Europe
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Innovation (R&D)Vodafone connected mobility platform nears launch
Road safety‑focused V2X platform STEP set for early‑2022 commercial launch. Vodafone drives connectivity via edge network, with HERE and Porsche among a stable of partners.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone CEO open to fibre JVs in Germany
Read exploring off‑balance sheet financing and infrastructure partnerships to meet FTTP demand. Retains the love for HFC, however; believes network upgrades across cable footprint will meet consumers’ broadband requirements for some time yet. Della Valle pointedly notes that mid‑term capex fixed guidance does not include FTTP buildouts.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vantage states ‘clear interest’ in Cornerstone buyout
Vodafone’s European TowerCo eyes opportunities in Netherlands and UK as partners Liberty and Telefónica look to cash in on wireless infrastructure assets. Strategic tie‑up between Vantage and another MNO TowerCo also remains a possibility.
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Public Affairs
Phones 4u saga continues with ‘burner’ phone allegation
Former Orange exec Benoit Scheen attempted to arrange untraceable call to collude with Vodafone, according to High Court claim. Illicit text messages uncovered as part of evidence discovery.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone Technology embeds ‘build over buy’ mentality
Vodafone Global Digital Engineering head Ahmed El Sayed updates on Netcracker‑backed transformation pilot in Hungary. Software engineering “the future” for Vodafone, as Group looks internally for revamped tech stack under ‘build not buy’ vision.
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Network & Infrastructure
SIRO moves to phase two, helped by EU funding
Vodafone Ireland’s wholesale broadband JV gets €620m funding boost. Phase two envisages additional 320,000 homes and businesses passed with fibre, but no timeframes given for completion. Phase 1, at 400,000 premises passed, steadily nears 450,000 target.
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Public Affairs
Vodafone Pass reviewed following EU judgement
ECJ goes further than expected by consumer group. VfD may be forced to provide the same terms and conditions through EU. Other European OpCos could be affected.
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Suppliers & SCM
Viavi dives into Vodafone Portugal’s network analytics
Portuguese OpCo’s automation drive key motivator for deployment of Viavi monitoring tech.
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Network & Infrastructure
Portugal 5G spectrum auction finally ends after 200 days
Vodafone Portugal is second‑biggest spender after NOS. Auction ushers in Dixarobil and Nowo as new entrants.
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Operations
Unions eke out concessions on Vodafone Spain cuts
Operator firms up yet another business overhaul. Deal made to outsource remaining retail outlets rather than close them as part of job cull. Terms agreed for voluntary redundancies and retirements.
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Public Affairs
Vodafone pursues UK government over lost contract
Vodafone loses Foreign Office contract to Fujitsu, claims process breached procurement rules. Preliminary issue trial set for January 2022.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone in the driving seat for 5G‑powered mobility
Vodafone Germany flags a number of automotive use‑cases for its 5G standalone technology in action. BMW, Porsche, and Sony on the automaker partnerships list. Second 5G test track activated.
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Public Affairs
Vodafone called upon for German emergency alerts
Bundestag amends legislature to pave the way for Cell Broadcast SMS‑based early‑warning system. July floods expedite political process, with politicians now laying out technical specifications before MNOs get to work.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone Spain CEO talks up transformation
Vodafone hones in-house IT skills and organises into squads. Share progress on building up platforms and scale. As transformation continues at pace, Vodafone Spain downsizes.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone to overhaul supply chain ops
Warehouse consolidation and digitisation intended to bring greater transparency and control of purchases from China and other key marketplaces. New, digitised stock management facility planned for “small country in the middle of Europe”. Move comes with supply chain resilience and predictability at top of news agenda.
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Products & Services
Vodafone commences Group wide roll out of ‘Eco‑SIMs’
Group ups ante on waste reduction with launch of recycled SIM chips. ‘Eco‑SIMs’ to be rolled out in 15 territories. Available in UK from spring next year.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone takes Ofcom to task over proposed 2100MHz fees
Vodafone warns that rise in licence fees risks being passed onto end users. New annual licence fees for 2100MHz set to come into force from January 2022. Group calculates significantly lower fee compared with Ofcom’s proposal.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Europe: VfD’s joy over Telekom Deutschland fibre ruling
VfD gets one up on rival Telekom Deutschland over FTTP; VfUK flags progress in trials with Ericsson on reducing massive MIMO energy consumption.
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Operations
Vodafone Spain’s downsizing plan under union scrutiny
Operator proposes to outsource remaining retail outlets, rather than close them as part of job cull. Unions want assurances that employment is “guaranteed” and that outsourcing of workers is voluntary.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone Spain sets sights on retail electricity market
Vodafone Spain enters electricity services space with new Vodafone Energía subsidiary. Unit targeting territories outside its footprint. Precedent set by rivals as telcos seek market differentiation.
