More Latest Insight – Page 245
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M&ACMA 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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Products & ServicesJoosub hints at pan-African ambitions for Vodacom’s Super App
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says Alipay-backed “Super App” could “transform the continent”. Super App’s enterprise offering will build on current VodaTrade and VodaPay functionality, with Vodacom targeting SMEs in its expanding financial services goals.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone CFO: passion for digital drives transformation
Group CFO Margherita Della Valle plays leading role in transformation. Finance team is digital early adopter, leading Group by example. CFOs wield more influence over digital strategy.
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Innovation (R&D)Machine safety startup nets grant to join BT-backed Belfast Smart Port
AI-powered safety startup Machine Eye wins £75,000 proof-of-concept competition from Techstart. Business wins grant for access to BT’s private 5G network at Belfast Harbour’s Smart Port development.
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Suppliers & SCMBT Sourced adopts Globality’s smart purchasing tech
Pourrat’s new ProcureCo leveraging AI to “transform” buying processes. Globality platform to enable simpler, speedier way of doing business. Tie-up of importance to ECG compliance strategy.
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PremiumTelefónica 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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Strategy & ChangeVodafone’s hardball negotiator displays softer side
VPC’s Wilson says hard-wired, monolithic vendor deals stifling telcos and moving towards collaborative partnerships. Spend mix change seen as in post. Accenture held up as key strategic ally and early adopter of new model. Reality-check acknowledged: old school procurement seen as problem rather solution.
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Enterprise (B2B)Telefónica Tech opens portal to quantum realm
Next-gen services arm bulks-up portfolio with EaaS add. Multi-purpose potential of quantum encryption tech highlighted. Quiet engagement with Spanish startup bears fruit in new commercial partnership.
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Venturing & Investmentshubraum begins hunt for network sustainability startups
Innovation hothouse hubraum closed applications for its Network Sustainability Award, being run in partnership with Solar Impulse Foundation. Microsoft, Orange, and SK Telecom also in support. Green network management and energy production among the focuses as Deutsche Telekom ups its climate protection endeavours.
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Network & InfrastructureSwisscom signals interest in Germany’s campus network programme
Swiss operator flags emerging demand from multinational clients for private 5G networks at facilities in Germany and elsewhere. New tie-ups may be necessary. Deutsche Telekom says the Swiss telco is welcome to contact it at any time.
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M&AVodafone interest AST SpaceMobile completes merger
LEO satellite venture combines with special purpose acquisition company to fuel expansion, with eyes on going commercial with a helping hand from Vodafone. “ASTS” trading on NASDAQ. CEO Avellan unfazed by competition from SpaceX and co.
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M&ABids expected for Telxius subsea cables
Telefónica debt reduction strategy set to extend to submarine infrastructure as buyers are sought for 100,000km cable network. Reports indicate that an agreement is wanted by mid-2021, with rough valuations standing around the €2bn mark.
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M&AVodafone’s Icelandic affiliate divests Hey
Sýn sells minority stake in Faroese sister company. Icelandic operator seeking cost efficiencies (in more ways than one). Partner Market relationship remains active in service and tech development.
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Strategy & ChangeDeutsche Telekom targets Sweden and UK in IoT sales push
Two new sales roles to support European growth ambition. DT’s B2B overhaul bears fruit as DT IoT and DTBS work together to expand IoT business. IoT Hub takes longer than expected to launch commercial offerings.
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M&ABT absorbs Local Business agent Fourfront
Reseller relationship brought in-house in small transaction. BT says no shift in strategy for SME go-to-market.
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PremiumBT people moves: Karonis replacement named at Enterprise
Following the launch of BT Digital and BT Networks, Dave Matthews was appointed BT Enterprise CTIO to fill Karonis’ shoes. BT Non-Executive Director Cheshire takes a Chairman role at Spire Healthcare. BT Global SVP Roger Woodend departs for AWS.
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PeopleSchüler 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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Network & InfrastructureT-Mobile Netherlands bulks up on fibre via new KKR venture
Dutch NatCo builds on Primevest investments as first anchor tenant of Open Dutch Fiber. New fibre venture taps former CEO and CCO of Vodafone Germany partner Deutsche Glasfaser. Move raises further questions over Group plans for its Dutch business.
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Suppliers & SCMBT Sourced embarks on buyside disruption
Low-key launch for BT’s “standalone” procurement company. Time will tell if greater reliance on digital tools will turn BT Sourced into “procurement disruptors and trailblazers”.
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OperationsBT’s revamped Newcastle office set for re-opening
Operator to inaugurate opening of “one of first” upgraded offices under Better Workplace scheme. “First phase” of site redevelopment completed, with hybrid working practices helping maintain operations in meantime. Gosforth to prioritise employee welfare as a means to boost customer service.