EMEA Tier-1 Telcos – Page 145
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Operations
Indus Towers said to firm up IT systems rework
TowerCo CEO flags progress in pursuit of post-merger synergies. “Indus team” completes IT systems integration, meaning management of 180,000+ site portfolio falls under one roof.
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Strategy & Change
VM O2 preps for wholesale with code powers application
Concerns over securing acceptable commercial terms for key sites on VM O2 network behind request for additional tenancy rights. Code-based flexibility will simplify the process of enabling wholesale access to sites, while supporting potential network expansion.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Safaricom’s tax hike response
Safaricom responds to excise tax hike; M-PESA management rejig reaches Lesotho; change at top of Xlink.
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Premium
DT adds RingCentral to video collaboration portfolio
Telekom Deutschland offers more video options for businesses. Expanded portfolio includes Cisco, Microsoft, RingCentral, and Zoom.
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Premium
German partners target Dutch digital expansion
SAP, Siemens, and T-Systems look to increasing collaboration as a catalyst for Dutch digital transformation efforts. Trio to come together in trust-based innovation pact with the hope of enabling improved supply chain operations.
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M&A
Vodafone Italy hands highways infra to INWIT JV
OpCo’s divestment bulks-up INWIT portfolio, as TowerCo continues spending spree. INWIT to equip portion of new assets with IoT capabilities in “smart road” drive. Acquisition expected to be green-lighted before end-2021.
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M&A
Vivo open to fibre M&A via new FiBrasil JV
CEO Christian Gebara signals interest if the price and quality is right. Brazilian fibre market becoming increasingly competitive.
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M&A
Cancom joins Telefónica Tech stable
Telefónica Tech picks up cloud and security specialist Cancom, as the Group’s growth-oriented technology division targets a strengthened UK presence. Move appears enabled by compete parameters in Virgin Media–Telefónica UK shareholders’ agreement.
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Partnerships & Alliances
BT wants a billion pounds “minimum” from Microsoft deal
Microsoft beefs up its position within BT’s enterprise ecosystem with formation of an updated strategic partnership. BT aiming for a nine-figure revenue target from “complicated”, “big” deal. Software giant separately acquires BT spend-tracking partner Suplari.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone eyes corporates with Unisys tie-up
Group launches Digital Factory, offering digitalisation support and integration services for AR/VR, big data, blockchain, edge compute, and IoT. Move chimes with Business:2025 growth strategy.
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Venturing & Investments
Wayra buys into sustainable energy startup Solum
Open Future-accelerated Solum adds Wayra cash to funding pot. Embryonic startup to initiate recruitment drive and go-to-market expansion strategy. Move builds on existing relationship with Telefónica.
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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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Network & Infra
European Aviation Network charts 5G NSA flightpath
5G NR backwards compatibility with existing Evolved Packet Core main attraction over standalone variant. Allows EAN to simultaneously support existing aircraft fleets using 4G, and 5G fleets when onboard equipment becomes available.
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People
Ahuja resigns Vodafone directorship
Telecom veteran departs Group Board, citing commitments elsewhere. High-profile resignation comes on eve of Vodafone AGM, with Olaf Swantee set to be sworn in.
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Network & Infra
Joosub fears Telkom will put spanner in SA spectrum works
Vodacom CEO hopeful that operator dialogue with ICASA can solve impasse on 4G/5G spectrum. However, Joosub thinks Telkom has a propensity to “delay or play games”.
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Strategy & Change
BT Global shuts down Kuwait HQ
Division’s rationalisation of Middle Eastern footprint continues as Group confirms closure of Kuwaiti facilities. Residual presence in country — and region — maintained via new reseller alliance with Ooredoo.
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Premium
VM O2 bites bullet and pledges fibre future
A future upgrade of VM O2 fixed infrastructure will see coaxial cable edged out and fibre deployed throughout the operator’s footprint. Switching to XGSPON instead of DOCSIS 4.0 pricy, but manageable within modest budgets and with multiple longer term benefits. Pragmatic approach to fibre is partly driven by the ...
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Innovation
BT explores metamaterials for future networks
Researchers delve into new materials for smarter, greener wireless tech. Metasurfaces applied for better signal propagation and performance. Operator planning to increase investment in materials R&D.
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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.