All articles by Richard Agnew
-
M&ATelefónica puts finishing touches on Colombian exit plan
Telefónica and Millicom reach a formal agreement on consolidation of their Colombian businesses, preparing the way for Telefónica to exit the market. Movement also being seen on parallel effort to secure antitrust approval for transaction, and proposed buyout of government minority holding in Telefónica Colombia.
-
People‘Mike wanted Srini’: DT released top exec for USA ops mission
Chief Executive Tim Höttges discusses the reasoning behind key lieutenant Srini Gopalan’s switch from Germany to the USA, and why he was willing to let him leave DT’s European base.
-
PeopleNew Telefónica boss wields axe; COO Vilá and digital chief Alonso among top exec exits
Telefónica’s tumultuous start to 2025 continues, with confirmation of the exit of influential Chief Operating Officer Ángel Vilá, digital chief Chema Alonso, and tech business boss José Cerdán. More senior staff departures have been mooted, too, as new Executive Chairman Marc Murtra goes big on leadership overhaul to deliver change agenda of Spanish operator’s reworked boardroom.
-
Network & InfrastructureOrange enlists AI for rapid response on fibre faults
MWC25: French group’s Chief Technology Officer Laurent Leboucher says AI-equipped tech is already have an impact on cost of operating wireline and wireless infra.
-
M&AT-Mobile snaps up UK marketing tech business to fuel T-Ads push
Un-Carrier announces another bolt-on tech buy for its advertising solutions business in the form of UK provider Blis, as it seeks to build a multi-billion dollar revenue side-business targeting digital marketers.
-
PeopleEx-Telefónica CFO in line for boardroom spot at rival DT
Rachel Empey, former high-profile finance and strategy boss at Telefónica Deutschland, is one of a trio of nominees to Deutsche Telekom’s Supervisory Board, in latest refresh of directors.
-
Network & InfrastructureDT to debut direct-to-device service this year
Group plans release of D2D offering in Europe after expanding satellite comms relationship with US provider Skylo Technologies.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesUK mobile operators reach accord on telco API launch
MWC 2025: Deal finally reached between Virgin Media O2, BT, Vodafone UK, and Three UK to debut telco APIs, following in wake of other European economies. Read more…
-
Network & InfrastructureBelgian fibre: Orange and Proximus confirm tie-up talks
Telco pair acknowledge ongoing discussions over a mutual fibre buildout arrangement covering less urban areas of Belgium’s Walloon Region.
-
M&AMillicom ‘nearing’ firm deal with Telefónica on Colombian buyout
Telefónica and Millicom said to be within weeks of firming up a formal agreement on consolidation of their Colombian businesses, preparing the way for Telefónica to exit the market. Movement also being seen on parallel effort to secure antitrust approval for transaction, and proposed buyout of government minority holding in Telefónica Colombia.
-
Suppliers & SCMT-Mobile seeks better ops visibility with shift to new ERP
US operator is making preparations for migration to a new ERP solution, designed to improve and speed up internal reporting.
-
Network & InfrastructureVivo eyes windfall by ditching copper assets
Brazilian telco seeks a commercial, operational, and financial win by extracting and selling its legacy copper network.
-
Network & InfrastructureDT’s wireless infra masterplan progresses in Greece
Greek incumbent OTE flags board approval for creation of new TowerCo, following review.
-
Peoplestc’s CEO joins Telefónica board as new shareholders reset pecking order
Long-anticipated boardroom rejig sees stc boss Olayan Alwetaid confirmed as telco’s representative in Spain, following recent stake increase — but Spanish government expand its influence over decision-making in parallel.
-
Network & InfrastructureGreece’s OTE deploys fixed wireless to stem rural churn to Starlink et al
Incumbent positions recently launched FWA service as a handy retention and acquisition tool to patch up its presence in areas not yet in reach of its fibre infra.
-
M&ATelecom deal gives Telefónica an Argentinean escape hatch
Telefónica announces a swift, abrupt — and seemingly final — exit from Argentina, progressing bid to scale back its regional footprint in Hispam, and reduce risk. While Telefónica Argentina sale attracts criticism from President Javier Milei, Telefónica indicates it is protected from any fallout.
-
PeopleTelefónica wants Haas to guide German business through to 2028
Fresh, three-year contract handed to Telefónica Deutschland CEO, positioning him to deliver the German OB’s current three-year strategic programme and push further development.
-
M&ALiberty seeks strategic partner to fuel B2B services expansion plan
Execs lay out strategy to build out, and eventually monetise, outsourced services businesses Liberty Blume and Liberty Tech.
-
Financial & PerformanceFixed-up VM O2 looks to bounce back in 2025
UK operator forecasts a return to growth in the current year after spending much of 2024 strengthening its foundations.
-
Suppliers & SCMFinal hearing on DT’s €80m outsourcing dispute tabled for July
ISS, DT’s facilities management supplier in Germany, updates on long-running disagreement centring on major, long-term deal gained with operator in late-2010s. Danish outsourcer caveats cash flow forecast for FY25 amid uncertainty over proceedings’ outcome. Final arbitration hearing now tabled for July.