Vodafonewatch News – Page 63
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Innovation (R&D)DT: Open RAN not there yet, but developing fast
Deutsche Telekom’s view on open RAN state of play. Mixed bag: encouraging pace of development, but complexity reigns. Programmability capability is two to three years away. “Must have” automation needed to tackle integration challenge.
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PremiumVodafone Q1 FY21–22: ‘Phase two’ relaunched with M&A sweetener
Some hints of compromise with City overseers as Vodafone re-seeds post-pandemic, digital-led growth plan. New Chairman van Boxmeer appears to be lighting a fire under Group mindset and strategy. M&A talked up as a lever to help Vodafone in the push to revive growth. Another chunk of Vantage could ...
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PremiumVodafone Q1 FY21-22 Headlines: pandemic snags unwind, gradually
Group bounces out of pandemic slump, helped by lapping and increased business confidence. Cautious CEO warns of further “bumps in the road”. In Spain, another large-scale downsizing move made under cover of Digital Telco transformation, and as fodder for Group’s centralisation-led efficiency plans.
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PremiumVodafone Q1 FY21-22 Guidance: all quiet on capex front
Group unsurprisingly “firmly on track” to meet heavily caveated free cash flow target. Plan for spend “step-up”, highlighted in May 2021, appears yet to be firmed up after causing City consternation.
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Network & InfrastructureLiberty sees UK–Dutch tower separation “sooner than later”
CFO says group “not in love with” tower ownership and keen to unlock value. Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneZiggo assets in focus.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Partner Markets: MTS acquires Factorin
Developments from around Vodafone’s softpower network. MTS acquires control of Factorin. SoftBank continues satellite broadband endeavours. Musical chairs at Tele2.
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PeopleVodafone makes tech changes in Czech and Portugal
Czech Technology office vacated by Zíka and separated as per Europe-wide model. Vodafone Portugal sticks to traditional model with CTO swap after Nascimento exit.
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PeopleSafaricom taps Guinness exec as Ethiopian CFO
Top finance and people hires confirmed as Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia plots build out. Startup operator aiming for 1,000-strong headcount to support 2022 launch.
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PeopleVodafone’s Vicente joins Ericsson as Iberian CEO
Andrés Vicente, Vodafone Spain’s Consumer MD, appointed President and CEO for Ericsson’s Iberian footprint. Vacancy remains at Vicente’s seat on Deegan’s executive table.
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Strategy & ChangeEthiopian mobile: Tigray overshadows Safaricom-Voda market entry
Escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis spreads in northern region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed criticised for Tigray response, but undeterred on reform agenda and courting private investment. What is Safaricom-led OpCo getting into? Unrest brews challenging conditions, as US sanctions threaten OpCo funding. Vodafone keeps a low profile in Ethiopian ...
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: partnerships secured to showcase 5G
Vodafone OpCos secure partnerships to showcase 5G use-cases in Germany, Greece, and Italy.
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Suppliers & SCMVodafone Business taps Oracle for IoT billing
Existing supplier Oracle gets a bigger billing role at enterprise division. Scalable, cloud-based billing system to support Internet of Things growth.
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Strategy & ChangeVodacom-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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PremiumVodafone and Amdocs go again on CX improvement
Group-wide partner tapped to deliver CRM upgrade for Spanish OpCo. Tie-up marks an expansion of previous CX-oriented arrangement. Focus on helping facilitate Vodafone Spain’s “TechCo” transition and cost reductions.
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PeopleVodafone TV product boss heads to partner Kaltura
From customer to supplier, Miguel Rodrigues leaves Vodafone for Kaltura. Vendor on a roll after recent IPO.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Associates & JVs: Indus tidies IT up
Indus tidies IT up; India becomes potential early target for Vodafone’s sat venture with AST.
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PremiumVodafone, Nokia partner on mobile network maintenance
Cloud-based collaboration on new system to “autonomously” detect mobile network anomalies before they impact customers. Roll out of service across all European markets slated for early-2022.
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PremiumUnited Group agrees to buy Wind Hellas
Wind Hellas to be combined with broadband and pay-TV provider Nova. Deal creates emboldened converged rival for Vodafone Greece. A new owner for Vodafone’s mobile and fibre network-sharing partner. United Group’s telecoms buying spree continues across Southeast Europe.
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Network & InfrastructureVodacom starts TowerCo separation sequence
Operator looking to install managing executive, and then fuller leadership team, to drive tower separation plans outlined in May. Plan to explore stake sale reiterated. Initial focus on biggest market South Africa.
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Venturing & InvestmentsAfrican energy startup borrows $100m for scale-out plan
Safaricom partner Circle Gas secures nine-figure loan to drive expansion in African (and potentially Asian) markets. Targets include Nigeria and neighbouring markets of Kenya and Tanzania, where startup is already present. Capital needed for investment-heavy distribution platform.