BT Technology – Page 17
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Strategy & ChangeMehta puts BT Digital “on steroids” to power transformation
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer Harmeen Mehta relishes opportunity for dramatic change at BT, as she sets about untangling digital architecture. Google-powered Digital Brain to bolster AI and data platform. Digital jumps on cost savings bandwagon, with £500m contribution expected. Talent and recruitment drive incoming.
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Innovation (R&D)BT ‘leaning in’ on UK’s science superpower bid, says R&D chief Whitley
Exec backs government’s research ambitions, with added emphasis on private sector adoption. BT, as a top-five UK R&D player, brings real-world experience blending academia and down-streaming outcomes. Pragmatism over future engagement with Horizon, EU’s politicised R&D programme.
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Network & InfrastructureCellnex wins over BT and CMA to secure Hutchison UK tower merger
BT appeased by recent strengthening of its own Cellnex partnership. Cellnex to complete €10bn, six-country deal following approval of UK merger.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach hits pause on community fibre programme
Fibre Community Partnership initiative now closed to new registrations as demand soars. Books will reopen once the backlog is cleared. Openreach claims “extreme” popularity as FCP reached 2,050 communities.
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Products & ServicesBT taps Cradlepoint for 5G FWA rollout
FWA solution goes live in 33 countries. Ericsson-owned Cradlepoint acts as ‘key equipment partner’ in bringing the product to market. BT aims to support hybrid networking models.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT strikes improved deal for Cellnex site access
“Enhanced” terms for a site services deal in place until at least 2031 will support EE’s 5G upgrade in key areas. Cellnex asserting its pro-competitive credentials as it slams the CMA for overstepping its remit in questioning the InfraCo’s planned acquisition of CK Hutchison’s UK towers.
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Innovation (R&D)BT breaks ground on sustainable housing project
BT and partners New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and the University of Suffolk began construction on the EcoLab zero-carbon affordable home project. Forms part of Adastral Park’s DigiTech Centre, building on ties with the Group’s university partner.
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Network & InfrastructureBT wants more suppliers to support quantum leap
Operator wants to bring down tech costs to help commercialise new set of services being prepared with next-gen encryption. Comments come with telco weeks away from debuting its first quantum-enabled metro network. Telco prepping international quantum security services play.
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Network & Infrastructure“Huge volume of work ahead”: Openreach details storm recovery efforts
Eunice and Franklin repairs ongoing, but still almost 20,000 Openreach customers unable to access broadband. “Vast majority” down to power outages. About 100 Openreach poles damaged alongside 300 green roadside cabinets.
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M&ABT Italia offloads SAP services subsidiary
BT Global continues ‘global not national’ streamlining programme with the sale of Italian IT outsourcing outfit ERPTech. €4m+ deal leaves Italia lightweight but focused.
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Venturing & InvestmentsBT opens venturing wallet for on-demand talent pool startup
Startup acceleration ambition kickstarted with minority stake in Distributed. New acquisition to provide BT access to on-demand software engineering teams to support development projects, with connected healthcare solutions first up. BT’s Harmeen Mehta hopes such partnerships will alleviate skills shortage pressures and drive her digitalisation agenda.
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Network & InfrastructureTelcos turn to youth to help UK fibre buildout
Industry steps up efforts to attract more people in tight labour market and keep fibre rolling. “Unprecedented” demand gives candidates the upper hand. Signs of progress on gender diversity and hiring more women in traditionally male-dominated roles. BT, Openreach, and Virgin Media O2 tout apprenticeship plans.
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Suppliers & SCMChipset shortages delay Openreach provisioning
Ongoing chipset shortages lead to Ethernet product delays at Openreach, adding to problems flagged last year. Semiconductor supply and demand imbalance set to last at least another twelve months. Supply chain problems a recurring theme at BT, too.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Technology: FWA trial underway at Adastral Park
BT joins partner list for entertainment R&D hub; FWA trial launched by Adastral Park.
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PremiumElsewhere in Openreach: £20,000 reward for cable theft information
What next for Openreach under Drahi?; apprentice hiring spree targets diversity; Plusnet readies for FTTP entrance.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in BT Global: Dubber partnership finalised
Voice intelligence vendor Dubber finalises Global partnership.
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PremiumBT gives Rackspace thumbs-up for hybrid cloud
US firm scores breakthrough win with BT Global. Collaboration will see Rackspace tech integrated into BT data centres. Aim to bolster hybrid-cloud proposition to multinational customers.
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PremiumBT takes open RAN for a spin with Nokia
Hull trial puts Nokia’s near-real-time RIC and xApps through their paces. Goal is to optimise EE’s network performance. Open RAN Innovation Centre at Adastral Park facility slated for launch “later” in 2022.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: LandWeb days limited
End is nigh for contentious LandWeb engagement in Northern Ireland; Toople builds up its Enterprise relationship.
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PremiumDigital Space joins the Elite
IT provider appointed BT Wholesale Elite Partner. Three-tier Partner Plus programme launched last spring now boasts more than 100 collaborators.