All Enrique Blanco articles
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica preps new venture for programmable networks
Operator creates new brand to invest in making programming networks more efficient.
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Events
Fÿuz 2022: Metaverse-grade networks are revolutionary
Rakuten’s Amin shows the way; Orange and Telefónica on the case.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica taps Telesat for 5G orbit launch
US satellite operator Telesat joins Telefónica for 5G LEO trial. Non‑terrestrial 5G seen to be nearing fibre connectivity, with “compelling value proposition” for broader rollout.
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Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica ‘learns lessons’ as open RAN plan scaled back
Spanish group looks to have reined back on flagship ‘50%’ target for open RAN rollout.
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Partnerships & Alliances
O2 tasks Nokia RIC to spot bad behaviour
Near-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) to detect unusual behaviour of eleven RAN nodes as part of “learning phase”. Airspan flagged as supplier in open RAN small-cell deployment.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica lays out circular economy plans
Group pledges zero waste to landfill and refurb of 500,000 mobile phones by 2030. Backed by MAIA equipment reuse platform. Plans follow GSMA call to action for telecoms sector.
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Network & Infrastructure
O2 Germany starts small cell open RAN rollout
Two minicells activated in Munich; more to follow. Deployment intended as “model project” that can be replicated in other cities. Initial aim is to complement macro 4G network with extra capacity; 5G open RAN minicells in pipeline.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica explores rural solutions with solar plane startup Skydweller
Collaboration targets disaster relief and deep-rural areas.
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Network & Infrastructure
NEC solidifies SI position in Telefónica’s open RAN push
Japan-based vendor to coordinate live trials in four key markets. German open RAN trial seen as springboard for NEC’s leap into wider Group sphere.
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Strategy & Change
Evans elevated to lead Telefónica’s digital strategy
Former O2 UK CEO takes a step up the Group management ladder after missing out on role as head of merged UK JV. Potential for pivotal digital double act with Chema Alonso bringing innovation expertise to be harnessed by Evans’ commercial nous. Navarro remains as key adviser to Chairman, ...
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M&A
Rakuten acquires Telefónica open RAN investment
Rakuten to acquire Altiostar, Telefónica minority investment and “partner of choice”. Telefónica relationship with the US-based open RAN specialist extends beyond stake holding, with collaboration in network development and deployment in Europe and Latin America.
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Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica Argentina taps IBM for open RAN trial
Proof of concept open RAN network led by IBM as systems integrator. Movistar test network adds to Group trials in Germany and the UK. IBM plants open RAN flag in Spain with new Centre of Excellence.
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Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica joins European peers in open RAN push
Signs MoU with Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Vodafone. Aim is to generate greater economies of scale for smaller suppliers through common procurement parameters. Lobbying European governments for open RAN funding high on the agenda. Telefónica makes open RAN advances in Germany, UK.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Group: Living Apps winners and Movistar's solar business
Winners selected for Living Apps partnership and Restarting Together coronavirus recovery project; Movistar launches new subscription solar panel business.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica gives OOPT some oomph in latest TIP update
Group closely involved in new OOPT transport initiatives, including OpenBNG and MUST. Telefónica champions Solution Groups, which aligns with Blanco’s focus on “end-to-end” virtualised architectures. Vodafone leads way, however, in sourcing ‘open’ radio hardware suppliers.
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Suppliers & SCM
Ezentis expands Telefónica tie up to FTTP automation
Another relationship expansion for long-standing infrastructure partner Ezentis. Automated FTTH platform added to work for Telefónica. Ezentis keeps up decade-long contract renewal rhythm.
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Network & Infrastructure
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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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica aims to jump-start OpenRAN with Rakuten
Group taps Japanese operator’s know-how in virtualised networks through MoU. Implied suggestion that TIP collaboration not moving fast enough for commercial “end-to-end” deployment of open RAN architectures.
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Network & Infrastructure
Internet Para Todos breaks more ground on open RAN trail
Venture has target of reaching 13,000 rural communities in Peru by end of 2020. Telefónica now has sights set on deploying thousands of open RAN nodes in “core markets”.
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Network & Infrastructure
Pompeo declares Álvarez-Pallete a US 5G ally
Statements from US Secretary of State on Telefónica intentions appears to contradict ongoing Group commitments to working with Huawei.
