Telefónica News – Page 55
-
Premium
O2 Germany updates on turbo-charged 5G
Doubles the number of cities with 5G to around 60 in space of six weeks. Launches standalone 5G core in Munich; nationwide deployment slated for summer 2021. 5G carrier aggregation sees lift-off in Munich.
-
Products & Services
Movistar Game shaping up to be Telefónica’s cloud gaming bet
Cloud gaming project has its roots in a 2018 Innovation Call and is said to be in the ‘prototyping phase’. Ludico is internal code name for all gaming activities at the Group.
-
M&A
Telefónica Colombia dials up DIRECTV buyout
DIRECTV internet services customer base and spectrum to be acquired under agreement, pending regulatory approval. Deal indicates “commitment” to Colombia despite rumblings of an exit, says CEO Hernández.
-
Innovation (R&D)
Wayra widens scope of blockchain tech programme
Innovation unit’s Activation Programme blockchain stream now welcoming proposals from startups in “any sector”.
-
Premium
O2 data centres cool off with fresh air
Data centre upgrade reduces carbon emissions. New fresh air cooling equipment, paired with software from EkkoSense, used to keep data centres cool. “Radical” system supports O2’s pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2025.
-
Network & Infrastructure
Frosty O2 and Drillisch finalise roaming deal
A new commercial arrangement with current MVNO landlord O2 Germany should enable the United Internet mobile player to forge ahead with plans for a 5G network. O2 aims to use the “significant proceeds” of the contract to accelerate its network expansion. Described neutrally as a reset of their relationship, ...
-
Strategy & Change
Telefónica Peru set for further workforce cuts
Hispam unit’s headcount reduction plans emerge as part of restructuring process. Layoffs to be given go ahead by MTPE, according to Peruvian news outlets. Move follows stark FY20 results.
-
Premium
Movistar Ecuador and CNT agree network-sharing deal
Shared network to expand 4G coverage for “Digital Ecuador” ambitions. Deal backs “asset-light” approach to development of Hispanoamérica operations.
-
M&A
VM-O2 sets sights on BT as merger gets final clearance
CMA’s final approval should see deal completed by 1 June. Owners trumpeting investment opportunities with fibre InfraCo potential coming to the fore.
-
M&A
Telefónica seeks buyers for logistics unit Zeleris — report
Telefónica España distribution and logistics subsidiary reportedly on the market with a €100m price tag. EY on board to push for a sale as divestment strategy continues across the Group.
-
M&A
CADE makes Vivo wait for share of Oi’s mobile assets
Industry watchdog still inspecting ins and outs of Oi divestment. Closure now expected in early-2022. Consortium partners still confident of being granted go-ahead.
-
Premium
Mystery of Telefónica’s vanishing digital revenue as Tech takes off
Hard-fought progress at the start to the year looks set to provide a base to hit guidance, with management seeming open to improving outlook as the year progresses. Group keeping its options open on monetising Hispanoamérica interests and its fibre infrastructure in Europe. Telefónica Tech is open for business ...
-
Network & Infrastructure
Cornerstone to pilot City of London 5G upgrade
“City-wide” open access network being explored. Joint venture’s 2017 contract now appears to include 5G. Deployment will depend on the outcome of trials.
-
M&A
Suitor emerges for Telefónica Uruguay
Grupo Olmos, Argentinian healthcare, insurance, and media conglomerate, formalises intention to enter negotiations for the OB. Former Telefónica Espana CEO Gipérez appointed to “lead” acquisition project.
-
Suppliers & SCM
Atento targets ‘reshaped’ Telefónica relationship
Contact centre operator Atento claims largest share of Telefónica CX spend. As Atento-Telefónica MSA expiration nears, the priority is to “earn” business from the operator going forward. Telefónica eyes CX digitalisation in ongoing operational efficiency drive.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica on the front foot with R4E ‘re-skill’ programme
Group-backed EU initiative prepping member states for greater digital adoption and changing landscape of job market. R4E aims to re-skill one million people by 2024. Operator holds re-training interests of its own.
-
Premium
Telefónica people moves: Group appoints Climate Change boss
Sustainability a priority with new Chief of Climate Change post. Changes in Germany include a CEO swap at Omnichannel unit and exit of CISO Hollander. Provisional approval for the VM-O2 merger sees a swathe of proactive appointments — but no room for a handful of O2 UK stalwarts.
-
M&A
Telefónica offloads DCs to Nabiax
Operator exchanges DCs for minority holding in Nabiax. Long-term housing services agreement established. Deal mooted to worth around €100m.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
Prosegur wants to take Telefónica JV international
Overlapping LatAm markets being eyed for expanded partnership between Telefónica and connected security partner Prosegur. Movistar Prosegur Alarmas JV said to be maintaining growth in Spain, despite lockdown.
-
Strategy & Change
Cornerstone exit could be early item on VM-O2 agenda
Indications made that prospective JV’s Cornerstone stake seen as non-strategic, and could be jettisoned in name of “national champion” Grand Plan. Sale would raise cash for higher strategic ambition of fibre expansion. Liberty “gearing up” for talks with partners to team up on Gigabit rollout. Fries showing willingness to ...