All TelcoTitans.com articles in BTwatch #327
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Innovation (R&D)BT quantum-secures hollow core fibre in trial
QKD hook-up with Lumenisity HCF pitched as world first. Lord says trial “accelerates the UK’s lead in quantum technologies”. Widespread HCF deployment still some way off, however.
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Digital ReportsBTwatch Report #327 – August 2021
Key stories include: Jansen cool amid VM O2 challenge | Crozier named chair-elect | Smart networks plans for EE’s 5G | Nine-figure ambition for Microsoft tie-up | Fibre goals raised (again)
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PremiumQ1 FY21–21: Consumer slips into recover mode
Work in progress to deliver on the converged, addvalue dream. Initial pandemic bounce back benefits BT Sport, but mobile still in hibernation. Strong performance on FTTP, but rivals stepping up.
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PremiumQ1 FY21–22: Enterprise down but not out
Bad ‘old’ still swamping the ‘new’. Positives in an order book rebound and improved EBITDA. Shuter has a huge task to pivot the division, but clear opportunity for ‘New BT’.
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PremiumQ1 FY21–22: Global retains Jansen’s support in adversity
Digging beneath the barrel to find positives in Q1. Jansen a true believer who sees Global keeping pace with peers, buffeted by forces beyond its control, and well placed along with Enterprise to boost BT when corporate and public sector business bounces back.
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PremiumQ1 FY21–22: Openreach shines again
It just looks so easy to upgrade and migrate the nation to fibre and IP while keeping a pack of massively funded jackals at bay. Even the odd slip looks like a sign of inherent strength. All key KPIs improving … and Gfast, too.
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PremiumBT soothes relations with disgruntled CWU
BT finds common ground with workers’ union by making series of job security assurances. CWU’s Count Me In campaign bears fruit, with 2022 pay rise in pipeline for staff. Group transformation roadmap unaffected.
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PremiumBT doubles down against overcharging allegations
Group intends to “vigorously defend” itself against a class action lodged with competition authorities that alleges historic overcharging for voiceonly customers.
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PremiumQualitest expands 5G testing role
5G network expansion provides further opportunity to increase remit of software testing company Qualitest.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Openreach; expanded FTTP rollout
Openreach expands FTTP rollout, and expands cablelaying contracts to support the plans.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: BT Sourced’s new home
Better Workplace marches on; BT Sourced finds a home.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Technology: BT taps iTrinegy
BT taps iTrinegy expertise for vRAN R&D; McRae sees optical future.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: BT Sport picks up rights
Consumer unit enhancing support for, and engagement with, vulnerable customers; BT Sport picks up topflight rights.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: BT tests IoT platform
BT puts IoT platform through its paces; MVNOs show opportunism on EE’s 5G network; Airwave operator under heat from UK regulator.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Global: expanded Box partnership
Global opens fresh Box partnership; delivers Google managed security services.
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Suppliers & SCMBT protégé DoubleMe doubles down on 5G and MEC
3D image processing specialist highlights collaboration with BT, DT, Telefónica, Vodafone, and others to realise real-time ‘metaverse’ ambitions using 5G.
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PeopleBT confirms Crozier as ‘turnaround’ chair
Former ITV CEO unanimously picked to replace Jan du Plessis, with BT highlighting his experience in changing the fortunes of struggling public and private businesses. Digital evolution and a return to growth highlighted as key priorities for Crozier-era BT.
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M&ADT interest Community Fibre subsumes rival
FTTP altnet backed by BT shareholder absorbs assets of smaller fibre builder. Business now looking “beyond London” as it continues to accelerate growth. Community Fibre’s FTTP footprint stands at 300,000 premises. Acquisition not impacting commercial operations or leadership structure of “independent” merger partner.
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Network & InfrastructureJansen now sees BT chasing 30 million premises with full-fibre
Extra five million presented as ‘infill’ and presumably more rural. Immediate competitive riposte to news of Virgin Media O2 FTTP retrofit, which it neatly doubles. Jansen says BT not concerned, but challenger altnets should be. No rush for fibre JV partner, but Jansen reveals a UK compatriot would be ...
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PeopleBT targets serial moderniser to back Jansen transformation
Strong media rumours emerged identifying former Royal Mail Chief Executive Adam Crozier as the likely Chairman-successor to du Plessis, reflecting continued pressure on BT to accelerate restructuring. Crozier would come with little direct digital background, but considerable experience of shaking up venerable institutions, and with recent experience linked to ...