All Political articles – Page 12
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Innovation (R&D)
DCMS launches ‘open’ R&D network to overhaul UK innovation
UK Telecoms Innovation Network aims to build transparent, open hub for public and private R&D opportunities. Seeks to fix supply chain diversity issues in UK telecoms and export technology abroad. Interoperable network tech among the priorities.
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Products & Services
M-PESA not threatened by talk of central Kenyan e-money
A central digital currency would not step on M-PESA toes, says MD Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, but cooperation key to finding efficiencies in a market dominated by Safaricom’s e-money offering. M-PESA at 15: 51 million users in seven markets; Kenyan strength; Super App prospects on the horizon, as is competition.
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M&A
Vivendi head sees Telefónica–Prisa “synergies” as acquisition rumours continue
Arnaud de Puyfontaine wants strategy alignment with “common vision”. Local reports claim Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez “does not look favourably” on potential Vivendi involvement with Telefónica. Atresmedia also in the frame as part of convoluted acquisition scene in Spain.
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Interview
GSOA: The 5G and broadband view from space
Aarti Holla-Maini, Secretary General of the Global Satellite Operators Association, shares priorities for satellite sector and the challenge of speaking as one voice for a diverse membership.
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Partnerships & Alliances
SpaceMobile steps up commercialisation plans
Confirmation of multi-launch agreement demonstrates building momentum for space-based cellular connectivity solution, despite earlier prototype delays. Satellite operators jostling for launch spots as Russian rockets are frozen out in response to Ukraine invasion. Partner and investor Vodafone set to offer seamless SpaceMobile integration, with Group CTO framing the technology ...
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People
T-Systems appoints new healthcare lead
Gottfried Ludewig, German Ministry of Health alumnus, appointed to lead T-Systems Health Industry. Tasked with driving growth in one of T-Systems’ four primary verticals.
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Innovation (R&D)
BT ‘leaning in’ on UK’s science superpower bid, says R&D chief Whitley
Exec backs government’s research ambitions, with added emphasis on private sector adoption. BT, as a top-five UK R&D player, brings real-world experience blending academia and down-streaming outcomes. Pragmatism over future engagement with Horizon, EU’s politicised R&D programme.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone halts partnership with Russia’s MTS
14-year Partner Markets agreement suspended in response to Ukraine war and Russian sanctions.
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People
Telefónica alumnus tapped for state’s expanded Indra interest
Communications director Sergio Sánchez reportedly added to board at former Telefónica investment Indra Sistemas. News follows a 10% increase in the Spanish government’s shareholding in the company and adds to apparent power struggle in the boardroom.
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Public Affairs
Vodafone sends Instant Networks to Ukraine border
Vodafone Foundation starts setting up portable base stations to support refugees in Hungary and donates humanitarian aid. OpCos offer free calls and texts to Ukraine and free roaming for customers remaining in Ukraine. Partner Markets span both sides of the conflict.
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Strategy & Change
DT prepared to scale back Russian hub amid crisis
DT has thousands of employees in Russia. CEO indicates the Group could shift staff and operations away from St. Petersburg software development function, in response to Ukrainian crisis. Tasks could be shifted to other digital hubs in India or eastern Europe. Crisis brings centre’s expansion plans to an ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Höttges gives OTE personal vote of confidence
Hails “growth prospects” of Greek operator on FTTP field visit to Athens. Says Greece is “very significant” to Deutsche Telekom.
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Public Affairs
Swiss court orders DT to seize $12.7m in assets
Ruling says funds due to Airport Authority of India. Convoluted case sees Deutsche Telekom caught in the crossfire as a result of minority stake in Devas Multimedia. Long-running legal disputes date back 17 years.
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Public Affairs
Viasat’s Inmarsat takeover hits political debris
US satellite operator’s planned acquisition of UK rival (and Deutsche Telekom partner) prompts national security concerns as critical infrastructure given state protection. New foreign takeover law affords Whitehall power to intervene, which looks increasingly likely.
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Public Affairs
EU operator heavyweights want media players to pay their way
Top brass at Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Vodafone get shirty (again) over network investment “burden”. Sign off on open letter accusing video streaming, gaming, and social media groups of ‘piggybacking’ unfairly. Urgently call on European legislators to introduce rules for a “more proportionate” way of divvying up ...
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Network & Infrastructure
DT lays siege to Vodafone Germany’s cable MOB redoubt
Vodafone just can’t catch a break, with even German stronghold tormented by reinvigorated DT in aggressive housing association fibre overbuild play. Double whammy as new laws tear open cushy supply agreements. Vodafone banks on client ennui to minimise imminent damage. DT dismissive, even derisive, of Vodafone’s defence.
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Public Affairs
Alierta era scandal still haunting Telefónica
Telefónica pays €6m into court to cover potential civil liabilities linked to trial of disgraced former advisor Rodrigo Rato. Newspaper speculation portrays Rato’s co-defendant, former Telefónica counsel Sánchez de Lerín, as “the man with the briefcase of secrets” linked to the telco. Rato litigation an ongoing hangover from earlier ...
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People
Openreach’s McTighe ‘steps away’ from Ofcom chair search
Mike McTighe, Openreach Chairman, reportedly withdraws from the search for an Ofcom chair. Now nearly two years in the making, the process is yet to find a clear frontrunner despite a number of names floated. Ex-BBC supremo Michael Grade is the latest hat in the ring.
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People
Colao in running to be Italy’s next PM
Former Vodafone CEO seen as potential replacement for Mario Draghi. Process to elect new Italian president reaches fourth round of voting.
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Network & Infrastructure
Submarine cable vulnerabilities surface
Malicious threats loom, but accidental damage more common. Russian aggression, underwater volcanoes, fishing and anchoring roil subsea cable networks. Difficult to prevent damage, resiliency is best protection.