom. One Store aiming to reach lofty heights of market competitors Apple and Google.
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Network & InfrastructureDT drives mobility data space in Germany
T-Systems and DT IoT get mobility industry cloud on the road. Government-backed project unlocks data for safer, greener transportation. Data Intelligence Hub supports industry cloud initiatives. DT’s data sharing projects span automotive, logistics, and mobility sectors.
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Innovation (R&D)Vodafone picks Dresden and Málaga for R&D
Portugal may have lost out because of Group anger over the ongoing 5G auction process.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT seeks South African alternatives after partner breakup
Group abruptly severs ties with longstanding partner Sekunjalo, but is under pressure to remain compliant with the country’s black economic empowerment agenda.
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Strategy & ChangeMovistar reboots investment unit for expansion
Telefónica’s audio-visual management company Contenidos has been repurposed as Telefónica España Filiales. New unit takes on a broader remit in apparent bid to grow its portfolio, moving away from multimedia focus. Holdings mapped out, with some recent changes.
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OperationsVodafone banks on the Nile for flow of efficiencies
Group Annual Report sheds light on shared services transformation under the _VOIS division. Egypt emerges as the Group’s largest territory by headcount. CFO Della Valle points to _VOIS “role efficiencies” as it de-siloes, standardises, and harmonises operations.
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Network & InfrastructureBT puzzles over end-to-end quantum security
Optical expert optimistic about upcoming commercial availability of QKD and “global” satellite distribution of crypto keys. How to protect the terrestrial “bit in the middle” against quantum-computing hacks still uncertain. Due diligence needed on Arqit’s QuantumCloud. Lord confident UK can tap into EU funding, despite Brexit.
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica flags fixed access evolution with Open Broadband project
Operator aims to change the fixed access ‘paradigm’, with a new open ecosystem and architecture. Group “going further” on disaggregation. Brazil targeted first for deployment.
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M&ALiberty: VodafoneZiggo-Telenet merger not in pipeline
Group partner CEO rules out near-term merger. How Liberty and Vodafone’s Dutch JV will evolve remains unclear, with shareholders facing various M&A options. Liberty keen to pursue pathway that suits both parties.