Vodafonewatch News – Page 51
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PremiumAPIs and collaboration central to metaverse entry
Vodafone’s Víctor Fernández joined on MWC panel by Meta, Microsoft, and Telefónica figures to extol metaverse virtues, with warnings of challenges ahead. Collaboration and cross-industry coordination seen as key to scale deployment. API developments at Vodafone playing a role.
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Public AffairsSafaricom stands alone against tariff changes
Kenyan communications authority set to cut mobile termination rates by 88%, with Safaricom seen as biggest loser. Rate cuts said to level playing field, and enable greater competition and lower barriers for new market entrants.
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M&AKKR reiterates Telecom Italia interest
Private equity giant said to have made fresh request to begin due diligence. Follows €10.8bn made in November 2021. TI remains hopeful of its own revival plan via Open Fiber merger.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: £1.5 in NHS contracts
BT-backed lottery bid loses out to Vodafone rival; NHS contracts earn BT £1.5m.
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M&AIndian government urged to speed up Vi equity conversion
Debt-for-equity swap yet to go through after months in limbo. Vi said to believe completion is key to securing further investments. Move would give Indian government a 35.8% stake in Vi.
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Innovation (R&D)DCMS launches ‘open’ R&D network to overhaul UK innovation
UK Telecoms Innovation Network aims to build transparent, open hub for public and private R&D opportunities. Seeks to fix supply chain diversity issues in UK telecoms and export technology abroad. Interoperable network tech among the priorities.
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Public AffairsPlease Call Me inventor resolute against Vodacom appeal
Nkosana Makate will pursue compensation “until the end of the road” after Vodacom lodged a formal appeal against High Court rulings. Vodacom offers millions to Makate, who claims billions are owed.
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Products & ServicesClaws out for M-PESA from Central Bank, Treasury
Bank Governor Njoroge tells Senate ICT Committee that a standalone m-money business will improve regulation and customer protection in Kenya. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Yatani adds that M-PESA transaction charges are too high. Njoroge and Yatani’s submissions are part of probe into alleged monopolistic practices by Safaricom. Central Bank opens ...
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Network & InfrastructureVodacom is big spender in SA spectrum auction
Long-awaited auction finally complete, but legal challenge looms. Vodacom is highest bidder, just ahead of MTN, and snags most spectrum. Government halts plan for controversial Wholesale Open Access Network.
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Suppliers & SCMDT to judge suppliers on their climate ambition
German operator looking for early win as it turns attention to vast — and growing — problem of supply chain emissions. Hardware vendors will be first to come under environmental spotlight as DT tweaks its RFP scoring system. Move comes following joint project with buying partner Orange.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone continues 5G drive with German standalone launch
Vodafone Germany first to launch SA network in country. Claims more than ten million customers can already access services from home. Partners with DAZN to test 5G mobile streaming of the German Bundesliga. Moves continue notable European 5G ramp-up for Vodafone in 2022.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone to roll out hybrid working, shrink Newbury HQ
Vodafone seeks sale and leaseback options for The Connection HQ, new Manchester and Newark hubs, and repurposed Stoke-on-Trent site all part of shift to permanent “blended working” model. New approach to work underpinned by “flexibility and trust”, instilling lessons learnt under pandemic conditions.
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Network & InfrastructureLiberty Global’s Fries hints at UK fibre consolidation
CEO outlines plan to create a separate ‘light NatCo’ for new fibre JV. Liberty Global and Vodafone at inflection point over VodafoneZiggo. Despite fibre plans, Fries says HFC technology will be around for a long time yet.
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Products & ServicesM-PESA not threatened by talk of central Kenyan e-money
A central digital currency would not step on M-PESA toes, says MD Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, but cooperation key to finding efficiencies in a market dominated by Safaricom’s e-money offering. M-PESA at 15: 51 million users in seven markets; Kenyan strength; Super App prospects on the horizon, as is competition.
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Suppliers & SCMTelcoX research finds hyperscalers ascendant but not entrenched at Vodafone
TelcoX ‘voice of the customer’ insight into how Vodafone employees perceive Techverse and Dataverse suppliers. Vodafone remains work in progress for AWS and Google. Opportunities for vendors to sharpen their differentiation. Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE retain significance despite tough externalities. Vodafone executives aligned on value of data, held ...
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Partnerships & AlliancesSpaceMobile steps up commercialisation plans
Confirmation of multi-launch agreement demonstrates building momentum for space-based cellular connectivity solution, despite earlier prototype delays. Satellite operators jostling for launch spots as Russian rockets are frozen out in response to Ukraine invasion. Partner and investor Vodafone set to offer seamless SpaceMobile integration, with Group CTO framing the technology ...
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M&AVodafone in talks with investors on 21% Indus stake
Group to participate in Vi’s planned capital raise. Vodafone agrees to sell 4.7% Indus stake to Bharti Airtel. Vi troubles have increased ‘trade receivables’ at Indus over several quarters.
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Network & InfrastructureVodacom on starting line for SA spectrum auction
Rain Networks and Telkom win spectrum in the initial ‘opt-in’ auction for tier-two operators. Telkom court case is still due to take place in April 2022. ICASA insists there is no legal impediment to the main auction on Thursday.
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M&AVodafone Spain faces new challenge as MÁSMÓVIL turns to Orange
Planned JV would become biggest mobile operator in Spain with more than 20 million subscribers. Vodafone left with fewer options in Spain as two nearest rivals join forces.
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PremiumSetback for Vodacom in Please Call Me legal battle
High Court orders operator to pay inventor 5% of Please Call Me revenue. 20-year dispute not over yet, but end is in sight.