BTwatch News – Page 44
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Network & Infrastructure
BT implements riskmethods to tackle supply chain issues
riskmethods’ management application delivers “multi-tier transparency”. Move forms part of a wider supply chain management refresh.
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Strategy & Change
Openreach off the table as BT drives fibre efficiency
Group ends talks on InfraCo JV as rising fibre demand and lower build costs dilute benefits of external funding. Virgin Media O2 firmly in BT sights as it aims to lock up wholesale market, and move fast on convergence. Future revenue growth anticipated, but greater efficiency and lower spending ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Colloms: DCMS must “crack on” with reform to back fibre
Openreach MD of Corporate Affairs confident on business’s ability to meet government goals on fibre deployment, but commercial programme will need support to maintain momentum. Physical access to sites potentially a huge obstacle to the rollout in both urban and rural areas, but “common sense” updates to legislation could ...
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Network & Infrastructure
BT says 5G-VINNI paves way for E2E network slicing
Muschamp hails EU-funded project a success in laying groundwork to support “end-to-end” 5G network slicing across multiple sites and different vendors’ equipment. By exposing inadequacies of current industry standards, claims Muschamp, industry better placed to develop a standardised approach and avoid margin-squeezing headache of bespoke deployments. BT expects to ...
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Financial & Performance
BT highlights cost-cutting progress as Drahi waits in wings
Group confirms it has achieved its headline £1bn savings target well ahead of original March 2023 deadline. Announcement is an attempt to display strengths ahead of this week’s Q2 results and in the face of potential Altice takeover bid before the end of the year.
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People
BT’s new function to commercialise network assets
Recently-formed BT Networks seeks new revenue streams, with initiative led by finance and procurement veteran Paul Crouch. One of many efforts to identify commercial opportunities from existing assets and infrastructure as competition hots up.
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Network & Infrastructure
EE says “delays elsewhere” have impacted ESN delivery
Mobile operator “committed to ESN contractual obligations” as Home Office announces revised timetable for the UK’s LTE-based emergency services network. Unveils ESN Coverage Extender prototype from Parallel Wireless as part of ongoing preparations for nationwide shutdown of Airwave.
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Strategy & Change
BT picks advisors to patch takeover vulnerabilities
Robey Warshaw testing BT defences ahead of the end of restrictions on a full takeover bid from major shareholder Altice. Jansen’s ambitious strategy coupled with share price volatility may also be contributing to need for additional City counsellors.
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Products & Services
Government considering BT’s emergency comms proposal
UK Home Office in discussions with BT over introduction of 888 emergency comms and tracking system. 888/Walk Me Home working titles for platform that could act as “deterrent to criminals”. £50m public funding required. Christmas 2021 launch possible.
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Premium
BT’s McRae flags benefits of Tarana’s FWA solution
McRae says customer trials have been encouraging so far. BT’s Allera and Watson tending to play down FWA’s role.
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Premium
BT engages virtual twin(s) on infrastructure resiliency
Group one of three national infrastructure owners to pledge resources to project using simulation tech to overcome impact of climate change on UK’s built environment. Tranche of UK universities and research institutes involved too. Yet another example of BT dipping toes into ‘digital twin’ realm.
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Premium
Oracle wins new role in BT’s 5G network
US supplier to play role in 4G to 5G migration. Huawei woes could have played a role in Oracle’s selection.
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Premium
BT pushes on quantum security with Lumenisity, Toshiba
QKD hook-up with Lumenisity’s hollow core fibre pitched as world first. Senior BT researchers optimistic about multiple use-cases for Lumenisity’s NANF HCF, but commercial timeframes unclear. Collaboration with Toshiba to build “quantum-secure” metro network in and around London.
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Premium
BT helps Ericsson shrink massive MIMO radios
Operator and supplier team up on product development. Lighter weight and easier to handle means faster urban 5G deployment.
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Strategy & Change
Jansen battle-ready as competition grows on two fronts
BT CEO returns to pre-pandemic promises of a more robust defence of BT’s market position, on price if necessary. Speculation on heightened wholesale competition comes as Openreach Equinox fibre pricing looks set to reinforce the Group’s strong position. Retail threats may be more pressing for the incumbent as Sky ...
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Public Affairs
BT escalates appeal in landline overcharging case
Competition Appeals Tribunal tells BT it has little prospect of success in a call to block US-style class action. Operator will take case to Court of Appeal as it seeks to swap opt-out procedure for an opt-in alternative. The latest update in an ongoing £589m saga amid allegations of ...
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Enterprise: Wholesale’s Plan and Wireless Logic deals
Wholesale signs MVNO deals with Plan and Wireless Logic; next generation of Street Hubs unveiled with ultrafast Wi-Fi built-in.
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People
EE–Three network sharing JV MBNL confirms King as MD
Gervase King coronated as MD at MBNL. Permanent appointment fills gap left by Pat Coxen, who moved to BT Consumer last year.
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Products & Services
BT ramps up security focus with Eagle-i launch
Platform takes “proactive approach” to cybersecurity. Slimmed-down partner portfolio and Safe Security investment tagged as key enablers of new approach.
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Technology: 5G use-cases emerging in Cardiff
Adastral Park welcomes newcomer eGain; 5G use-cases flaunted in Cardiff.