All Network & Infrastructure articles – Page 87
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Network & Infrastructure
High hopes: Vodafone plans African SpaceMobile debut
Territories such as Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo seen as low-hanging fruit for edgy new satellite venture. Vodafone working behind scenes to build beyond investment in SpaceMobile, and exploit platform for network gain.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Openreach: FTTP rollout quickens
Fibrus gets one over Openreach in Northern Ireland; FTTP rollout quickens pace; Openreach engineer hospitalised after attack in April 2020.
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Network & Infrastructure
T-Mobile Czech Republic secures 5G spectrum
Minister indicates government change of approach by opting for national roaming arrangements for smaller players as opposed to a major fourth entrant.
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Network & Infrastructure
Hrvatski Telekom launches DSS based commercial 5G
Hrvatski Telekom launches ENT-supported DSS network while waiting for delayed 5G spectrum auctions. Six cities included in initial launch. 5G for industry emerges as key target for CEO Nebis.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone Germany prioritises HFC over FTTP in Gigabit push
OpCo reallocates FTTP budget to finance HFC upgrades and expansion. Cable seen as giving better return on investment. VfD commits to fulfilling existing pipeline of FTTP projects. DOCSIS 4.0 in the wings.
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Network & Infrastructure
Movistar 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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Content & TV
Telefónica and Hispasat renew acquaintances (again)
Three year-deal to transmit services from AMC Networks-owned channel provider. Group extends longstanding and multi-purpose partnership with former investment.
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Innovation (R&D)
German operators jump on campus 5G bandwagon
Once-dissenting operators now planning to use licence-based campus networks for service and technology development. Steady growth in 5G local frequency allocations maintained, reaching 88 organisations in the first year. Verizon also enters scene.
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Network & Infrastructure
Chile auction: unhappy Movistar reins in spend
Five Chilean spectrum bidders announced: Movistar among MNOs looking for additional 5G bandwidth. Operating business’ antitrust complaints shushed until after the auction, with national 5G roadmap taking priority. Hispanoamérica monetisation plans, and a pivot towards less capital intensive service provision may have contributed to Movistar’s muted involvement.
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Suppliers & SCM
UK tightens screws on telcos over Huawei
Government plans to tackle lack of diversity in upcoming new 5G strategy.
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M&A
Cellnex open to Telxius grab
TowerCo CEO cheerfully talks up prospect of acquiring stake in Group’s infrastructure business. Idea of Telefónica-Cellnex tie mooted previously — and never totally quashed. Telefónica’s weakening debt profile may prompt inorganic action around infrastructure.
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M&A
Vi cashes in from Indus Towers–Infratel merger
Vodafone’s loss-making JV in India gets a much-needed cash boost from sale of Indus stake. Vi reportedly in talks with private equity investors to raise more funds.
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Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica tests TIP’s tricks in backhaul
Increasingly familiar group of vendors named in results of technical RFI for OpenSoftHaul solution, run by Telefónica and four other operators including Deutsche Telekom.
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Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica links with Allianz on FTTP infrastructure
50:50 wholesale JV targets rural and semi-rural areas with fibre rollout. Majority of $5bn investment to be raised by bank loans. “Non-consolidated structure” reduces Group exposure.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Drillisch soldiers on with roaming talks
Prospective MNO confirms it is seeking one national roaming agreement. DT’s Höttges questions whether potential rival is serious about building its own 5G network. Talks with Telefónica described as ‘constructive’.
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Strategy & Change
Jansen 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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Network & Infrastructure
Orange CEO open to pan-European TowerCo idea
Stéphane Richard sees “interesting opportunity” in possible tie-up with Deutsche Telekom or Vodafone. CEO wants to do “something smarter” with tower assets than selling masts to accumulator Cellnex.
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Network & Infrastructure
Deutsche Telekom takes rain-check on full-fibre target
Rethink on mix of German next-gen deployment will see Group need a year more than expected to get up to full roll out speed.
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Products & Services
DT’s Comfortcharge passes 100 in fast-charging station rollout
Deutsche Funkturm startup gradually moving toward 2021 footprint target. 2020 has seen operator tweak approach in e-mobility with sale of GET CHARGE offering to Switzerland’s Alpiq.
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Network & Infrastructure
T-Mobile US’ Gulf voyage hits COVID squall
Maritime 4G partnership with RigNet feels brunt of coronavirus disruption, with reduced traffic slowing investment returns.