Core Markets – Page 32
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OperationsVivo to begin sunsetting 2G this year
Brazilian operator says cogs starting to move in convoluted 2019 network-sharing tie-up with rival TIM. Switch to a single shared grid set to move beyond pilot phase, enabling operators to begin re-farming 2G frequencies.
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PremiumTelefónica Deutschland extends Haas deal
Markus Haas will remain as CEO until the end of 2025, stretching his stay at the company to 24 years across various roles. Telefónica Deutschland cites Haas’ successful execution of “ambitious plans” as key reason behind extension.
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Products & ServicesMovistar to ‘reinforce’ Fusión bundles in defensive play
Spanish operator mulls adding adjacent services such as health and alarms to bundles. High-profile Fusión brand could be dropped.
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Content & TVTelefónica ally Atresmedia enters Movistar Plus+ fray
Spanish media group reportedly interested in buying part of Movistar Plus+. Move pits Atresmedia against Vivendi, which is also seeking to build up Spanish media assets. Telefónica taking advice as pressure mounts on pay-TV business in Spain.
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Partnerships & AlliancesVivo gets ball rolling on Ânima learning JV
Brazilian operator’s Board clears path to creation of new company focused on digital courses. Vivo confirms 50:50 split with partner Ânima Educação. Some bureaucratic hurdles still to overcome.
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Partnerships & AlliancesTelefónica deepens Oracle on-prem cloud ties in Spain
Operator unveiled as host partner for Oracle Cloud Madrid Region. Highlights (again) importance of using in-country data centres to ensure compliance with national data sovereignty regs and help business continuity. Telefónica Tech to offer Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services and boost PaaS offering.
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M&ATelefónica mulls Movistar Plus+ options as Vivendi circles
Vivendi reportedly interested in buying part of Movistar Plus+. French media group seeking approval to increase Prisa stake to 29.9%. Telefónica seeking advice as pay-TV customers drain away in Spain.
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M&AOi mobile sale hits another road bump
Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) representative at antitrust regulator CADE gives thumbs down to proposed sale of Oi Group’s mobile assets to Telefónica|Vivo, Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil. Non-binding decision cites competition concerns and recommends “administrative proceedings” to investigate collusion among trio to exclude other interested companies. Oi says ...
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PremiumElsewhere in Spain: Movistar retail staff in line for pay rise
Unions negotiate 1% salary increase for Movistar retail staff; retail revamp continues with five new stores; Telefónica is discussions with DAZN for remaining La Liga matches.
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PremiumTelefónica people moves: Colombian fibre JV names leadership
Telefónica Colombia’s fibre-building joint venture with KKR launches with a familiar top-team. Collaborative initiatives see Group execs take board seats at GSMA and IndesIA. VM O2 continues to make sweeping changes to senior leadership, with former O2 UK execs Bailey and Soto finding new roles elsewhere.
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PremiumMovistar refreshes ad agency line-up
Operator is seeking new go-to-market strategy for diversified portfolio.
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PremiumTelefónica renews Netflix deal
Extension maintains Netflix content on Movistar’s pay-TV platform in Spain.
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PremiumHaas wants extension of spectrum usage rights
O2 Germany CEO says BNetZA must “promptly” extend duration of 800MHz, 1,800MHz, and 2.6GHz licence concession beyond 2025. Deems nationwide 5G coverage “achievable” by 2025 at the latest, but calls for less bureaucracy to speed up expansion.
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PremiumElsewhere in Brazil: Vivo signs solar deal with Helexia
Group makes customer satisfaction pledge; Vivo ramps up solar project.
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PremiumOi mobile sale gets pass, just
Regulators give green light to contentious carve-up of Oi Group’s mobile assets between Vivo, Claro, and TIM. However, Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office to probe how sale was conducted. Prosecutor cites competition concerns and recommends “administrative proceedings” to investigate collusion among trio to exclude other interested companies. Oi claims sell-off ...
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Network & InfraVM O2 seeks partners for £1bn fibre rollout
Telefónica and Liberty Global said to be contacting investors soon. Move would underpin aim to turn JV into “national fixed–mobile champion” to rival BT. Reports say VM O2 wants to bring fibre to seven million extra homes.
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Content & TVTelefónica eyeing new industrial partners for Movistar+
Early-stage consideration reportedly underway on partnership that would see Telefónica bring in new investor for domestic pay-TV platform and international production interests. North American Spanish-language media merger may provide template for closer links between platforms and content. Movistar+ rebranding underway to further differentiate service from core offerings.
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M&ARegulator approves Oi sale
Decision confirmed, subject to conditions, after Brazilian regulator Anatel postponed ruling last week. A board member had asked for additional time to review sale to a consortium featuring Telefónica|Vivo, Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil. Final approval still required from competition authority CADE.
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Public AffairsTelefónica handed EC fine for Brazilian non-compete deal
Decade-long proceedings close with Telefónica — along with Pharol — ordered to hand over €79m for antitrust breach. European Commission findings upheld despite yo-yoing, with final charge held for Telefónica and down slightly for Pharol.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica e-learning unit rehoused to target enterprise
Telefónica Educación Digital moves under Group’s Filiales unit, alongside the likes of the Prosegur Alarmas JV and retail manager Telyco. Reorganisation said to benefit business’s enterprise ambitions. Digital education solutions and services cropping up across Telefónica’s Spanish operation.