Core Markets – Page 31
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Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica moots public cloud role for 5G core
Public cloud among the options for standalone 5G core, although reluctance to entrust fundamental functionality with a thirdparty, and current technological shortcomings, may keep the prospect theoretical.
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Operations
Four-day weeks and home working at Telefónica
“Avant-garde” union deal writes in provisions for permanent hybrid working for 15,000 employees. Four-day week pilot promised for volunteer employees, with an accompanying drop in pay. 1% salary increase also flagged.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Core Markets: CADE approves Vivo-Claro network-sharing agreement
Network sharing cleared with Claro in Brazil; 5G MVNO nears in Germany; Aviva joins Project Darwin CAV research.
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Premium
Telefónica people moves: Prautzsch takes helm at German FibreCo
Telefónica Infra’s fibre JV with Allianz fills out management positions, drawing on Telefónica insiders. Ayucar and Martínez take CTO roles in the Digital Consumer & Data Office. Vivo rotates Operations and Wholesale leadership.
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Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica España sticks by Ericsson, Nokia for ‘real’ 5G
Scandinavian duo reportedly selected for 5G SA rollout. No real surprise as Ericsson, Nokia already ensconced in 5G NSA RAN. Spanish government offers sweeteners for rescheduled 700MHz spectrum sale.
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Vendor Voice
Blue Planet urges operators to take the digital leap
In interviews with Telefónicawatch, senior figures at Blue Planet discussed learnings from the vendor’s journey towards the digitalisation of services by carriers. Standards provide vital safety net as industry digitalises incrementally and telcos must act collectively to establish a vision. Old thinking on customer relationships and procurement cause friction. ...
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Premium
Vivo assembles partners for 5G core
Brazilian operating business appears to be pinning down vendors for its 5G standalone network, although Huawei’s role in the country remains unclear.
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M&A
In detail: Liberty and Telefónica’s VM-O2 pre-nup
Three-year wait expected before a potential IPO of new joint venture, while both parties expected to remain involved in the business for at least five years. Telefónica reserving its right to go it alone in UK on IoT, cloud, and cybersecurity services. Liberty to get a board presence at ...
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Strategy & Change
Movistar reboots investment unit for expansion
Telefónica’s audio-visual management company Contenidos has been repurposed as Telefónica España Filiales. New unit takes on a broader remit in apparent bid to grow its portfolio, moving away from multimedia focus. Holdings mapped out, with some recent changes.
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Public Affairs
National court backs Telefónica over Canal+ deal
Audiencia Nacional rejects claims made by Vodafone Spain and others that 2015 DTS acquisition impedes competition. Expresses confidence in regulator CMMC to monitor pay TV market.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica brings insurance unit closer to home
Telefónica Seguros, the Group’s insurance subsidiary, moves from Luxembourg to Spain as its remit expands. Cybersecurity and digital insurance niche increasingly a focus.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vivo to build telemedicine presence with Teladoc
Teladoc Health partners with a second Telefónica core market to launch Vivo’s telemedicine and wellness platform. E-health proposition marks another step into a “digital ecosystem” for Vivo. Brazilian JV on the cards, if results go the right way.
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Partnerships & Alliances
O2 adopts ‘conversational’ AI-based platform
Operator purchases three-year licence, with AI tech set to support long-term aim of becoming CX “champion”.
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Suppliers & SCM
Nokia supplies “final piece” in Spain’s IP Fusión jigsaw
Telefónica España apparently on home straight to complete “end-to-end” IP network transformation. Latest Nokia kit deployment aimed at extending 5G, FTTH coverage to rural and remote areas.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Core markets: Zalaris banks payroll contract
Payroll contract awarded in Germany; Vivo hones in on financial services, cybersecurity takes off in Spain.
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Premium
Q1 FY21: final coronavirus quarter packs a punch
Spain and Germany OBs stabilise as first wave of coronavirus shocks works its way through results. Vivo displaying underlying strength, but currency fluctuations continue to turn positives to negative. With strong returns on falling revenue O2 UK bows out as a ‘core four’ market Hispam edges back into the ...
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Premium
O2 Germany updates on turbo-charged 5G
Doubles the number of cities with 5G to around 60 in space of six weeks. Launches standalone 5G core in Munich; nationwide deployment slated for summer 2021. 5G carrier aggregation sees lift-off in Munich.
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Products & Services
Movistar Game shaping up to be Telefónica’s cloud gaming bet
Cloud gaming project has its roots in a 2018 Innovation Call and is said to be in the ‘prototyping phase’. Ludico is internal code name for all gaming activities at the Group.
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Network & Infrastructure
Frosty O2 and Drillisch finalise roaming deal
A new commercial arrangement with current MVNO landlord O2 Germany should enable the United Internet mobile player to forge ahead with plans for a 5G network. O2 aims to use the “significant proceeds” of the contract to accelerate its network expansion. Described neutrally as a reset of their relationship, ...
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M&A
Telefónica seeks buyers for logistics unit Zeleris — report
Telefónica España distribution and logistics subsidiary reportedly on the market with a €100m price tag. EY on board to push for a sale as divestment strategy continues across the Group.