Vodafonewatch News – Page 87
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Partnerships & Alliances
Can new telco group bridge COVID tracing’s digital divide?
New rapid response specifications group, E4P, aiming to facilitate interoperability across European track-and-trace apps through a focus on privacy and security, with standards ready by end-summer 2020. Conflict between centralised and decentralised approach to developing tracing apps may prove a stumbling block, however.
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M&A
MásMóvil equity deal may spark Spanish consolidation
The private equity acquisition of Spain’s number four operator may see a short-term spike in competition, but could ultimately lead to consolidation, easing pressure on Telefónica and Vodafone. Opportunities could emerge for Telxius to pick up MásMóvil masts in the aftermath.
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People
Can new Chairman bring back Vodafone’s bottle?
Coming straight from a 15-year CEO tenure, new Chairman does not look likely to be a back seat driver. Lack of a telco legacy appears significant, with Vodafone seeking to diversify products and more closely connect with individual customers. Growth-oriented M&A record suggests brief is not to dismantle Group. ...
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People
Vodafone names new Brussels chief
FTTH Council Europe DG enlisted to help Group push for better capital returns in its challenged Europe Region.
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Operations
Vodacom brings in TechM to push automation
Services and systems integrator exploring ways to take bot-based task handling to next level.
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Enterprise (B2B)
Vodacom makes move into mobile private networks
Mining an early target for integrated IoT, edge, and analytics solution.
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Innovation (R&D)
Operators prep for 5G reality with Qualcomm
Qualcomm’s OEM certification programme expected to enable establishment of a new XR device category. European operators predict performance and sports content rights can be leveraged to create popular new applications that will showcase 5G’s worth.
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Suppliers & SCM
Altran expands Vodafone 5G links
Vendor flags further 5G engagement with Vodafone, building on existing projects in Italy, Portugal, and Spain.
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Premium
Vodafone Q4 FY19–20 management update: staying the course, post-coronavirus
Read infers Group is better placed, post-Colao for economic downturn. Della Valle confirms new, AT Kearney-inspired €1bn cost-cutting plan, after trailering move in late-2019. No disruption to Read’s M&A overhaul, beyond Egypt. Targets hit but glitchy performance, both at OpCos and Vodafone Business.
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Premium
Facebook gives Jio a multi-billion pound like
Rival Jio gets fillip from hefty FDI and Facebook digital expertise. Unnamed VfI exec does not rule out similar webscale tie-up for the embattled JV. Indian JV relinquishes last urban stronghold and is set to lose second spot overall.
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Premium
VHA, Nokia take 700MHz path to 5G
JV aims to complement 3.5GHz 5G with low-band spectrum, “Optimisation” of 4G and 5G hints at AirScale DSS. Australian government and ACMA prep release of 850MHz and 900MHz frequencies for next-gen tech.
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Premium
Vodafone public work declines, with battles ahead
VfUK’s position as a strong challenger on the supply of communications to government is under threat from the rise of Virgin Media, with its O2 merger plans likely to intensify competition. New contracts are still flowing through, but prospect of significant contract expiration by the end of 2020 flagged. ...
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Premium
Vodafone could face long wait for spectrum
Rival O2 remains vexed by how Ofcom has structured mid-band licence sell-off.
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Venturing & Investments
Artiness AR surgery startup named VfIt Action for 5G winner
Milanese AR remote surgery technology provider selected for €1m funding and 5G testing. CEO Piatti says Vodafone investment will help it “tackle the Italian market”.
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Premium
Vodafone Italy brings FWA into broadband line-up
Cautious move into fixed wireless with limited, rural-focused deployment.
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Premium
Germany, Netherlands put DSS on 5G display
NatCos count on Ericsson to dynamically reallocate low-band 4G spectrum for wider 5G coverage. VfD CTO gives DSS strong vote of confidence; calls the tech a “sensation”. VfZ uses DSS as 5G first-to-market launchpad ahead of Dutch spectrum auction.
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Premium
Vodafone Czechs into SD-WAN space with VMware
Czechia deployment is first move in a national-level SD-WAN plan. OpCo’s pitch is around smoothing communications during COVID-19 pandemic. Group seeking to disrupt incumbent fixed-line operators with software-based networking services.
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Suppliers & SCM
Vodafone backs lobbyist drive for Huawei alternatives
New group effectively the political wing of operator-led efforts to develop an open RAN ecosystem, with major integrated network vendors conspicuously absent.
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Premium
Vodafone leads review of mmWave sharing solutions
Ways to solve small-cell cost conundrum still being mulled. Vodafone-authored research sees European operators pondering emulating the ‘Hong Kong approach’ to delivering small cell coverage for 5G. Secondary node RAN sharing could provide a sweet spot where low-cost build and operation still facilitates differentiation. Regulatory buy-in deemed essential for ...
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Premium
BT and Vodafone down arms, talk post-crisis teamwork
Home-working seen as creating permanent new need for stronger networks covering UK homes, and potential for collaboration to deliver it. Industry cooperation seen as having played a key role in the robust management of changing demands on national infrastructure sparked by lockdown. Huawei takes a surprising dig at UK ...