All European Commission (EC) articles
-
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…
-
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.
-
Analyst BriefingsTelefónicawatch 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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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?
-
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.
-
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…
-
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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 …
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.