All Strategy & Change articles – Page 94
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Strategy & Change
Deutsche Telekom denies reports of China mobile scheme (again)
Story of side-deal refuses to go away, but Group maintains previous line that it has no interest in a Chinese-German mobile access trade. Speculation re-emerges as China and EU near wider accord on investment.
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Strategy & Change
BT seeks to electrify procurement with Faraday subsidiary
Managers for strategic procurement categories being recruited, including network, connectivity, and marketing. Data science remains prominent. New subsidiary’s standalone status emphasised, evidencing detachment and perhaps also ambition.
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People
Vantage Towers CEO says he’s no Vodafone lackey
Vivek Badrinath emphasises operational and strategic independence from Vodafone. CEO claims Europe is 20 years behind the USA in commercialisation of towers. Newspaper interview used to defend upcoming listing on Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
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Content & TV
Cloud-based Vodafone TV platform rolls into Germany
Platform launch is one of multiple moves in German TV revamp. Start of migration appears to be happening several months behind schedule. Rollout solidifies Group strategy for TV technology platform.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodacom Tanzania fine-tuned for Mdundo music
Co-developed “proof of concept” lays groundwork for VdT digital media set expansion. Group enabling ambitious Kenya-based startup to broaden horizons in Africa.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom SA files 4G/5G auction application
Much-delayed auction of spectrum licences still mired in controversy and legal action.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Group: R&D goes quantum
Group R&D enters quantum realm; Discovery tied on streaming; Vodafone Fiji eyeing regional expansion.
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M&A
Credit Suisse to lead Hrvatski Telekom’s Optima exit
Investment bank brought in to lead stake sale for Hrvatski Telekom and ZABA, with deadline of mid-2021 looming. Contractual obligations satisfied, but divestment not yet complete.
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Strategy & Change
BT turns to disruptive AI veteran in pursuit of Ambition 2030
Airtel CIO Harmeen Mehta bringing even greater AI advocacy and a ‘big tech’ frame of mind to BT’s new Digital division. Philip Jansen looking at bigger picture beyond fibre rollout as he sees Group’s future in delivering a UK platform for software-defined services.
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M&A
Telefónica sells infra biz to American Tower
Telxius finds a home at US infrastructure giant. Transaction expected to wipe €4.6bn off Telefónica net debt.
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Innovation (R&D)
BT explores edge to “level up” latency for UK gamers
As BT’s edge strategy evolves, gaming emerges as potential use-case. BT’s Neil McRae shares latest thinking about edge business cases. Consumer edge applications more advanced than enterprise services.
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M&A
BT Cornwall quietly put into liquidation
Business blighted by falling-out between BT and its local public sector partners to be wound up. Another marker of troubled public-private partnership approach to council contracts confined to past.
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M&A
DT said to be upping ante on Dutch sale talks
Possible sale of T-Mobile Netherlands could square with long-rumoured plan to buy KPN in order to bolster the Group’s convergence strategy.
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M&A
Telefónica seeks suitor with Chile exit in pipeline
Speculative report suggests Group is ready to relinquish interest in a key pillar of its Hispam unit as monetisation plans evolve. Liberty flagged as front runner, although may face regulatory challenges, and other runners and riders not ruled out.
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Network & Infrastructure
BT Labs leans on AI/ML for RAN revamp
Targets transformation in design and operation of 5G RAN architectures. Envisages shift from cellular-centric to user-centric networks. Aim not simply to reduce costs and handle more traffic, but to unlock new revenue streams through service differentiation.
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People
BT’s sports rights boss Haworth subbed off
Andy Haworth, BT Sport Rights & Commercial Managing Director, is set to take a position away from BT. Departure follows renewal of key rugby rights, but with critical Premier League negotiations on the horizon.
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Network & Infrastructure
Australia’s mobile network operators pitch for 5G funding
TPG, Telstra, and Optus angle for lion’s share of spoils from the government’s Australian 5G Innovation Initiative. They caution against allocating funds to niche 5G projects and players, arguing it will produce poor returns on taxpayers’ money. Trio advocates MNO-led partnerships as best-suited applicants.
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Network & Infrastructure
Safaricom puts 5G on ice
Kenyan operator plans to focus on building its 4G business for now. Safaricom’s previous reliance on Huawei comes under spotlight amid ongoing US trade talks.
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People
Vodafone UK’s Petty sets sights on Group CTO job
Exec lays out vision of 5G-based telco resurgence, but warns Vodafone could become M&A prey if data monetisation puzzle remains unsolved.