All TelcoTitans.com articles in BTwatch #320
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Digital ReportsBTwatch Report #320 – January 2021
Key stories include: Mehta to lead disruptive Digital | DCMS fibre plans prompt competition concerns | AI championed for RAN transformation | Eagle-i kickstarts Global digital charge | Openreach deploys EXFO technology for fibre rollout
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS preps Gigabit UK as MPs growl and BT looks ahead
Government finally picking up on election promises of Gigabit connectivity and consulting on how best to spend a more limited budget. Age-old questions remain over how to connect the unconnected, however.
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Products & ServicesBT to launch Eagle-i security as statement of intent
New cybersecurity platform to debut in coming months, as a flagbearer for Global’s re-energised and evolving digital portfolio. Creation of internal digital, threat, and network units within Global enabling integration of new solutions across traditional and cloud-based services. Workflow platform provider ServiceNow namechecked as a crucial partner.
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Strategy & ChangeBT seeks to electrify procurement with Faraday subsidiary
Managers for strategic procurement categories being recruited, including network, connectivity, and marketing. Data science remains prominent. New subsidiary’s standalone status emphasised, evidencing detachment and perhaps also ambition.
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Partnerships & Alliances5G opening doors for BT in Warwickshire
Group pushing for startup ecosystem based on broad-sweeping open innovation partnership with Warwick Uni. 5G to be expediated to Leamington Spa and wider network, with opportunities for gaming cluster highlighted.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS taking an ‘outside-in’ approach, but vouchers there for quick wins
Small targeted interventions and mid-size fill-ins expected to feature in first swathe of public–private contracts. Mega-deals not ruled out. Pragmatic use of Public Sector Hubs another option.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS helping England play catch up, or possibly leapfrog
Devolved nations at the back of the queue for new money. Fibre emphasised over cable.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined-up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
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Network & InfrastructureA lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
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Network & InfrastructureBT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
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Network & InfrastructureJansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital-based services.
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Suppliers & SCMOpenreach deploys EXFO technology for fibre rollout
Rollout speed gains stressed as key motivator for purchase.
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Partnerships & AlliancesOpenreach hits FTTP milestone in Cumbria
Connecting Cumbria programme completes Phase Two, nearing regional ‘superfast’ targets. Phase Three on the table to finish the job. Gigabit-capable coverage lags behind for rural premises.
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PremiumBT Sport converts rights deal with Premiership Rugby
Group eventually signs £110m three-year extension after reported disagreements over valuation. BT continues to invest in regional Welsh club rugby with three-year sponsorship extension.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: EE waives roaming
EE waives EU roaming charges, broadband guarantees personalised, lockdown learning backed.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: churn risk targeted
Division continues effort to nudge businesses and CPs away from legacy voice, and towards its own next-gen offerings.
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PremiumBT plays down risk of FireEye security breach
Group assesses threat to CTI customers as “low to moderate”. No indication, assures BT, that any customer data was compromised.
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PremiumBT disputes ‘loyalty penalty’ class action
BT hit with US-style ‘opt-out’ class action, led by a former Ofcom consumer protection executive, and financially backed by pioneering UK litigation investment fund Harbour. Previously-settled Ofcom review forms the basis of near-£600m claim that BT was acting in breach of competition law. Little precedent on likelihood of success, ...