All TelcoTitans.com articles in BTwatch #322 – Page 2

  • Strategy & Change

    Openreach cites No 10 lack of clarity as key early COVID test

    2021-03-24T08:31:00Z

    Initial uncertain status of Openreach workforce deemed biggest challenge when ensuring UK connectivity and worker safety through lockdown. Strong chains of command, coupled with responsiveness to staff concerns, said to frame management response. Fears on return to offices and on-premises work may prove the biggest challenge.

  • ofcom-bt-price-freedom-btw
    Public Affairs

    Ofcom gives BT fibre pricing freedom, but adds burdens

    2021-03-19T09:00:00Z

    Openreach not to face caps or controls on national ultrafast pricing until 2031, as long as it is “fair and reasonable”. Locally-targeted pricing from Openreach prohibited as Ofcom seeks to protect emerging altnets. BT Consumer may lose some edge from 90 day notice period for new propositions from Openreach. ...

  • btw322-tt-optical-options
    Network & Infrastructure

    BT explores optical options after Moore, Shannon

    2021-03-16T08:59:00Z

    Lord keen to leverage lower-cost data centre technologies for network deployment. Floats idea of ripping out ROADMs in core network and replacing them with routers and ZR optics pluggables. Lower prices through photonic integration seen as key. Promising trials with hollow-core and multi-core fibre.

  • btw322-tt-national-strike-intense
    Public Affairs

    Threat of BT national strike intensifies

    2021-03-15T16:34:00Z

    CWU calls on BT member base to back strike action, with further details on proposed ballot in “coming weeks”. Group transformation continues to exacerbate already disaffected BT-union relations. Mass walkouts from ‘late-spring’ a possibility. Union and BT share very different relationship perspectives.

  • btw322-tt-fibre-ruling-ofcom
    Public Affairs

    BT braces as Ofcom fibre ruling looms

    2021-03-15T11:50:00Z

    Ofcom to set out its fibre vision this week, and while BT may get pricing freedom, it may not get the longer-term clarity it craves. Regulator’s steps to open up infrastructure competition may also disrupt the incumbent’s plans.

  • btw322-tt-ai-festival
    Innovation (R&D)

    BT shines light on AI in the East

    2021-03-11T12:54:00Z

    Adastral Park R&D facility takes centre stage in inaugural Artificial Intelligence Festival. East of England emerges as UK hub for AI research and innovation. BT asserts AI thought leadership and is UK’s top AI patent filer. Group’s use of AI aligns with telco peers, but recent moves suggest bigger ...

  • btw322-tt-james-lilley
    Network & Infrastructure

    DT lends experience as Openreach preps for all-IP surge

    2021-03-08T11:07:00Z

    Openreach drawing on minority owner’s learnings as it corrals the UK’s CPs towards digital voice services. Migration closely linked to fibre rollout, but timing may be dependent on CP retail plans as market joins BT in favouring IP voice services.

  • Rishi Sunak Budget
    Financial & Performance

    Budget 2021: BT benefits but won’t move investment dial

    2021-03-04T12:59:00Z

    Chancellor Sunak eyes investment-backed build-back. Short term tax break to bolster BT infrastructure expansion. However, gains will be “offset in later years”, and no movement on BT’s number one priority — business rates relief.

  • btw322-tt-wilcox-better-workplace
    People

    BT’s HR chief admits bumps in Better Workplace plan

    2021-03-04T10:08:00Z

    Pandemic holds up plan to concertina down to 30 regional hubs, although some movement is expected in 2021. HR Director recognises the need to maintain hybrid working practices even after the pandemic has subsided.

  • btw322-tt-openran-watson
    Network & Infrastructure

    Howard Watson eyes 2027 as open RAN opportunity

    2021-03-03T15:16:00Z

    Huawei 5G kit replacement in line with 2027 deadline an opportunity for urban commercial open RAN deployment. BT expects to stick with dual key vendor policy, but hopes to see more choice. Huawei kit still being rolled out as BT juggles network plans with government demands.

  • btw-tt-bt-supplier-zero-in-emission
    Suppliers & SCM

    BT calls on supplier base to zero in on emissions

    2021-03-03T14:36:00Z

    Operator moves into new territory to firm up green credentials, and aims to galvanise suppliers to cut indirect (Scope 3) emissions. Incentive behind new call illustrated by latest CDP report. Major BT suppliers underline their sustainability commitments.

  • btw322-people-du-plessis
    Premium

    BT people moves: Chairman du Plessis steps down from post

    2021-03-02T09:58:00Z

    Jan du Plessis relinquishes chairmanship after four years, Ian Cheshire emerges as potential successor. Former Chairman Michael Rake also seeks a change after stepping down from his Huawei UK posting. Sherman understudy Johanna Lim leaves for Amazon.