EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 233
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PremiumOutlook: Cash is king
Telefónica appears just about on track to meet guidance on operating cash flow during this uncertain year. The weak share price is adding to worries on debt, but generating more free cash flow is the Group’s preferred response to pressure. Management tight-lipped on future dividend payments.
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Financial & PerformanceTelefónica Group Q3 FY20
Worries persist about Group debt, a tanking share price, and continued exposure to troubled LatAm markets, but Telefónica insists that €100bn of assets on the balance sheet that could be monetised should calm nerves. “Double dip” challenge of pandemic and FX fluctuations acknowledged by management, but Group positioned as ...
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Partnerships & AlliancesDrillisch soldiers on with roaming talks
Prospective MNO confirms it is seeking one national roaming agreement. DT’s Höttges questions whether potential rival is serious about building its own 5G network. Talks with Telefónica described as ‘constructive’.
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Strategy & ChangeJansen floats potential for Openreach stake sale
“Open-minded” Jansen may see an Openreach stake sale as a way to relieve pressure on investor demands for a quicker transformation. While CEO’s tone more positive on an asset sale, the challenges of extricating elements of the Group for a sell-off may limit options.
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom still keen on Ethiopia entry
Safaricom blocked from operating fintech service in Ethiopia, potentially making case for entry shakier, but operator reaffirms Ethiopian commitment and intention to enter bidding war. ECA offers spectrum auction update, amid escalating regional conflict.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica's core markets: Oi sights rescue party; O2 hits 4G targets
Path for Oi acquisition clears; German 4G catch-up continues; O2 UK picks up EE spectrum.
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PeopleVi’s Vora joins Mavenir leadership
Former Vi CTO Vishant Vora appointed executive President at Mavenir. Helping open RAN pioneer build out 5G proposition. Troubled Vi left to fight its own fires.
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Products & ServicesTelefónica|Vivo gearing up for Disney+ launch
Vivo melding OTT service with three separate payment plans from mid-November 2020. OTT market spiking, with operator attempting to keep pace.
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Venturing & InvestmentsNew Wayra investment targeting AI at self-checkout snags
Longstanding Group partner leads investment round in AI-powered checkout solution player Proppos. Food tech-focused startup has designs on international expansion.
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Public AffairsTelefónica Peru defends new city unit amid Twitter storm
Caught in political cross-fire, Peruvian operating business fends off flak over award of telecoms concession.
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Innovation (R&D)Telefónica-backed vehicle-testing lab flags new intake
V2X lab being put to use, with startups testing LiDAR, AI, and blockchain-based solutions in the hope of accelerating path to market. Telco affiliation part of five-strong cohort.
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Public AffairsDeutsche Telekom exec blames regulators for “miserable state” of European market
VP of European Affairs launches no-holds-barred attack; wants regulation to be “enabling” rather than “value-destructing”. Exec calls for rethink on spectrum auctions, wholesale roaming, and mobile termination rates.
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Enterprise (B2B)Alpha spin-out Koa Health goes independent with cash injection
Financial weight put behind e-health solutions provider. Startup emerges out of the wreckage of Innovación Alpha ‘Moonshot’ programme that otherwise failed to fire.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Group: Prisa stake options mooted
Prisa stake potentially in play; Cisco trumpets Telefónica sell-with relationship; next stop USA for content?
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Venturing & InvestmentsSeed investment planted in BT procurement partner Paid
Multi-source investment boosts fintech solutions provider. Clear upward trajectory since its infancy, as Group CPO waxes lyrical about Paid solutions, amid recent macroeconomic turmoil.
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Network & InfrastructureDeutsche Telekom takes rain-check on full-fibre target
Rethink on mix of German next-gen deployment will see Group need a year more than expected to get up to full roll out speed.
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Products & ServicesT-Systems re-morphs movement data analytics biz
Deutsche Telekom shuttered subsidiary Motionlogic in May, and has now added Motion Data products and services to IoT portfolio.
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Suppliers & SCMBT procurement relocating to Dublin
Group CPO Pourrat energising procurement transformation with a new standalone business. Move to Dublin officially linked to city’s Big Tech hub, but Brexit bridge may also prove useful. White-collar union Prospect “dismayed” by the plans.
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: the startups to watch
Five standout startups driving UK 5G innovation. UK government helping underwrite. Regional initiatives open floor to smaller operators (MNOs in the wings).
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone looks to unlock Spanish home security market
Vodafone Spain looks to mimic Telefónica success with entrance into connected-security market. Strategic agreement with market leader Securitas Direct picks up pieces of latter’s former relationship with incumbent rival. Deal announced after Telefónica and Prosegur’s JV highlights strong customer acquisition since launch earlier in 2020.