BTwatch News – Page 55
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT Security adds duo to partner ecosystem
Two more partners added just over six months after BT Security stressed the value of a streamlined portfolio, highlighting the challenge of meeting evolving security threats. Illumio’s micro-segmentation offering gets it onto BT’s security partners list. Acronis underpins SME-focused hybrid cloud proposition.
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Suppliers & SCMOpenreach taps Viavi for (another) FTTP leg-up
Long-time relationship expanded, with Openreach exploring all avenues in effort to improve efficiencies.
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PremiumEE gets a bargain as operators low-ball 5G auction
Ofcom raises a total of £1.4bn in principal auction stage — several hundred million pounds less than expectations. Regulator has now opened the first phase of the negotiation period that should enable operators to build a contiguous block in the 3.4GHz–3.8GHz band. Lower spend on licences (so far) should ...
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PremiumBT keeps foot in Boots door with deal extension
Global secures win for its Dynamic Network Services portfolio as it expands relationship with WBA in a key industry vertical. Pharmacy branch deal underlines appeal of Cisco’s Meraki hybrid cloud offerings, available through BT Connect.
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Enterprise (B2B)Nevion upgrades BT’s FacilityLine
Longstanding media transport partner Nevion upgrades BT Media & Broadcast’s video exchange service with its VideoIPath solution.
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Enterprise (B2B)BT Wholesale gets in on 5G game
Wholesale Mobile Connect, pitched as “comprehensive cell site connectivity portfolio for 5G deployment”, slated for launch in 2021. Fully-managed service targeted at MNOs. Division embraces open RAN technology.
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PeopleCheshire puts hat in the ring for BT chair job
Current BT non-exec seeking to buck the trend and encourage Group to look internally for du Plessis replacement. Cheshire brings considerable experience and strong political links, but may lack the skills needed for future battles.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: rural rent causing problems
DT feels BT’s pain; EE among the MNOs to take flak for making the most of rural rent reductions.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: premium broadband competition grows
Vodafone UK takes swing at Consumer’s premium broadband service; net neutrality debate resurfaces.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Openreach: Superfast Cymru targets missed
Outage in Bridgeton; progress update on Superfast Cymru Phase 2; Openreach partner on brink; 4.5 million fibred up.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: small-cell deployments flagged
Infobip partnered for RCS enterprise marketing; BT among the backers for Microsoft Teams product launch.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Global: Syngenta deal renewed
VMware SD-WAN deal for Alstom; agritech support for Syngenta
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OperationsNew East London BT HQ preps for sale
One Braham, soon to be BT’s main office, is reportedly being readied for a £500m sale. BT due to move at the end of the year after leaving 81 Newgate Street.
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PeopleBT Regulatory Affairs lead Cathryn Ross sets sail
Regulatory Affairs Director and Executive Committee member Ross’s departure announced a week after Ofcom market review job-done. Set to take newly-created Strategy & Regulatory Affairs role at Thames Water.
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Suppliers & SCMBT Sourced to target supply chain sustainability
Chief Procurement Officer Cyril Pourrat flagged the importance of ESG compliance throughout the supply chain. New procurement company BT Sourced set to enable transparency via digital tools: AI, big data, and machine learning on the cards.
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Strategy & Change
Openreach cites No 10 lack of clarity as key early COVID test
Initial uncertain status of Openreach workforce deemed biggest challenge when ensuring UK connectivity and worker safety through lockdown. Strong chains of command, coupled with responsiveness to staff concerns, said to frame management response. Fears on return to offices and on-premises work may prove the biggest challenge.
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Public AffairsOfcom gives BT fibre pricing freedom, but adds burdens
Openreach not to face caps or controls on national ultrafast pricing until 2031, as long as it is “fair and reasonable”. Locally-targeted pricing from Openreach prohibited as Ofcom seeks to protect emerging altnets. BT Consumer may lose some edge from 90 day notice period for new propositions from Openreach. ...
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Network & InfrastructureBT explores optical options after Moore, Shannon
Lord keen to leverage lower-cost data centre technologies for network deployment. Floats idea of ripping out ROADMs in core network and replacing them with routers and ZR optics pluggables. Lower prices through photonic integration seen as key. Promising trials with hollow-core and multi-core fibre.
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Public AffairsThreat of BT national strike intensifies
CWU calls on BT member base to back strike action, with further details on proposed ballot in “coming weeks”. Group transformation continues to exacerbate already disaffected BT-union relations. Mass walkouts from ‘late-spring’ a possibility. Union and BT share very different relationship perspectives.
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Public AffairsBT braces as Ofcom fibre ruling looms
Ofcom to set out its fibre vision this week, and while BT may get pricing freedom, it may not get the longer-term clarity it craves. Regulator’s steps to open up infrastructure competition may also disrupt the incumbent’s plans.