BTwatch News – Page 48
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Strategy & ChangeBT to export ‘made in Scotland’ 5G innovations
BT’s Simon Haston highlights importance of ensuring 5G use-cases can be “translated globally”. Focus placed firmly on commercial viability.
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M&AHöttges “ready” for Drahi tête-à-tête after BT raid
DT confirms Altice’s secretive acquisition of a large BT holding went unflagged. Group “open” to discussions and sees prospect of “exciting” developments towards end of 2021. DT accentuates lack of pressure to sell up, should Altice target its holding.
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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 ...
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Partnerships & AlliancesSky “fundamental” to BT Sport strategic partnerships
As BT’s sports broadcasting division hunts for minority investors or strategic partners, CEO Jansen puts Sky tie-up front and centre. ITV backs away from chipping in, but remains keen on partnership.
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PremiumBT people moves: procurement revamp sees high profile exits
Changes for BT’s procurement leads past and present as Joshi and Lord make tracks. Maniar named CEO at now-wholly-owned converged offering OnePhone. BT’s Enterprise operation on the Iberian peninsula readies for high-profile changes, with CEO Ronda on the way out. Altnet challengers draw former BT and Openreach talent.
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Financial & PerformanceBT Q1 FY21–22: another toughie, but with promise(s)
Q1 reiterated as a road to a recovery that will materialise in H2. Consumer reviving but Global eponymously damned. Microsoft deal more than slideware. Virgin Media–O2 FTTP investment could be a backhanded compliment and gift to BT.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT wants a billion pounds “minimum” from Microsoft deal
Microsoft beefs up its position within BT’s enterprise ecosystem with formation of an updated strategic partnership. BT aiming for a nine-figure revenue target from “complicated”, “big” deal. Software giant separately acquires BT spend-tracking partner Suplari.
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Strategy & ChangeBT Global shuts down Kuwait HQ
Division’s rationalisation of Middle Eastern footprint continues as Group confirms closure of Kuwaiti facilities. Residual presence in country — and region — maintained via new reseller alliance with Ooredoo.
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Innovation (R&D)BT explores metamaterials for future networks
Researchers delve into new materials for smarter, greener wireless tech. Metasurfaces applied for better signal propagation and performance. Operator planning to increase investment in materials R&D.
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Venturing & InvestmentsBT investment signals cybersecurity intent
BT named lead investor in $33m Safe Security funding round. SAFE cyber risk quantifier to be added to BT security offering, with the potential to target 30 million BT Consumer customers flagged by the partner. As well as exclusive securing UK rights, BT’s cash injection to fund accelerated innovation ...
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT targets Amazon as key commercial partner
As Consumer embraces a platform strategy and seeks new partners to help boost customer value and enhance its billing relationships, a concerted effort is being made to woo internet giant Amazon. Relationship building reflects determination to achieve a “best for partnerships” strategic objective.
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Network & InfrastructureBT accelerates Huawei swap-out and sets 2028 full 5G goal
By 2028 EE’s 5G network to reach 90% of landmass and the remainder “on-demand”. Consumer and Network-fronted event intended to stake BT’s claim for national network superiority, and development of a platform for growth. Exacting ESN connectivity demands pinned as a reason for open access caution, but accelerated Huawei ...
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M&ADrahi cites Brexit for BT swoop
Co-founder of Altice telecoms group pays UK government ministers a visit about newly acquired 12.1% BT stake. Claims Brexit and relatively low FTTP rollout makes UK ripe for investment. Some in BT reportedly think overtures to government might be part of a grand takeover plan.
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PremiumDigging the UK fibre scene: competition hots up
Investment funds continue to flood fibre altnets, with emerging challengers collectively committing to passing more than 20 million homes in coming decade and many billions in investment promised.
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Network & InfrastructureBT bags first UK customer win as neutral host provider
Bruntwood SciTech, a property provider to the science and tech sector, signs on the dotted line. EE, as part of the deal, leverages parent company’s indoor neutral host solution at Cheshire’s Alderley Park.
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PremiumBT people moves: high-flying Finance swaps
Brenchley, Lockwood, and Smith pivot in executive finance positions across Group entities. O’Flaherty settled into permanent CIO posting, leaving interim MD, IT role vacant at BT Digital.
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Network & InfrastructureDT cash flows to Community Fibre amid altnet boom
Urban fibre outfitter backed by BT stakeholder Deutsche Telekom accelerates growth, as challenge to Openreach builds.
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Network & InfrastructureBT, STL push for legacy support in SDN migration
Two companies working within Broadband Forum to help define standardised and open interfaces to support legacy assets as operators embark on SDN migration. Fisher pointedly remarks that network and technology investment cycles are typically between seven and twelve years.