BTwatch News – Page 38
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PremiumOneWeb rescues launch plan with SpaceX
UK-backed operator can send more satellites into orbit this year after cancelling launches on Russian rockets. Fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hits satellite comms operator and threatens years of international space collaboration. Possible knock-on effect on distribution partner BT if service is delayed.
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PeopleBT names drone chief to fuel unmanned aviation
Dave Pankhurst appointed Drones Director at BT Digital’s newly-formed Incubation unit. Drones highlighted as one of four key verticals for the startup creation and acceleration division.
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Strategy & ChangeMehta puts BT Digital “on steroids” to power transformation
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer Harmeen Mehta relishes opportunity for dramatic change at BT, as she sets about untangling digital architecture. Google-powered Digital Brain to bolster AI and data platform. Digital jumps on cost savings bandwagon, with £500m contribution expected. Talent and recruitment drive incoming.
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Innovation (R&D)BT ‘leaning in’ on UK’s science superpower bid, says R&D chief Whitley
Exec backs government’s research ambitions, with added emphasis on private sector adoption. BT, as a top-five UK R&D player, brings real-world experience blending academia and down-streaming outcomes. Pragmatism over future engagement with Horizon, EU’s politicised R&D programme.
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Network & InfrastructureCellnex wins over BT and CMA to secure Hutchison UK tower merger
BT appeased by recent strengthening of its own Cellnex partnership. Cellnex to complete €10bn, six-country deal following approval of UK merger.
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Public AffairsOneWeb cancels satellite launches on Russian rockets
Fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hits satellite comms operator. Decision could delay service launch and have knock-on effect on distribution partner BT’s rural coverage vision.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach hits pause on community fibre programme
Fibre Community Partnership initiative now closed to new registrations as demand soars. Books will reopen once the backlog is cleared. Openreach claims “extreme” popularity as FCP reached 2,050 communities.
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Products & ServicesBT taps Cradlepoint for 5G FWA rollout
FWA solution goes live in 33 countries. Ericsson-owned Cradlepoint acts as ‘key equipment partner’ in bringing the product to market. BT aims to support hybrid networking models.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT strikes improved deal for Cellnex site access
“Enhanced” terms for a site services deal in place until at least 2031 will support EE’s 5G upgrade in key areas. Cellnex asserting its pro-competitive credentials as it slams the CMA for overstepping its remit in questioning the InfraCo’s planned acquisition of CK Hutchison’s UK towers.
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Innovation (R&D)BT breaks ground on sustainable housing project
BT and partners New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and the University of Suffolk began construction on the EcoLab zero-carbon affordable home project. Forms part of Adastral Park’s DigiTech Centre, building on ties with the Group’s university partner.
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Network & InfrastructureBT wants more suppliers to support quantum leap
Operator wants to bring down tech costs to help commercialise new set of services being prepared with next-gen encryption. Comments come with telco weeks away from debuting its first quantum-enabled metro network. Telco prepping international quantum security services play.
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Network & Infrastructure“Huge volume of work ahead”: Openreach details storm recovery efforts
Eunice and Franklin repairs ongoing, but still almost 20,000 Openreach customers unable to access broadband. “Vast majority” down to power outages. About 100 Openreach poles damaged alongside 300 green roadside cabinets.
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Venturing & InvestmentsEutelsat CEO sees EU constellation role with OneWeb in tow
Eva Berneke outlines opportunities to help “ensure European sovereignty”. Eutelsat now second-largest shareholder in OneWeb after Bharti Global. Kwasi Kwarteng suggests bigger role for OneWeb in the UK.
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MarketingBT recalibrates ad strategy with in-house reshuffle
Operator joining up ad capabilities across Consumer, Enterprise, and Global. Establishes new Media Centre of Excellence to share learnings.
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M&ABT Italia offloads SAP services subsidiary
BT Global continues ‘global not national’ streamlining programme with the sale of Italian IT outsourcing outfit ERPTech. €4m+ deal leaves Italia lightweight but focused.
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Venturing & InvestmentsBT opens venturing wallet for on-demand talent pool startup
Startup acceleration ambition kickstarted with minority stake in Distributed. New acquisition to provide BT access to on-demand software engineering teams to support development projects, with connected healthcare solutions first up. BT’s Harmeen Mehta hopes such partnerships will alleviate skills shortage pressures and drive her digitalisation agenda.
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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.