All European Commission (EC) articles
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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 BriefingsEMEA 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 BriefingsEMEA 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…
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Network & InfraEurope’s edge ambitions: IPCEI CIS pump-priming AI, cloud sovereignty at regional scale
In depth: As the EU intensifies efforts to foster sovereign, multi-provider edge cloud, IPCEI CIS emerges as a cornerstone for regional AI and digital infra via 8ra initiative with around €8bn of public-private investment. Including insights from Orange, DT, other industry leaders…
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M&AEutelsat ‘in talks’ over €1.5bn fundraise to fuel LEO expansion
Satellite operator reportedly in discussions with existing investors, including the French and UK governments, to raise €1.5bn in funding, as it seeks to expand European-originated LEO space infrastructure …
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M&AIntelsat–SES merger gets green light from UK competition watchdog
Satellite majors receive thumbs up from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority to go ahead with $3.1bn merger, clearing a major regulatory hurdle in their mission to build a “stronger and more competitive” multi-orbit satco.
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Strategy & ChangeOrange’s Heydemann says message getting through on need for change in Europe
Speaking to shareholders, Orange’s CEO indicates intent to keep up the pressure on European regulators for change, while welcoming signs that repeated lobbying by telco leaders is starting to bear fruit.
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Partnerships & AlliancesDeutsche Telekom joins bid to build EU-backed mega AI data centre
Group is part a five-player consortium that hopes to win a piece of the EU’s €20bn budget to build an “AI Gigafactory” in Germany, as Europe unlocks funding for AI and digital infrastructure.
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Network & InfraChina’s back in Spain: MásOrange turns to Huawei for 5G Advanced and netautonomy tech
MásOrange’s bold pivot back to Huawei for 5G Advanced and Level 4 autonomous networks could mark a seismic shift in European telecom strategy. Uncover the implications of this renewed partnership amid EU scrutiny and evolving China relations.
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Network & InfraOrange’s Leboucher joins peers in drilling down on industry’s need for 6GHz
Orange CTO joins peers at BT, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and more to argue that the whole of the upper 6GHz band should be devoted to mobile to enable 6G.
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Network & InfraEuropean telcos call on authorities to bolster subsea security
Collection of Europe’s largest telcos and subsea cable operators, including Orange, Proximus, Telefónica, and Vodafone, call for closer collaboration with the EU, NATO, and UK government to defend subsea infrastructure, following several high-profile incidents in recent years…
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Network & InfraOrange puts its weight behind AI drive in France and EU
The operator is set to play a key role in AI initiatives as the EU rises to meet the challenge posed by China and the USA.
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Strategy & ChangeDeep dive: The politics behind Telefónica’s boardroom putsch
In bombshell move, Chairman and CEO José María Álvarez-Pallete forced out, following apparent boardroom coup by Spanish state. TelcoTitans considers the political backdrop, internal and national, as Indra’s Marc Murtra installed at helm…
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PeopleTelefónica defenestrates Executive Chairman Álvarez-Pallete
This is a developing story. Chairman and CEO José María Álvarez-Pallete forced out at board meeting. Financial markets may take badly to implications of seeming boardroom coup by Spanish state, including shock arrival of comparative unknown successor with history of state affiliation. Read latest update…
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Analyst BriefingsDeutsche Telekomwatch Briefing: US spends, Europe saves
A roundup of turn-of-year news from Deutsche Telekom, with another tale of DT’s Atlantic divide when it comes to willingness to spend. As cash-rich T-Mobile US continues an acquisition spree, to bolster its growth platform, new data puts the spotlight back onto the Group’s slow shift towards next-gen wireline infra in Germany and other European markets. Read more…