All European Commission (EC) articles
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Network & InfraEC’s AI Gigafactory timetable is already slipping
The European Commission delays AI Gigafactory call from a previous end-2025 target, with the European Investment Bank agreeing to help accelerate the funding and development of the facilities…
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Network & InfraDeutsche Glasfaser said to be winding back rollout as backers demand RoI
Germany’s EQT- and Omers-backed altnet major is said to have edged closer to a long-sought financing deal, but to have needed to significantly scale back its fibre rollout plans in order to secure the cash…
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Network & InfraHrvatski Telekom readies airport 5G private networks scheme for take-off
Croatian telco teams up with several national organisations on 5G private network installations at airports, aiming to create operational efficiencies and deliver a more “stable and efficient” service for end-users…
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Partnerships & AlliancesDT seeks ‘strong partners’ for German AI mega-hub pitch
Co-investors sought to add financial and strategic firepower behind bid for EC-led AI Gigafactory in Germany. Execs keen to spread (and play down) risk of what would be a major new strategic direction for the operator…
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Network & InfraHrvatski Telekom eyes mmWave to boost fibre + FWA infra strategy
In-depth: Deutsche Telekom-affiliated Croatian incumbent is expanding its tiered 5G fixed wireless access offerings, including with tests of mmWave, with the technology positioned as a key tool alongside satellite to bridge broadband gaps and prepare for copper switch-off…
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Network & InfraEurope moots UK tech tie-up on new-gen IRIS² satellite system
European Space Agency official signals openness to UK direct involvement in €10bn+ IRIS2 regional satellite mega-project and Starlink rival, which also has a defence aspect…
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M&AFrench telco trio unveil their SFR consolidation pitch
Orange, Bouygues, and Iliad confirm a long-rumoured move for troubled rival SFR, but a reported to have been knocked back by latter’s parent Altice.
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Analyst BriefingTelefónicawatch Analyst Briefing: Group vs Gloop as strategy unveil nears
With less than a month to go before Telefónica’s big strategy reveal, the Group continues to appear set for a battle to push through the new agenda, whether with unions and government on cost-cutting plans in Spain, or European decision-makers on consolidation. Exec Chair Marc Murtra has been in Brazil, meanwhile, to raise support for the new plan. Read more…
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Network & InfraOrange hosts first landing for Medusa subsea cable in Marseille
The 8,700km system marks a major milestone as it makes land in the southern French city, with the first phase to be ready early next year…
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Network & InfraEurope begins search for IRIS² ground infra partners
IRIS2 delivery org SpaceRISE launches procurement tender for the supply of ground infra for the EU-backed satellite mega-project, covering ground infra operations, services, and software solutions…
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EventwatchTelco CEOs turn up heat on Europe’s regulators as Draghi report turns one
FT Connect Europe Forum: Discussions turn technical as telco CEOs call for fundamental changes to the way sector regulations are applied, including a move from ex ante to ex post.
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Public AffairsOrange pushes ahead with its own agenda as regulatory change drags on
Christel Heydemann points out that Orange is not waiting for EU merger guidelines to be revisited before considering measures that would create synergies, as it did in Spain.
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Deep DiveTelefónica’s Huawei gambit calls out Spain v US (and EC)
Deep Dive: Reported extension of 5G contract with Huawei ignites firestorm. Latest China procurement by a Spanish telco skirts EU recommendations and escalates geopolitical tensions, placing government and its flagship operator in a precarious position between deeply-rooted American and emerging Chinese spheres of influence.
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Analyst BriefingEMEA Infrawatch Analyst Briefing: fixed infra highs and lows; backbones strengthened
Latest in EMEA digital infra: satellite trio begins picking IRIS2 construction partners; EU takes another look at KKR’s recent fixed asset purchase; South Africa’s Competition Commission finally gives verdict on Vodacom–CIVH fibre JV; African telcos and govs strengthen backbone…
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Public AffairsDouble take: EU probes KKR over TIM fixed NetCo buyout
EC investigation raises new questions about controversial €22bn takeover of Italian fixed infrastructure assets, with wholesale agreements central to concerns…
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Network & InfraSatellite sovereignty: Europe moves to get IRIS2 in gear
In depth: European authorities have begun selecting partners to deliver flagship satellite comms project IRIS2, and, in doing so, enable a wide-range of next-gen secure services for member states’ public bodies. But will scale of ambition bring overstretch on complexity and hubris?
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TechnologyEU brings quantum tech into AI Gigafactory fold
The EU expands its EuroHPC JU project to include “strategic provisions” for developing quantum technology, eyeing synergies with other high-performance computing infrastructure.
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Analyst BriefingEMEA Infrawatch Analyst Briefing: lighting up subsea lines; wireless infra org tweaks
Latest on EMEA digital infra: Boldyn Networks and Deutsche Funkturm restructure; Telxius partners with Google on new transatlantic subsea system; Telenor eyes Norwegian expansion with GlobalConnect asset acquisition…
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica to take more ‘calculated risks’ in new strategy, says Murtra
Telefónica’s strategic review is now expected in the fourth quarter this year, as Executive Chairman Marc Murtra envisions more risk taking and calls for a “social contract” with the European Commission that enables national consolidation in exchange for investment.
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M&ATelefónica, MásOrange said to explore Vodafone Spain slice-up
Operators have reportedly held ‘informal’ talks over potential acquisition of Vodafone Spain, including potential to split up and purchase parts of the telco. If formalised, such a deal would face several hurdles before getting across the finish line…