Core Markets – Page 34
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica’s Rao hails bold approach to customer tech refresh
CTIO highlights ‘co-creation’ role played by partners such as Salesforce.
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M&A
Vivo set for a longer wait as CADE rules Oi deal is complex
Regulator to take its time to examine Oi divestment in detail. Decision confirms fears that closure will likely take place in 2022. Suggestion raised that deal could even be rejected.
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Products & Services
Movistar+ sets stage for aggregator play in Spain
New CEO Cristina Burzako restructures and refocuses strategy. Focus tightening on partnerships and customer experience, but original content and exclusive sport remain important differentiators. Amidst Movistar+ revamp, Telefónica faces big decisions and bigger bills for content rights.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Movistar gives fitness startup Volava distribution leg up
Wayra interest Volava taps into Spanish OB’s customer base, with flexible payment options for its hardware. Movistar raises possibility that early-stage link-up could be expanded upon, as startup pounces on COVID-19-spurred exercising-at-home trend.
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Network & Infrastructure
German MNOs face “Herculean” flood recovery projects
O2, Telekom Deutschland, and Vodafone make headway in respective network restoration efforts after flash floods take out networks. Portable base stations plugging gaps left by damaged fibre.
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Suppliers & SCM
Telefónica says continuity vital in 5G SA supplier selection
Operator confirms longstanding network partners Ericsson and Nokia as 5G SA radio suppliers. CTIO claims provider has the “best technology partners” that can help develop 5G “at the highest level of quality”.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica ties with KKR again on Colombian fibre InfraCo
FTTH InfraCos spun out in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia this month. Latest agreement with KKR sets up InfraCo in Colombia. Chilean fibre venture with KKR finalised. FiBrasil infrastructure company launched in Brazil. InfraCo model lightens capital investment intensity for Telefónica.
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Premium
Telefónica people moves: rivals join O2 Germany
O2 Germany draws in talent from rivals Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone. Infra adds partnerships lead with M&A know-how. VM–O2 firms up networks and technology leadership. Martinez takes Di Meo’s old CIO spot at Movistar Argentina.
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Premium
Vodafone said to be mulling cable network’s future
Telefónica and Onivia Networks are said to have approached Vodafone with competing solutions to tempt it to move away from HFC technology.
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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.