EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 242
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Network & Infrastructure
O2 Germany launches 5G as Merkel looks to quash Huawei ban
Likening the launch to German reunification, O2 is delivering 5G in five cities from October on €40-per-month tariffs. NSA launch paving way for more ambitious plans. Media reports suggest Chancellor Angela Merkel will not ban O2 5G partner Huawei, although political resistance remains, and O2 is readying a back-up ...
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Partnerships & Alliances
Strict daily regime powered SAP–T-Systems corona app tie-up
Corona-Warn-App downloaded more than 18 million times in Germany. Project conducted with ruthless efficiency and met initial target. Next steps being planned: app to be rolled out in ten more countries, and T-Systems focusing on ways to grow overall impact.
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M&A
Vodacom in talks to buy SA fibre networks — report
Potential acquisition of Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa would meet Vodacom need for fibre network assets.
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Innovation (R&D)
BT, O2 underpin West Mids 5G transport management projects
BT and O2 involved with projects mapping traffic, congestion, and infrastructure. Other projects focus on passengers, pedestrians, tourists, and parking. WM5G allocates £2.4m to seven project consortia; £2.5m for next round.
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Partnerships & Alliances
O2 supports green initiative in Thames Valley
O2 UK helps fund smart city deployment for greener networks drive. ADEPT’s Live Labs project small-scale, but with broader ambition.
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Premium
Telefónica racing from nought to 75% on Spanish 5G
After keeping its powder dry, Telefónica is aiming for a rapid 5G rollout to support its ‘digital compact’ commitments to ultrafast connectivity. Ericsson and Nokia are providing the RAN for the NSA iteration of 5G, with a glidepath apparently ready for future standalone services. 3G expected to be shut ...
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Premium
O2 bill prompts Drillisch profits warning
MVNO Drillisch is continuing to hit roadblocks, and get battered on costs, as O2 and the other German operators play hardball on contract terms.
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People
Former BT exec Hanif Lalani stripped of OBE
Lalani’s last BT role was CEO of BT Global Services. He was fined €1.5m by France’s stock market watchdog in 2012.
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M&A
Fries and Álvarez-Pallete: two minds on UK JV
While Telefónica and Liberty said to be on same page on O2–Virgin Media integration, respective chiefs hinted at varying concerns and strategic priorities linked to the progress of the JV.
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Network & Infrastructure
Happy campus: German industry embracing private 5G
5G local frequency allocations almost doubled in five months, to 74 organisations. Vodafone first rebuffed, now riding bandwagon with RedBox. Over 47% of identified allocations have gone to IT/network service and technology providers, including Huawei.
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Public Affairs
Vodacom’s Congo CFO gets out of jail
Chutoo endures four-day stint behind bars. CFO reportedly quizzed on allegations of “forgery” and “falsification of financial statements”; but no formal charges. Vodacom DRC expresses surprise.
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Partnerships & Alliances
BT, Microshare smarten up London hospital
BT sticking with LoRa as a an LPWAN option as it promotes the onsite efficiency gains for organisations using IoT private networks. First known partnership between BT and Microsoft-supported IoT startup Microshare.
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Premium
O2 building virtual core with AWS, Ericsson as 5G debuts
Virtualised network core based on AWS public cloud infrastructure; Ericsson’s cloud-native 5G functions. OpCo aims to delivering “new industry solutions” securely and quickly, with Mercedes already deploying a 5G campus network. PoCs with selected partners underway; commercial availability slated for 2021. Group gears up for RAN virtualisation in Germany, ...
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Premium
Anatel revives fines-for-investment swaps
Brazilian regulator finally agrees first Conduct Adjustment Agreement with TIM, enabling operators to swap fines for investment commitments.
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M&A
Vivo and co. secure stalking horse status on Oi
As the collective preferred buyer, Vivo, TIM, and Claro are confident they are in a position to outbid any rival interest in Oi’s mobile business. With a €2.6bn offer on the table, Vivo is highlighting the boost in investment in ultrafast networks that would be enabled by Oi’s windfall ...
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Premium
Elsewhere at Telefónica Infra-Tech: ElevenPath growth and cybersecurity prominence
ElevenPaths busy on portfolio expansion as Telefónica Tech ups cybersecurity game. German tower transfer to Telxius begins in earnest.
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Premium
Elsewhere at Telefónica Group: Open Future adds 50+ startups in Argentina
Comtech delivers location technology, startups rounded up in Argentina.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Europe: Deutsche Telekom opens new data centres
Data centre inauguration in Romania and a banking break-up in Poland.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Systems Solutions: T-Systems flags Iberian, Dutch partnerships
Fortinet and SpecPage grow T-Systems relationships; division bags another airport win.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Germany: Deutsche Telekom rebuffs BNetzA
TDE has pushback from BNetzA and Bundeskartellamt on competition flashpoints. 1&1 Drillisch calls in backup in roaming talks.