All articles by Sam Patterson – Page 4
-
PremiumDigging the UK fibre scene: competition hots up
Investment funds continue to flood fibre altnets, with emerging challengers collectively committing to passing more than 20 million homes in coming decade and many billions in investment promised.
-
Products & ServicesSafaricom, Vodacom launch m-money Super Apps
Safaricom’s m-payment and remittance service leaps into the digital services realm with an experience-focused facelift. “Super App”- tag attached to revamped M-PESA, with new functionality showing resemblances with Vodacom–Alipay’s ‘app-within-an-app’ concept. Vodacom’s Super App now onboarding partners.
-
PremiumZoom CEO shares love with BT Global
Zoom top dog hails input of BT in recent contract win. Telco sees channel partnership as something worth shouting about. Clear confidence that there exists sustainable level of business with Zoom, as remote working key part of post-COVID world.
-
Strategy & ChangeCOVID adds urgency to Telefónica’s emissions clean-up
Fleet-footed operator shows proactivity on climate change issues in the face of adversity. Market dynamics shift considerably in pandemic world, with ESG considerations now high-priority for shareholders and consumer base. Reducing supplier emissions tops agenda.
-
M&ADT-backed Innovid agrees SPAC merger
Legacy T-Venture enters “definitive agreement” to combine with special purpose acquisition vehicle. Trading name to remain “Innovid”. Advertising technology player eyeing further M&A opportunities to fuel growth.
-
Network & InfrastructureVodacom to roll out smart-site kit beyond SA
Mozambique operation set for first dibs, with other international markets to benefit during the next phase of the rollout in FY21–22. Half of Group’s SA base stations now fitted with IoT.nxt tech, with efficiency and energy saving benefits trumpeted.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesProsegur extends Telefónica tie-up into Colombia
OB distributing security services in three cities, with aim to strengthen customer retention. Telefónica supporting Prosegur’s LatAm expansion plans, with large growth opportunity anticipated. Collaboration now extends beyond Movistar Prosegur Alarmas JV in Spain.
-
Strategy & ChangeDT, Vodafone push vendors to clean up emissions
Vodafone sends letter encouraging suppliers to step up support for its net zero emissions pledge. DT inserting stricter criteria into supplier assessments. Tackling climate change bringing commercial incentives for more fleet-footed telcos. Supply chain emissions an elephant in room for telcos as they talk up energy efficiency progress.
-
PeopleRalebitso fills Vodacom Lesotho’s MD vacancy
OpCo appoints “transformational leader” as it pushes into the realm of becoming digital services specialist.
-
PremiumBT pays hefty price for full possession of OnePhone
Swedish business’s 30% holding given a near-nine-figure price tag. Purchase coincides with OnePhone champion taking helm at new Enterprise unit.
-
PremiumAGCM initiates probe into BT Italia divestment
Italy’s competition watchdog examining ins and outs of BT’s deal with TIM. Concern from competitors as TIM seeks to consolidate market position. BT to retain a presence in the country whatever the outcome.
-
PremiumBT activates standalone 5G at Adastral Park
BT’s EU-funded 5G research facility upgraded using ‘proof of concept’ hardware from Samsung Networks.
-
M&ABT’s uninvited new co-pilot: what’s Drahi’s mission?
Altice buys minority stake but claims no intention of full-fledged takeover. Seeks to support BT’s strategic fibre, for which Drahi has genuine zeal. BTwatch explores industrial logic and financial machinations behind move.
-
ProfileWhich Drahi has BT got itself entangled with?
Altice empire expands into UK. Drahi: a fibre visionary or ruthless financer? Does BT investment represent change of tack by rapacious wheeler-dealer?
-
Venturing & InvestmentsShopper tracking startup earns Wayra investment and O2 deal
Wayra UK dials up London-based startup’s already substantial financing. Investment sets the stage for a “multi-million-pound” retail partnership with the Group’s UK operator.
-
M&AVodafone Turkey buys into enterprise IT specialist FGS
OpCo takes 50% share of business services provider and frames deal as reflecting Vodafone’s march into “TechCo” territory. FGS products to be launched in Vodafone markets outside Turkey.
-
M&ABT quietly divests Boingo Wireless interest
Telco offloads small minority stake in Boingo. US wireless internet service provider recently subsumed by Digital Colony.
-
Venturing & InvestmentsDTCP’s monetary fuel fires up One Store expansion plan
Fund joins venture funding round in business owned by close partner SK Telecom. One Store aiming to reach lofty heights of market competitors Apple and Google.
-
M&ALiberty: VodafoneZiggo-Telenet merger not in pipeline
Group partner CEO rules out near-term merger. How Liberty and Vodafone’s Dutch JV will evolve remains unclear, with shareholders facing various M&A options. Liberty keen to pursue pathway that suits both parties.
-
Network & InfrastructureInternet Para Todos hits two million milestone
More than two million people now connected to ‘high-speed’ internet connectivity in Peru. 2020 target of reaching 13,000 rural communities pushed back a year. Network laying groundwork for the provision of new e-learning tech for Peruvian schoolchildren.