All TelcoTitans.com articles in BTwatch #324
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Digital ReportsBTwatch Report #324 – May 2021
Key stories include: BT Sport warms up for sale | Sourced flaunts digital smarts | Quantum apocalypse nears | Vena targets production ‘evolution’ | Fortinet secures SD-WAN.
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Suppliers & SCMBT buys into blockchain-based vendor monitoring group
Tech-led transformation of telco’s procurement operations continues via adoption of IBM-backed Trust Your Supplier system. Group joins Vodafone, DT, and Verizon in backing new scheme. Move support category-aligned setup of standalone ProcureCo in Dublin.
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Network & InfrastructureBT warns “Quantum Apocalypse” might happen in 2024
Optical research expert says quantum computers could crack current public-key cryptosystems within a few years. Ubiquitous fibre connectivity particularly vulnerable to attack. BT sees QKD — “fighting quantum with quantum” — as key in safeguarding national critical infrastructure.
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Products & ServicesVena: BT launches “smart” broadcast network
BT Media & Broadcast division unveils Vena as end-to-end broadcast platform. Enabling remote production at core of new service, reflecting expedited industry-wide transition during pandemic. Two “major broadcasters” already on the books. Evolution pending in existing Media & Broadcast partnerships.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach offers a hand in all-IP migration
InfraCo launches Call Waiting List as part of analogue shutdown educational campaign. Customers encouraged to sign up for guidance and advice on digital migration, in bid to hang up analogue lines by the end of 2025.
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Products & ServicesPlusnet set to join FTTP party
BT-owned service provider to roll out FTTP-based broadband offering later in 2021, with “new” wireless router on the way too.
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Consumer (B2C)Consumer moves up a gear on customer support
Bridget Lea keen to enhance engagement with customers, at home or in-store. New ‘door-to-door’ device repair service set for launch. Division attempting to ensure service resilience, with post-pandemic consumer habits under watchful eye.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT Wholesale opens Partner Plus programme
New programme launched with myriad growth opportunities attached. Much in-demand brand-association rights promised for those deemed “eligible”. Long-time partner Spitfire named as Wholesale’s first “Elite” partner.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT edges towards virtual reality
Group engagement in multiple digital twin projects signals rising interest in services that exploit new AR, VR, and mixed reality technologies.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: planning law change welcomed
Pricing revelations bring negative publicity; EE way down in customer satisfaction survey; UK government works to facilitate network expansion.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: ESN-ready device pilots
East Anglian emergency service adopts EE-supported ESN tech; operator lends helping hand to property developer’s digital transformation.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: Better Workplace updates
4-3-3 update; Belfast office set for refurbishment; and Ofcom chair position remains open.
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Products & ServicesBT Security locks onto Fortinet for SD-WAN
Security division launches new managed SD-WAN with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN built-in. New service pitched as being able to “de-risk digital transformation investments” made by BT Global customers.
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PeopleEx-BT CTIO Karonis takes Capgemini, DTCP roles
Telco veteran Fotis Karonis joins Capgemini as 5G & Edge EVP, making the most of past operator ties. Deutsche Telekom venturing vehicle DTCP also adds his name to Senior Advisory Council.
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Enterprise (B2B)BT supports Orica’s cloud-native push
Latest “cloud-optimised” tech to be adopted across explosives specialist’s global footprint. BT works longstanding Cisco ties for SD-WAN contract win. Deal also involves deployment of network monitoring and cybersecurity services.
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Strategy & ChangeBT in talks to sell BT Sport stake
Early discussions with potential investors underway, as BT seeks strategic partners to “strengthen our sports business”. Volatile sports rights costs, and minimal benefits to ownership within emerging Consumer business model likely prompting talks. BT Sport rumours reignite Openreach sale speculation, underlining the Group’s need to find financial headroom for ...
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Network & InfrastructureEE spins up spectrum to further 5G ambitions
New licences put to use minutes after being issued, in partnership with Nokia. BT pays an additional £23m after initial low-ball auction, but Group still bagged “an excellent price”, says Consumer CEO Marc Allera. EE open to future spectrum trades as O2 and Vodafone sign their own deal.
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Innovation (R&D)UK access to Horizon Europe unclear
Government offers to pay some of the costs, but not all, to access EU’s Horizon Europe scientific funding initiative. The successor to Horizon 2020, which BT has tapped into, Horizon Europe has an R&D budget of €95.5bn.
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PremiumBT people moves: strategic appointments in health and banking
BT continues its effort to grow into the healthcare industry with accounts leaders named at Enterprise. Unilever CISO joins Group as cybersecurity VP. BT Global’s Rycx targets Simplify programme expansion for MNCs. Board changes at soon-to-be subsumed OnePhone.
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PeopleOpenreach’s Milligan on importance of rural fibre
Openreach executive sees fibre deployment as key to reversing rural to urban migration. Building broadband is not enough: more education is required to ensure higher take-up. Need to ‘join the dots’ to ensure infrastructure and economic programmes are properly implemented.