Core Markets – Page 10
-
Innovation (R&D)Telefónica taps IDEMIA for quantum-secured SIM pilot
Quantum-safe 5G SIM proof-of-concept showcased for Telefónica’s Spanish customers. Partnership set to expand to consumer eSIM offerings. Operator aims to stay ahead of quantum cyberthreat curve.
-
Operations
Telefónica tightens management focus for Spanish platform play
Previously heralded Industry Verticals unit now up and running as Telefónica implements a more ambitious multi-play strategy. Growing Wholesale business receives dedicated leadership, while regional management will take greater role in supporting B2B sector. Brand manager Serrahima given broader remit to improve customer experience in all sectors.
-
M&A
Vivo eyes convergence options as Oi integration begins
Cross-selling to new Oi customer base a focus for CEO Christian Gebara as migration and integration gets underway, set to be completed in 2023. Synergies of BRL 5.4bn (£870m/€1bn) expected via efficiencies in costs, investments, and integration. Spectrum and mobile site tidy-up due this year, with half of the ...
-
Marketing
Telefónica has a change of plan on convergence
Fusión brand set to be replaced after a decade as totem for Group’s convergence strategy. Move comes with convergent ARPU and acquisition in stall. New service to draw on Group’s prolific recent recruitment of partners such as Microsoft, Prosegur, and Teladoc.
-
Strategy & Change
‘A deliberate ploy’: UK operators face backlash as prices increase
Consumers facing broadband and mobile price hikes question operators’ justifications. Infrastructure investment and heightened demand among the buzzwords, but critics say margins the greater concern. MVNOs come out on top against ‘big four’ in a consumer survey.
-
M&A
Oi sale completed following two-year wait
Consortium featuring Telefónica|Vivo, América Móvil’s Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil concludes BRL 14.5bn deal for Brazilian operator’s mobile assets. Move will bring a “new infrastructural balance” to the market. Initial interest was mooted in March 2020, with Oi having filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Telefónica|Vivo to net 12.5 million ...
-
Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone fibre JV rumours resurface in Germany
UK-headquartered Group reportedly talking to investors. Maximum investment said to be capped at €10bn. Off-balance sheet option wheeled out again.
-
Operations
Vivo refocuses M&A strategy with CVC launch
Vivo Ventures expected to become one of the largest CVCs in Brazil. Plans to invest BRL 320m across a number of startups over the next five years.
-
M&A
Telefónica’s Vilá welcomes merger of rivals in ‘fragmented’ Spanish market
Telefónica COO again questions whether Telefónica should now be seen as a dominant player. Vodafone said to be exploring options for its fixed assets in Spain.
-
Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Spain: Zoom added to Movistar Home
Movistar Prosegur Alarmas revs customer growth; Living Apps expand with Amazon, Twitter, and Zoom among the newcomers.
-
Strategy & Change
Telefónica establishes solar energy JV with Repsol
Creation of 50:50 JV to take advantage of recent surge in energy prices. New venture will target both domestic and business markets.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
O2 tasks Nokia RIC to spot bad behaviour
Near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) to detect unusual behaviour of eleven RAN nodes as part of “learning phase”. Airspan flagged as supplier in open RAN small-cell deployment.
-
Strategy & Change
Telefónica’s Cerdán eyes M&A in Brazil, Germany
Telefónica Tech will also look at moving into markets outside Group footprint. Tech division now has about 4,000 employees. CEO downplays 2019 aims, but highlights unit’s double-digit revenue growth in 2021. No open processes on potential sale of minority stake in division to a financial investor.
-
Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Germany: more 4G sites for ‘grey spots’
Grey area initiative getting active; focus turning onto suppliers in environmental push.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
MATRIXX highlights cloud billing progress
IT architecture overhaul continues at German OB with MATRIXX charging solution, backed by Google Cloud. Limited rollout set to extend across B2B services, adding to a number of recent partnerships.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
O2 recruits Mavenir for cloud automation
Tried and tested partner will implement CI/CD/CT framework at O2 Germany. Operator keen to depart from manual deployments and reduce human error.
-
Network & Infrastructure
O2 reaches five figures on 5G antennas
Antenna simplification has helped speed up pace of installation. More than half of installs use C-Band. OB makes familiar sideswipes at 5G coverage strategies reliant on DSS. Commercial 5G SA launch slated for end-2022, early-2023.
-
Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Brazil: Vivo goes Solar
Vivo opens new solar energy plant; invites 150 staff to participate in DNA in Action CX programme.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
Vivo calls on old friends for “5G-ready” IP transport
Selects Cisco, NEC to build “converged” transport network supporting fixed and wireless traffic. Network slicing capabilities to be part of unified architecture, using segment routing IPv6. Deployment timeframe unclear, but operator under regulatory orders to launch standalone 5G in main cities by August 2022.
-
Financial & Performance
Telefónica FY21: ‘Core Four’ keep playing to strengths
Telefónica|Vivo making headway on digital services and premium propositions. O2 Germany reaping success of investment in network upgrade. Telefónica España defending high-value customers, but wants a TV market rethink. VM O2 focused on fibre to deliver a convergence challenge.
