Europe – Page 106
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Innovation (R&D)Staex: DT spinoff aims to patch up fragmented IoT
Telekom Innovation Labs project on ‘new-generation’ IoT orchestration re-surfaces. New business Staex offers a fresh, decentralised take on running smart-utility and smart-city projects. First external funding secured. Startup sits outside of the DT perimeter but maintains ties with Detecon and T-Mobile.
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Venturing & InvestmentsTelefónica takes stake in deep-tech investment fund
Leadwind, launched between Telefónica and K Fund last year, raises €140m in first closing. Telefónica named largest private backer, with Spanish government’s innovation fund among public support.
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Strategy & ChangeT-Systems readies software development centre in Romania
Enterprise services unit adds new location to global delivery organisation. Laszlo Posset hits the ground running following his recent move from T-Systems ICT India.
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PeopleVodafone Germany names new CEO as Ametsreiter confirms exit
Hannes Ametsreiter to pursue private investment career from July, when Microsoft’s Philippe Rogge will take the Vodafone Germany helm. Rogge, President for Central & Eastern Europe at Microsoft, chosen for his “pan-European strategy”, says Group CEO Nick Read.
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Public AffairsUkrainian networks restored as Vodafone redoubles war efforts
Chernihiv and Kyiv networks back online as Vodafone Ukraine engineers continue work to ensure communications for citizens. Relief effort supported by Vodafone customer donations.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone fibre JV rumours resurface in Germany
UK-headquartered Group reportedly talking to investors. Maximum investment said to be capped at €10bn. Off-balance sheet option wheeled out again.
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PremiumTelefónica people moves: advisory swaps at Tech
Telefónica Tech adds Jaime Bergel and Eva Fernández to its Advisory Board, taking membership to 14. New operations lead added to Technology functions in Brazil and Germany. Jaime Smith Basterra replaces long-serving Telefónica non-executive Peter Erskine on the O2 Germany Supervisory Board. VM O2 commits to establishing a FinOps ...
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M&ADT hoping for speedy resolution amid ‘multiple’ tower bids
Future of Deutsche Funkturm to be determined following bids from various parties, with American Tower, Cellnex, KKR, and Vantage Towers all named. DT apparently keen to seal a deal sooner rather than later. Despite previous intent to complete full sale, minority option remains “attractive”.
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PremiumEU backlash over BT nod to manage TESTA
EU-headquartered telcos reportedly up in arms over Commission’s preference for BT to manage pan-European backbone network for exchange of sensitive data. EC suspends signature of £1bn TESTA framework contract pending review of concerns raised.
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Strategy & ChangeDT’s Greek epic: 50% OTE ownership marker in sight
DT’s stake in Greek incumbent continues to inch upwards. Albeit recently a passive development, driven by OTE corporate treasury activity, the development chimes with numerous recent signals by Group management of its commitment to Greece and willingness to raise investment. DT’s third largest market.
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PeopleVictus Networks names new CEO
Ericsson’s Antonios Chondros takes the helm at Vodafone Greece’s network sharing joint venture with WIND Hellas. Chondros replaces Dionysis Grigoratos, who departed in February to join New SIA Greece.
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Public Affairseir takes BT to court for NI public sector bid
Irish incumbent seeks compensation for long-running dispute regarding NI PSSN contract. Public sector IT services deal, won by BT in 2018, said to be worth up to £400m.
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PremiumEE to use spectrum aggregation for 5G network rollout
Operator taps Qualcomm for ‘Europe’s first’ aggregated spectrum 5G network. Set to roll out in major cities within a year, but take-up of compatible devices remains low.
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M&ATelefónica’s Vilá welcomes merger of rivals in ‘fragmented’ Spanish market
Telefónica COO again questions whether Telefónica should now be seen as a dominant player. Vodafone said to be exploring options for its fixed assets in Spain.
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PremiumDeutsche Telekom people moves: Appel takes chairmanship
New Chairman Appel confirmed despite shareholder criticisms. Europe’s Leroy completes management team with B2B Growth appointment. Magenta TV boss Schuld leaves the Group, with interim replacement in line. Makedonski Telekom’s CTIO Jovanović exits.
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People“Stability and continuity” key as Al-Saleh extends T-Systems stay
Chief Executive agrees to continue leading the business until at least 2027. Will guide T-Systems through “the next phase” following four-year transitional period.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: contractors chosen for refurbs
Constructions crews named for Better Workplace refurb in Belfast and Glasgow.
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PeopleTelefónica-backed content studio renews board
Buendía Estudios elects Gayo Chair, with equal representation from Telefónica and co-parent Atresmedia. Telefónica influence through Movistar’s Oslé, Movistar Plus+’s Burzako, and HQ’s Navarro.
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Public AffairsIndustrial action inbound as union rejects biggest BT pay rise in 20 years
Communication Workers Union rebuffs improved offer of a £1,500 flat rise for 58,000 employees. Union states it will take BT’s management “to a place they’ve never been before” as it prepares for a statutory industrial action ballot. BT believes its rates “compare well” against competitors.
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OperationsCost-cutter and digitiser _VOIS: Vodafone’s agent of change lands in three new Local Markets
Vodafone Intelligent Solutions said to have created new bases in Albania, Turkey, and the UK. Group’s long-term centralisation efforts netted over €1.2bn in savings in the three years to March 2021.