All articles by Neal Doran – Page 17
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Network & InfrastructureUK gets on with life after Huawei
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 ...
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Network & InfrastructureGovernment backpedals on fibre: industry on its own
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.
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Network & InfrastructureMovistar launches Peru InfraCo post political storm
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.
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PremiumSpending: cost controls “here to stay”
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.
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PremiumOutlook: Cash is king
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.
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Financial & PerformanceTelefónica Group Q3 FY20
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 ...
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Strategy & ChangeJansen floats potential for Openreach stake sale
“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.
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Suppliers & SCMBT procurement relocating to Dublin
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.
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Strategy & ChangeCWU plots against BT transformation plans
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.
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PremiumBT Group Q2 FY20–21
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 ...
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Financial & PerformanceOpenreach fibre thrives but volume deal prospects fade
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.
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PremiumBT spend: opex coming down, capex still building to peak
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.
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PremiumBT guidance: EBITDA recovery on horizon, sales rise fainter
Two more years of revenue decline ahead, but EBITDA improving and underpinning investment plans.
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PremiumMargins slip as BT Consumer pursues quality
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 ...
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Network & InfrastructureLowth downplays tower monetisation benefits
BT is continuing to buck the trend of creating TowerCos as it continues to value control over infrastructure assets.
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Financial & PerformanceBT cash to take a hit on Brexit and Huexit stockpiling
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.
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InterviewGawendo strategy to “move the needle” at Telefónica
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.
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M&AVestager: Brexit complicates O2-VM competitions ruling
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 ...
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Vendor VoiceF5: telcos need allies for digital leap forward
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, ...