More on EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 196
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Network & Infrastructure
BT 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 & Infrastructure
Telefónica 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&A
Liberty: 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.
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M&A
Telxius completes European tower sale
Telefónica handed regulatory go-ahead for tower divestment, with German and Spanish sites handed to American Tower. Latin American portion to follow next year, pending approval. Submarine cables also up for grabs, with first bids reportedly received.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Hispanoamérica: Internet para Todos hits milestone
IpT footprint breaks two million mark; Gilpérez to front bid for Telefónica Uruguay.
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Network & Infrastructure
Internet Para Todos hits two million milestone
More than two million people now connected to ‘high-speed’ internet connectivity in Peru. 2020 target of reaching 13,000 rural communities pushed back a year. Network laying groundwork for the provision of new e-learning tech for Peruvian schoolchildren.
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People
Fairhead added to BT Chair candidate list — report
Former International Trade Minister and HSBC Chair Rona Fairhead has emerged as a contender to replace the outgoing Jan du Plessis. Shortlist-creation reportedly still in its early stages.
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Public Affairs
National court backs Telefónica over Canal+ deal
Audiencia Nacional rejects claims made by Vodafone Spain and others that 2015 DTS acquisition impedes competition. Expresses confidence in regulator CMMC to monitor pay TV market.
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Premium
Green light for Telefónica Costa Rica exit ‘take two’
Liberty Latin America purchase secures regulatory approval. Telefónica’s drawn-out Centroamérica exit takes another small step forward.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica brings insurance unit closer to home
Telefónica Seguros, the Group’s insurance subsidiary, moves from Luxembourg to Spain as its remit expands. Cybersecurity and digital insurance niche increasingly a focus.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vivo to build telemedicine presence with Teladoc
Teladoc Health partners with a second Telefónica core market to launch Vivo’s telemedicine and wellness platform. E-health proposition marks another step into a “digital ecosystem” for Vivo. Brazilian JV on the cards, if results go the right way.
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Partnerships & Alliances
O2 adopts ‘conversational’ AI-based platform
Operator purchases three-year licence, with AI tech set to support long-term aim of becoming CX “champion”.
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Network & Infrastructure
O2 deal with Vodafone to supplement spectrum gains
Ofcom closes assignment stage of UK spectrum auction with O2 trading blocks with Vodafone, while BT opts to buy preferable positions outright. O2–Vodafone trade ensures contiguous spectrum blocks in 5G-ready bands.
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Venturing & Investments
Telefónica Venturing Roundup: Wayra reaches double figures
Wayra reaches double figures; Israeli startups sought for Rosetta use-cases; and Andalusian accelerator welcomes its latest cohort.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Group: Spanish cyber defences strengthened
Telefónica bolsters Spain’s security defences; reskilling initiatives backed.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: Siemens paired for smart buildings
Siemens partnered for smart buildings; Gilat wins teleport contract; Silicom selected for SME SD-WAN drive.
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Suppliers & SCM
Nokia supplies “final piece” in Spain’s IP Fusión jigsaw
Telefónica España apparently on home straight to complete “end-to-end” IP network transformation. Latest Nokia kit deployment aimed at extending 5G, FTTH coverage to rural and remote areas.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Core markets: Zalaris banks payroll contract
Payroll contract awarded in Germany; Vivo hones in on financial services, cybersecurity takes off in Spain.
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Premium
Telefónica strengthens ties with Hispasat
Telefónica Hispanoamérica placing increasing focus on fibre and IPTV.
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Suppliers & SCM
Movistar selects Nokia for 5G in Chile
Telefónica Chile gets on with 5G rollout amid uncertainty about its future within the Group.