Core Markets
-
Network & InfraTelefónica declares fibre planning as latest Level 4 automation win
The operator cites cost reduction and efficiency gains among initial benefits of fibre planning autonomy, marking another step in its network automation journey…
-
Products & ServicesTelefónica deploys fresh AI assistants to up German security
Telefónica Deutschland launches AI-powered assistants to protect customers against online fraud, bulking up its consumer security portfolio…
-
Strategy & ChangeTelefónica aims slap bang in middle in bid for revival
FY25–FY30 Transform & Grow strategy deep dive: Group’s new leadership goes more aggressive and old school with new five-year agenda, targeting corporate centre for billions of euros of savings.
-
Analyst BriefingDeutsche Telekomwatch: German spectrum own-goal
Analyst Briefing: In past week’s developments, a forced rethink on 2019 5G rights auction adds to the complicated regulatory and macro picture backdropping Germany’s telecoms sector; DT looks to Rheinmetall as a future partner on sovereign/security tech push; Congstar fills its CEO vacancy with internal promotion; and more…
-
Public AffairsGerman regulator goes back to the drawing board after 5G defeat
The Federal Network Agency is forced to restart 5G spectrum award proceedings, although questions remains about whether the auction will need to be replayed…
-
Content & TVFootball rights: Telefónica splashes €2.6bn on La Liga renewal
Operator renews broadcasting rights for half of the La Liga football matches between 2027 and 2032, with DAZN taking the other half. Telefónica affirmed it will “take the necessary steps” to continue providing 100% of matches for its customers…
-
M&ATelefónica mulls offers for logistics unit Zeleris — report
Telco has reportedly kicked off another sale process for its distribution and logistics unit, with OnTime and Everwood Capital suggested to be frontrunners for the buy…
-
Network & InfraO2 Germany hails test results as clear proof of network advances
In connect magazine’s latest mobile network test, O2 Germany has moved into second place for the first time, albeit tied with Vodafone Germany.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesGermany: O2 refreshes Nokia RAN deal for five more years
Operator to implement new solutions and continue using equipment from Nokia in its RAN until 2030. The contract is the latest that has been firmed up by a major European operator in recent months, and comes as Germany seeks to clamp down on 5G equipment from ‘high-risk’ vendors…
-
M&ATelefónica, Vodafone Spain secure AXA backing for fibre JV
Operator duo firm up investment from AXA for their Fiberpass joint venture, with the asset manager seeing it as a “rare opportunity” to expand in a key European market. Zegona affirmed the move “completes” Vodafone Spain’s fibre transformation strategy, as wider cost-cutting programme starting to show results…
-
Content & TVTelefónica nets UEFA football rights for another four years
Spanish telco locks in broadcasting rights for major UEFA tournaments for another four years, marking its third renewal of the concessions since first picking them up…
-
M&ADigi confirms mulling part-sale of Spanish unit
Romanian group confirms recent reports that it has appointed advisors to explore an IPO of its fast-growing, disruptive Spanish unit.
-
M&ATelefónica assumes full command of FiBrasil with CDPQ buyout completion
Vivo completes acquisition of the 50% stake held by its FiBrasil joint venture partner CDPQ, aligning with Telefónica’s refreshed strategy to become more hands-on when it comes to managing network and infrastructure assets…
-
Financial & PerformanceVodafone begins German bounce back
Q2/H1 FY25–26: Group CEO Margherita Della Valle claims that Vodafone Germany is benefiting from proactive moves to recover from recent lows, with service revenue growth the first fruit of its labour. MDU impact now lapped, 1&1 migration close to completion, and work ongoing to navigate competitive pressures to raise ARPU…
-
M&AProsegur: Telefónica home security JV ‘not on table’
Operator’s partner happy to sit on fast-growing alarm joint venture, despite signals that its worth may have more than trebled since being formed six years ago. The success of rival Verisure’s recent IPO has been noted but will not prompt a similar move by Prosegur in the short term, CFO indicates.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesVirgin Media O2 ties with Starlink on direct-to-device services
Operator to launch its first direct-to-device satellite services in partnership with the US LEO constellation provider, deepening the pair’s existing relationship while seeking to keep pace with rivals already exploring the segment…
-
Products & ServicesTelefónica plugs AI into new enterprise messaging service
Telefónica’s enterprise unit launches RCS-based messaging service, giving businesses AI tools to automate and personalise communications with customers…
-
Analyst BriefingTelefónicawatch Analyst Briefing: Group eyes German reboot; VM O2 aims high on mmWave
M&A speculation continues to dominate the discourse around Telefónica, ahead of early-November’s strategy update, with the focus in recent days on Germany’s mobile market and UK’s fibre scene. Meanwhile, quantum encryption and handset financing players boost their capital resource within the partner ecosystem. Read more…
-
Strategy & ChangeTelefónica doing the maths on 1&1 tie-up: report
Report indicates the Spanish group is considering reigniting links with 1&1, Germany’s fourth telco, in a bid to revive its local fortunes. But both face a bewildering range of options (and challenges) as they seek to regain growth…
-
Analyst BriefingTelefónicawatch Analyst Briefing: Group vs Gloop as strategy unveil nears
With less than a month to go before Telefónica’s big strategy reveal, the Group continues to appear set for a battle to push through the new agenda, whether with unions and government on cost-cutting plans in Spain, or European decision-makers on consolidation. Exec Chair Marc Murtra has been in Brazil, meanwhile, to raise support for the new plan. Read more…