All articles by Neal Doran – Page 17

  • btw318-tt-huawei
    Network & Infrastructure

    UK gets on with life after Huawei

    2020-12-01T15:45:00Z

    New 5G Diversification Strategy and Telecommunications (Security) Bill expected to introduce tough new network security expectations on operators, while attempting to reduce the risks associated with over-reliance on Ericsson and Nokia. Government backing open standards, and particularly open RAN, to create a diverse supply chain, but relative lack of ...

  • btw318-17-gov-packpedal-fibre
    Network & Infrastructure

    Government backpedals on fibre: industry on its own

    2020-12-01T10:43:00Z

    Improbable goal of universal gigabit coverage abandoned by UK government. £5bn investment plans massively watered down in latest Spending Review. BT critical of retreat. Regulatory environment and sketchy plans for gigabit BDUK could play into Openreach hands.

  • tfw150-tt-pangeaco-fibre-launch
    Network & Infrastructure

    Movistar launches Peru InfraCo post political storm

    2020-11-26T11:00:00Z

    Telefónica in Peru is establishing a new entity to support fixed-line rollout in remote areas, and is seeking partners. Prior to announcement of new intentions, the award of a new licence to the operator by a government in turmoil sparked suspicions of impropriety.

  • Spending: cost controls “here to stay”
    Premium

    Spending: cost controls “here to stay”

    2020-11-20T11:25:00Z

    Current crisis said to have engendered long-term change for the Group, with claims that costs are being permanently cut, and not just deferred. Further confirmation provided that the peak of capex is behind the Group.

  • Outlook: Cash is king
    Premium

    Outlook: Cash is king

    2020-11-20T11:25:00Z

    Telefónica appears just about on track to meet guidance on operating cash flow during this uncertain year. The weak share price is adding to worries on debt, but generating more free cash flow is the Group’s preferred response to pressure. Management tight-lipped on future dividend payments.

  • UK’s CMA snags VM‑O2 decision
    M&A

    UK’s CMA snags VM-O2 decision

    2020-11-20T11:25:00Z

     

  • Q3 FY20: Under pressure Telefónica flaunts assets
    Financial & Performance

    Telefónica Group Q3 FY20

    2020-11-20T11:24:00Z

    Worries persist about Group debt, a tanking share price, and continued exposure to troubled LatAm markets, but Telefónica insists that €100bn of assets on the balance sheet that could be monetised should calm nerves. “Double dip” challenge of pandemic and FX fluctuations acknowledged by management, but Group positioned as ...

  • btw318-tt-jansen-openreach-stake
    Strategy & Change

    Jansen floats potential for Openreach stake sale

    2020-11-19T16:56:00Z

    “Open-minded” Jansen may see an Openreach stake sale as a way to relieve pressure on investor demands for a quicker transformation. While CEO’s tone more positive on an asset sale, the challenges of extricating elements of the Group for a sell-off may limit options.

  • btw317-tt-dublin-bridge
    Suppliers & SCM

    BT procurement relocating to Dublin

    2020-11-12T19:20:00Z

    Group CPO Pourrat energising procurement transformation with a new standalone business. Move to Dublin officially linked to city’s Big Tech hub, but Brexit bridge may also prove useful. White-collar union Prospect “dismayed” by the plans.

  • btw317-tt-bt-transformation-cwu-challenge
    Strategy & Change

    CWU plots against BT transformation plans

    2020-11-06T16:13:00Z

    Union’s Bonfire Night declaration promises fireworks as BT attempts to simplify processes linked to redundancies. BT management under opposing pressure from investors to move more quickly to reduce headcount.

  • Q2 FY20–21: Jansen requests patience for transformation
    Premium

    BT Group Q2 FY20–21

    2020-11-01T09:19:00Z

    Revenue and profit keep falling in pandemic. COVID-19 creates noise and uncertainty, but BT is pushing its transformation story, asking for patience as stakeholders get twitchy. Openreach a lone bright spot, although Global may be benefitting from long-term recovery strategy. An improved earnings forecast at BT is not expected ...

  • btw317-26-fibre-thrives
    Financial & Performance

    Openreach fibre thrives but volume deal prospects fade

    2020-11-01T09:18:00Z

    A strong quarter and half-year for the access services business demonstrates building momentum for fibre services in the face of the pandemic. Anticipated long-term volume deals may not materialise, but associated competitive pressure may help BT arguments on the need for a ‘fair bet’ from Ofcom.

  • Spend: opex coming down, capex still building to peak
    Premium

    BT spend: opex coming down, capex still building to peak

    2020-11-01T09:18:00Z

    Simplified systems are bringing efficiency but lower trading giving an unwanted helping hand. Capex rising, but a sharp decline is anticipated with copper switch-off.

  • btw317-3-ebitda-recovery
    Premium

    BT guidance: EBITDA recovery on horizon, sales rise fainter

    2020-11-01T09:18:00Z

    Two more years of revenue decline ahead, but EBITDA improving and underpinning investment plans.

  • btw317-16-margins-consumer
    Premium

    Margins slip as BT Consumer pursues quality

    2020-11-01T09:18:00Z

    Another tough COVID-19-impacted quarter but management playing the long game, with a focus on premium services. Network investment continuing as division seeks an uplift from next-generation platforms. BT reputation improving, but weaknesses remain outside core products, necessitating dual-brand approach. Commercial partnerships remain a key strategic element, but hit to ...

  • btw317-tt-mbnl-lowth-tower-monetisation
    Network & Infrastructure

    Lowth downplays tower monetisation benefits

    2020-10-30T15:21:00Z

    BT is continuing to buck the trend of creating TowerCos as it continues to value control over infrastructure assets.

  • BT Group CEO, Philip Jansen
    Financial & Performance

    BT cash to take a hit on Brexit and Huexit stockpiling

    2020-10-30T06:44:00Z

    An improved earnings forecast at BT is not expected to generate more cash as the operator buys up Huawei gear ahead of the 5G ban. Ericsson highlights its own efforts to ensure it can meet BT’s needs in uncertain times ahead.

  • Gawendo strategy to “move the needle” at Telefónica
    Interview

    Gawendo strategy to “move the needle” at Telefónica

    2020-10-29T14:15:00Z

    Telefónica honing a venture strategy that aligns with current Group priorities and brings in new technology partners without dulling their edge. Gawendo paints picture of the telco ventures sector as collegial and collaborative as co-opetition reigns. Chema Alonso’s influence seen nudging Telefónica investment portfolio towards consumer propositions.

  • tfw149-tt-vestager-brexit-o2-vm
    M&A

    Vestager: Brexit complicates O2-VM competitions ruling

    2020-10-28T16:25:00Z

    European Competition Commissioner signals openness to allowing CMA to oversee the review of O2’s proposed merger with Virgin Media History, and the appeal of the EC being able to reassert its views on market consolidation, may still point to Europe asserting its prerogative however. O2 and Virgin Media see ...

  • F5-MarketMettle-quote
    Vendor Voice

    F5: telcos need allies for digital leap forward

    2020-10-16T15:47:00Z

    In an interview with BTwatch, key figures from F5’s European operations discuss the application security service provider’s relationship with BT Group in the wake of securing a place on the telco’s streamlined list of 15 certified security partners. Richard Holben, the vendor’s BT Global Account Manager, and Ian Harris, ...