Innovation and R&D
All the latest news, insight and analysis regarding the latest innovations and research and development initiatives by BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Vodafone Spain CEO talks up transformation
Vodafone hones in-house IT skills and organises into squads. Share progress on building up platforms and scale. As transformation continues at pace, Vodafone Spain downsizes.
T-Labs and TMUS scoping out immersive shopper tech
Group R&D arm and US NatCo open applications for T‑Challenge 2022. Focus on retail vertical, with telco keen to enhance post‑COVID experiences for those shopping at home and in‑store. Scheme offering share of €600,000 prize pot.
BT wants 6G to solve real-world problems
Senior BT execs say new technology should respond to consumer, industry needs. No appetite for a “step change” in radio; 5G backwards compatibility a must. Coverage, reliability more promising areas for 6G improvement than peak data rates.
Froment-Curtil highlights TOBi’s expanding role amid digital focus
TOBi now present in 15 Vodafone markets, although maturity of deployments varies. Aim is for TOBi to take over 100% of inbound conversations and limited sales transactions. Froment‑Curtil sets out his stall as Group CCO.
Vodafone seeks in-house ‘unicorns’ as part of platforms push
New startup innovation division established, with Group veteran Jorge Bento appointed Director.
Wayra adds e-sports brains to portfolio with Wiper buy-in
Wayra Family unit makes co‑investment in Spanish ed‑tech platform developer Wiper Gaming. Investment likely to be in line with previously mooted “up‑to‑€2m” commitment.
BT establishes new digital health unit
Group recruiting for newly formed Digital Healthcare division. Unit to develop e‑health startup ecosystem, with provision of path‑to‑market options. ‘BT Incubation’ revealed as working title for broader tech accelerator branch.
DT’s hubraum buys into in-building player PHYTunes
In‑building coverage solutions specialist secures funding from hubraum.
BT likes NANF hollow core fibre, but work still to do
Senior BT researchers optimistic about multiple use-cases for Lumenisity’s hollow fibre, but commercial timeframes unclear. “Reams and reams of data” still need to be pored over as part of due diligence process. BT confident, however, that Lumenisity has reached the point of producing “duct‑deployable” HCF cable.
BT ties with Sweden’s Skydome on emergency response
VR leveraged by embryonic Skydome for incident monitoring purposes. Startup’s R&D partners include Intel. Potential for deployment at BT’s network of smart ports.
Wayra UK sets up fundraising support initiative
UK incubator leans on expertise of outside consultancy to launch Wayraise scheme. Mountside helping ensure Wayra businesses are “investor-ready” and works to facilitate greater flow of VC into startup ecosystem.