BTwatch News – Page 62
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: Rural Connected Communities
5G set to be leverages to improve the connectivity in rural, underserved areas across the UK. Rural nature sees telco participation lacking; regional operators pick up the slack. Startups and SMEs in the picture.
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: Industrial 5G
Three projects to build next-generation connectivity into UK industry. O2 and Vodafone take the lead. Universities make up significant proportion of consortia.
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: 5G Create
DCMS-funded projects take £16m in grants for 5G use-cases. Automation, broadcasting, and XR among the technologies. BT, O2, and Three participate.
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: West Midlands 5G
WM5G was established by the West Midlands Combined Authority and DCMS, with the DCMS promising more than £20m of investment by March 2022.
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: Scotland 5G Centre
The S5GC was established as a 5G development hub and is chaired by former BT executive Julie Snell. Attracted £5.3m Scottish government investment, to expire in 2022.
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: EU 5G PPP
A joint initiative between the EC and European industry. In its third wave of projects after launching in June 2018. Telefónica present via its R&D entity Telefónica I&D. Deutsche Telekom also involved in several projects via Group and Greek subsidiary; BT present in UK-focused projects.
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PremiumBT Group Q2 FY20–21
Revenue and profit keep falling in pandemic. COVID-19 creates noise and uncertainty, but BT is pushing its transformation story, asking for patience as stakeholders get twitchy. Openreach a lone bright spot, although Global may be benefitting from long-term recovery strategy. An improved earnings forecast at BT is not expected ...
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Financial & PerformanceOpenreach fibre thrives but volume deal prospects fade
A strong quarter and half-year for the access services business demonstrates building momentum for fibre services in the face of the pandemic. Anticipated long-term volume deals may not materialise, but associated competitive pressure may help BT arguments on the need for a ‘fair bet’ from Ofcom.
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PremiumBT spend: opex coming down, capex still building to peak
Simplified systems are bringing efficiency but lower trading giving an unwanted helping hand. Capex rising, but a sharp decline is anticipated with copper switch-off.
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PremiumBT guidance: EBITDA recovery on horizon, sales rise fainter
Two more years of revenue decline ahead, but EBITDA improving and underpinning investment plans.
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PremiumMargins slip as BT Consumer pursues quality
Another tough COVID-19-impacted quarter but management playing the long game, with a focus on premium services. Network investment continuing as division seeks an uplift from next-generation platforms. BT reputation improving, but weaknesses remain outside core products, necessitating dual-brand approach. Commercial partnerships remain a key strategic element, but hit to ...
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PremiumBT Global braces for more COVID-19 headwinds
Precipitous revenue declines continue for Global as pandemic makes its presence felt, but mitigation measures and ongoing transformation ease the pain on profit levels. Growing underlying strength of division offers hope beyond an anticipated tough second half.
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Network & InfrastructureLowth downplays tower monetisation benefits
BT is continuing to buck the trend of creating TowerCos as it continues to value control over infrastructure assets.
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M&ABT Global wraps up French exit
French infrastructure business bought by IT group said to generate in region of £100m in annual revenue. BT keen to highlight it will maintain a presence in France, with 60 major customers active on the country.
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Network & InfrastructureEricsson joins Nokia in 5G RAN mix
Swedish supplier claims it will handle 50% of EE’s 5G traffic. Vendor stockpiles antennas ahead of Brexit to meet projected UK demand. BT’s Watson talks optimistically about reshaping networks for the future in the absence of Huawei.
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Financial & PerformanceBT cash to take a hit on Brexit and Huexit stockpiling
An improved earnings forecast at BT is not expected to generate more cash as the operator buys up Huawei gear ahead of the 5G ban. Ericsson highlights its own efforts to ensure it can meet BT’s needs in uncertain times ahead.
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Strategy & ChangeBT deploys bot to get top techies talking
“Robotic speed dating” sessions among changes being made in a bid to build better connections within Group’s technology leadership. BT getting creative as it grapples with change agenda.
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Network & InfrastructureBT to parachute 5G onto Irish port
Former BT testbed to experience 5G’s full potential. Industry 4.0 applications to be given get-go in multi-purpose setting. BT adding to its private network portfolio.
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Consumer (B2C)Legacy IT hinders BT Consumer brand meld
Siloed IT for BT, EE, and Plusnet creates cross-selling challenge. Vendor selection process for IT overhaul has been going on four years and is not yet complete.
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Public AffairsTalkTalk stiffens resistance to Openreach network pricing
Alternative network provider is waging an ongoing war with Openreach over wholesale fees.