All VOD articles
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Innovation (R&D)
Vodafone seeks in-house ‘unicorns’ as part of platforms push
New startup innovation division established, with Group veteran Jorge Bento appointed Director.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone Spain sets sights on retail electricity market
Vodafone Spain enters electricity services space with new Vodafone Energía subsidiary. Unit targeting territories outside its footprint. Precedent set by rivals as telcos seek market differentiation.
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People
Vodafone picks Microsoft exec to upgrade purchasing ops
Experienced US buying executive bulks up Vodafone Procurement Company’s supply chain leadership team.
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Partnerships & Alliances
SoftBank: New DT tie-up not a threat to longstanding Vodafone partnership
Japanese telco claims structural separation between strategic agreements with two European majors. Vodafone quiet on the tie-up’s future.
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Strategy & Change
Vodacom-owned XLink lays groundwork for new MD
Fleet-footed 2016 acquisition on the lookout for new leader. MD incumbent yet to reveal next step. Recent re-positioning sees provider embrace cloud and up focus on finance and retail markets.
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Public Affairs
Safaricom split proposal all but quashed
Overwhelming majority of MPs choose not to engage in debate over Kenyan operator’s future structure. Controversial proposal does little to revive ghosts of the past.
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Strategy & Change
SpaceMobile targets satellite status quo
AST SpaceMobile’s satellite tech represents break from past, says CEO. US space venture posts first results update since going public, as high-profile, iconoclastic startup edges closer to commercial get-go. Vodafone lends helping hand in satellite-to-cell compatibility tests. FCC opens gateway to domestic market.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telecom Egypt to hold Vodafone to “strict” dividend deal
Executives of Vodafone’s Egyptian partner suggest new deal gives watertight dividend flow from their joint mobile business. Agreement creates path for Vodafone to do an internal switch of its Egyptian OpCo, following failed Saudi Telecom deal.
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Strategy & Change
Safaricom looks closer to Ethiopian fintech expansion
Newly established Ethiopian OpCo reportedly given green-light to offer fintech service by market regulator. But incumbent rival already gifted year-long head start in m-money services realm.
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People
New digs for Vodacom exec duo
Vodacom DRC sources from within for new MD appointment. Al Americani to head digital services push following Soussa’s transition to Ethiopia. Vodafone veteran Hendi swaps Tanzania for Spain.
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People
Trio exit Vodafone Spain’s upper hierarchy
Second-in-charge Vicente leaves vacancy, as do leading lights in regulatory and television departments. Changes follow soon after news of CTO Ismael Asenjo’s exit, amid internal Tech rejig.
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M&A
Vodafone Italy hands highways infra to INWIT JV
OpCo’s divestment bulks-up INWIT portfolio, as TowerCo continues spending spree. INWIT to equip portion of new assets with IoT capabilities in “smart road” drive. Acquisition expected to be green-lighted before end-2021.
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People
Ahuja resigns Vodafone directorship
Telecom veteran departs Group Board, citing commitments elsewhere. High-profile resignation comes on eve of Vodafone AGM, with Olaf Swantee set to be sworn in.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom 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.
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People
Ralebitso fills Vodacom Lesotho’s MD vacancy
OpCo appoints “transformational leader” as it pushes into the realm of becoming digital services specialist.
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Suppliers & SCM
Vodafone cancels Arch Summit 2021
Cancellation blamed on coronavirus-inflicted restrictions on travel. 2022 dates to be announced in “coming weeks”.
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People
Kanaris takes helm at Vodafone Romania
Senior-level musical chairs at eastern European OpCos. Murielle Lorilloux moves to Vodafone Business. Top spot at Vodafone Albania up for grabs.
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Financial & Performance
RingCentral expects Vodafone dividends in 2022
Cloud-based comms provider does not expect strategic partnership with Vodafone Business to start bearing fruit until “beyond 2021”. RingCentral COO says tie-up “on track to launch this year in multiple countries across Europe”.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone adds smarts to real estate strategy
Technology from acquisition IoT.nxt is helping Vodafone to better optimise its office space. Rollout chimes with coronavirus challenges and Group’s cost savings goals. External customers being scoped out for system.
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Suppliers & SCM
BT buys into blockchain-based vendor monitoring group
Tech-led transformation of telco’s procurement operations continues via adoption of IBM-backed Trust Your Supplier system. Group joins Vodafone, DT, and Verizon in backing new scheme. Move support category-aligned setup of standalone ProcureCo in Dublin.