Europe – Page 146
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica’s Core Markets: Vivo-Claro deal gets checked
Vivo’s RAN-sharing agreement with Claro gets unwanted attention from CADE amid competition concerns.
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PremiumPartner Markets: Vodafone’s scale-up substitute
Federation spanning 46 markets across the globe, with operators in New Zealand, Oman, and eastern Europe among recent adds.
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Innovation (R&D)T-Labs enters quantum realm for AI
Quantum computing in focus for T-Labs and German government. Government-funded PlanKQ project develops quantum-assisted AI platform. T-Labs tests quantum AI use cases, but too soon for business cases.
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M&AGermany mulls selling stake in Deutsche Telekom
Coalition government considers “scaling back” state holdings in various companies, including Deutsche Telekom. Pandemic-induced financial pressures taking their toll.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone centralising national tech functions for Europe platform union
In-country tech leadership to be extracted and taken over by Group, as part of broader, homogenisation-focused regional reorg. Top Group execs in London hope move will address longstanding frustration with fragmentation and bring efficiencies and speed. Some in OpCos might continue to have other ideas…
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Venturing & InvestmentsPayflow banks Wayra backing
Salary-on-demand startup Payflow added €400,000 to its Seed round via a strategic investor trio including Wayra. Wayra family grows but with scaleups now in the crosshairs.
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M&AVodafone’s Read coy on Spanish M&A possibilities
“Pragmatic” Vodafone will “always examine opportunities to enhance and strengthen our business”, says Group Chief Executive.
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Consumer (B2C)Droniq goes B2C as new app takes flight
Deutsche Telekom JV looks to widen customer base with app for drone hobbyists. App provides a visual tool for drone flight validation. Early teething problems highlight the project’s complexity.
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PeopleDeutsche Telekom movers: T-Systems NL CFO exits
Departures include T-Systems Netherlands CFO and Group TV platform development lead. Deutsche Telekom bolsters EU policy efforts. Former Telekom Deutschland boss joins board of telco IT player LotusFlare.
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M&ARumours of Vodafone tie-up with MÁSMÓVIL resurface
But MÁSMÓVIL not necessarily the prey. Renewed media speculation that Spain’s fourth largest operator might acquire Vodafone Spain. Report from Banco Santander says MÁSMÓVIL, under new private equity owners, has the necessary financial clout to pull it off.
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PremiumO2 and Sky test 5G broadcast in live sport event
5G smartphones capture handball Bundesliga action for Sky’s live broadcast.
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PremiumO2 gets in on “grey spot” action with DT and Vodafone
O2 boasts of bilateral site sharing agreements with its rivals that are expected to expand 4G coverage to hundreds of previously underserved rural locations. Agreement reached as German watchdog only approves existing DT and Vodafone grey spot partnership on condition that O2 is brought into the fold.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: ElevenPaths banks growth in Spain
Telefónica Tech’s IoT & Big Data unit tags contract extensions, while ElevenPaths expands its Spanish order book.
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica 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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PremiumElsewhere in Telefónica’s Core Markets: O2 commits to roaming
Regulation relaxed in Spain. O2 commits to roaming. Vivo signs renewables deal.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Group: dev facilities in Catalonia
Support for Spanish as an AI language, research on IoT for agriculture, and applications of technology for social causes explored.
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PeopleSerrahima on the up as Telefónica targets multi brand
As Telefónica aims to make customer experience a key differentiator in its domestic market, Pedro Serrahima, the executive behind O2’s Spanish launch takes charge of the drive. Marisa Urquía also promoted to oversee transformation projects as Executive Chairman Gayo slims down the executive committee.
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Network & InfrastructureCosmote works Ericsson ties for campus network debut
Greek operator enables first 5G campus network, focused on smart-manufacturing. Project sees Ericsson further expand 5G reach within DT. PTC and Gizelis Robotics among solution partners.
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Network & InfrastructureDeutsche Telekom, Samsung team up on standalone 5G
Samsung massive MIMO radio put through its paces in Czech city of Pilsen. Project enables first massive MIMO call on end-to-end 5G architecture within Deutsche Telekom’s European footprint. Tie-up marks another (but still rare) appearance for the South Korean vendor in DT’s orbit.
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Strategy & ChangeBT slims down in Brussels: report
Reports emerge that BT Global Services Belgium is planning to cut its staff by 25%. Market changes and COVID-19 impact cited as key drivers. Asset-light strategy apparently reaching Belgian shores.