Hispanoamérica expected to be put on a par with Partners Program operators as Group prepares for sale and encourages local independence. Latin American billionaires float a majority stake acquisition of local assets, with Telefónica a minority shareholder, but individual OB sales still a prospect. Morgan Stanley working on Telefónica ...

O2 dodges bullet as Huawei capped

Industry looks set to be given three years to firewall Huawei, with potential 35% cap on High Risk Vendors. O2’s longstanding links with Ericsson and Nokia mean operating business avoids costly replacement programmes that major rivals must implement. Security officials position the decision as largely a clarification and formalisation ...

Network & Infrastructure

O2 Germany heralds start of 5G era, rules in Huawei

O2 Germany sees next decade as a growth phase following years of network build and integration. Outlines plans to start building 5G in five cities during 2020. Huawei and Nokia selected to build the 5G RAN, although the China‑based vendor remains a political hot potato in Germany.

Network & Infrastructure

Telefónica steps back from Colombia auction

Despite making a fuss to get auction terms changed, Telefónica ultimately abstained from the latest 4G spectrum sale. Speculation that the decision was influenced by Group distancing of most Latin American assets, and the potential of a sale of the Colombia business.

Strategy & Change

Alonso sets out his stall as Digital Consumer Officer

Digital Consumer services arguably a secondary consideration in a unit dominated by executives with an innovation or entrepreneurial bent. Previously-launched Digital Home solutions and added-value services may get a burst of management attention in the early days of the unit.

Innovation (R&D)
Beefing up blockchain
Telefónica accelerates its blockchain activity with launch of TrustOS platform, the Blockchain Activation Programme, and membership of the Hyperledger community.
Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica Alpha taps NHS for patient data
O2 UK catches heat for a Group‑led project, with negative press coverage underlining the PR risks associated with data‑driven projects in sensitive sectors.
Products & Services
O2 UK working on iPhone issue
Telefónica UK (O2 UK) reportedly confirmed it was in the process of resolving an “intermittent issue” affecting some of its customers using Apple’s iPhone XR handset.

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