All TelcoTitans.com articles in BTwatch #332
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Digital ReportsBTwatch Report #332 – February 2022
Key stories include: Q3: Jansen confident despite rough numbers | BT airs concern on Cellnex tower deal | BT Sport finds JV buddy | Rackspace backs BT hybrid cloud | DCMS fibre plans in doubt
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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 & SCMBT hives off logistics to ‘simplify’ supply chain
Expanded partnership with GXO Logistics sees warehousing and transport requirements handed over, along with 300 BT employees. Procurement chief Cyril Pourrat deems it a milestone in Group simplification programme. Unions typically concerned.
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PremiumBT people moves: BT Federal fills out
Mike Barthlow appointed CEO at BT’s US public sector division, with senior reports changed in parallel. BT’s healthcare focus tightened with a new HealthTech Incubator under Harmeen Mehta’s Digital domain and strategic health programme lead named at Enterprise. Openreach Service Delivery changes as Olly Kunc ships out.
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OperationsNewgate St: BT has left the building
Facilities management partner completes “decommissioning” of the Group’s former HQ, ending long historical association with St. Pauls location.
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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 Consumer: Smart Hub 3 router to launch
BT, EE to launch new router; BT Sport hits target for darts coverage.
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PremiumUK operators action inflation-linked pricing
BT, EE join fellow operators in price hike announcements as UK inflation pushes broadband and mobile prices up nearly 10%. Consumer challenges affecting MNOs too, say MNOs. Brexit impact also felt for roamers.
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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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M&ADiscovery JV: BT Sport to be unbundled from BT
Another twist to the tale as BT and Discovery enter exclusive discussions. Jansen indicates agreement encompasses Eurosport UK and ‘Discovery app’, hinting at sports content tie-up; says deal has “no downsides”. The move could be a huge blow to DAZN, which appeared to have secured an $800m buyout.
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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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PremiumMehta brings new talent to BT Digital
Vodafone Smart Tech creator Tom Guy to head Incubation unit. New team aligns with Mehta’s desire for “crazy people” to create disruptive services.
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Financial & PerformanceBT Q3: king of a still-wobbly hill
Corporate weakness postpones recovery, with BT Global recuperating and BT Enterprise still in surgery. Rational rivals embraced, but warned of “Armageddon scenario”, with Sky current BFF. Discovery tie-up a win-win for BT Sport (but what about for BT itself?). Openreach charges on, hitting new records for FTTP connections and ...
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: recruitment drive for apprentices and graduates
Recruitment campaign to fill Better Workplace offices; shareholder Altice drops Portuguese sale plans.
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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.
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PremiumFormer BT Fleet folded into rebranded Rivus
Rivus Fleet Solutions and Pullman Fleet Solutions to be combined. Graeme Lumley is new BT account director.