All articles by Neal Doran – Page 16
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Partnerships & AlliancesSpain’s big three ponder JV to leverage EU recovery funds
Spain’s major operators said to be in talks on a joint proposal for delivering universal superfast coverage, building on European Reconstruction Fund financing opportunities.
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Strategy & ChangeÁlvarez-Pallete gets political as challenges grow
Quiet support for a boardroom coup at Prisa indicates Telefónica’s political muscles as business priorities coincide with larger social challenges. Telefónica supporting government recovery goals, but lobbying for a more favourable investment environment as 5G auction looms. Group emphasising its Europe role as Latin America retreat sees grumbling.
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PeopleSerrahima on the up as Telefónica targets multi brand
As Telefónica aims to make customer experience a key differentiator in its domestic market, Pedro Serrahima, the executive behind O2’s Spanish launch takes charge of the drive. Marisa Urquía also promoted to oversee transformation projects as Executive Chairman Gayo slims down the executive committee.
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M&AWholesale power under scrutiny as CMA reviews VM-O2
Proposed JV’s ability to tilt backhaul market in its favour and limit opportunities for MVNOs will be central to competition review. The impact of the deal on the development of providers offering fixed-mobile bundles will receive particular scrutiny. CMA wields new powers post-Brexit, but this is accompanied by greater ...
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS preps Gigabit UK as MPs growl and BT looks ahead
Government finally picking up on election promises of Gigabit connectivity and consulting on how best to spend a more limited budget. Age-old questions remain over how to connect the unconnected, however.
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Network & InfrastructureBT goes international with 5G fixed wireless launch
Delivering a proof of concept to an Australian retail client has sparked the creation of a new and developing 5G solution from the operator’s Global division.
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PeopleBT’s Jansen set to add Sharp Shuter to evolving dream team
BT Enterprise successor Rob Shuter to land at the start of February. Shuter and Chief Digital & Innovation Officer Harmeen Mehta fill out Jansen’s A-Team, leading “furious” pursuit of transformation goals. New hires complement other Group rising stars, adding gusto to the Jansen manifesto.
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Products & ServicesBT to launch Eagle-i security as statement of intent
New cybersecurity platform to debut in coming months, as a flagbearer for Global’s re-energised and evolving digital portfolio. Creation of internal digital, threat, and network units within Global enabling integration of new solutions across traditional and cloud-based services. Workflow platform provider ServiceNow namechecked as a crucial partner.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS taking an ‘outside-in’ approach, but vouchers there for quick wins
Small targeted interventions and mid-size fill-ins expected to feature in first swathe of public–private contracts. Mega-deals not ruled out. Pragmatic use of Public Sector Hubs another option.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS helping England play catch up, or possibly leapfrog
Devolved nations at the back of the queue for new money. Fibre emphasised over cable.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined-up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
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Network & InfrastructureA lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
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Network & InfrastructureBT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
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Network & InfrastructureJansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital-based services.
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Strategy & ChangeBT turns to disruptive AI veteran in pursuit of Ambition 2030
Airtel CIO Harmeen Mehta bringing even greater AI advocacy and a ‘big tech’ frame of mind to BT’s new Digital division. Philip Jansen looking at bigger picture beyond fibre rollout as he sees Group’s future in delivering a UK platform for software-defined services.
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M&ATelefónica seeks suitor with Chile exit in pipeline
Speculative report suggests Group is ready to relinquish interest in a key pillar of its Hispam unit as monetisation plans evolve. Liberty flagged as front runner, although may face regulatory challenges, and other runners and riders not ruled out.
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PeopleBT’s sports rights boss Haworth subbed off
Andy Haworth, BT Sport Rights & Commercial Managing Director, is set to take a position away from BT. Departure follows renewal of key rugby rights, but with critical Premier League negotiations on the horizon.
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Consumer (B2C)Allera makes mark with BT Consumer “turnaround job”
Latest Business Briefing sees Allera stamp his style on Consumer division, striving to bring a premium sheen to a venerable brand. Multi-play out of fashion and cross-selling in as BT and EE set to play to strengths. New marketing chief Thrane buying in to Group transformation philosophy.
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M&ABT retreats in Italy as court date looms
TIM snaffles SME and public sector accounts business, but BT maintaining a presence for large enterprises as well as multinationals. Taint of accounting scandal lingers, with former Global executives set for trial in 2021.
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Network & InfrastructureOfcom hints at ten-year “fair bet” timeframe for BT
Openreach to be unconstrained on full-fibre pricing until 2031 under proposed plans from the regulator. Jansen claims he would rather have a cap on returns, and more time. Fellow infrastructure builders happy with clarity, but Openreach customer TalkTalk unhappy with impact on wholesale. Regulatory clarity may kickstart discussions on ...