Global Telco News

All the latest regional insight, news and analysis from inside and across BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone globally.

Latest Regional News

Strategy & Change
Deutsche Telekom targets Sweden and UK in IoT sales push
Two new sales roles to support European growth ambition. DT’s B2B overhaul bears fruit as DT IoT and DTBS work together to expand IoT business. IoT Hub takes longer than expected to launch commercial offerings.
M&A
BT absorbs Local Business agent Fourfront
Reseller relationship brought in‑house in small transaction. BT says no shift in strategy for SME go-to-market.
People
Schüler coronated as VM‑O2 CEO
Lutz Schüler, dynamic Virgin Media chief, with a track record at O2 Germany, is to lead the new VM‑O2 joint venture, subject to competition clearance. O2 CFO and experienced merger overseer Patricia Cobian to take on the JV finance role. No room for O2 CEO Mark Evans.

Network & Infrastructure
Swisscom signals interest in Germany’s campus network programme
Swiss operator flags emerging demand from multinational clients for private 5G networks at facilities in Germany and elsewhere. New tie-ups may be necessary. Deutsche Telekom says the Swiss telco is welcome to contact it at any time.
M&A
Vodafone’s Icelandic affiliate divests Hey
Sýn sells minority stake in Faroese sister company. Icelandic operator seeking cost efficiencies (in more ways than one). Partner Market relationship remains active in service and tech development.
Strategy & Change
Deutsche Telekom targets Sweden and UK in IoT sales push
Two new sales roles to support European growth ambition. DT’s B2B overhaul bears fruit as DT IoT and DTBS work together to expand IoT business. IoT Hub takes longer than expected to launch commercial offerings.

Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica|Vivo opts to join Dotz for further five years
Vivo extends collaboration with long-time customer loyalty partner, with focus on achieving retention boost. Brazilian operator also eyeing stake in Dotz. Amazon and Apple join Vivo in Dotz partner ecosystem.
Suppliers & SCM
Telefónica calls on suppliers in clean energy drive
Group keen to intensify focus on green commitments through vendor engagement. ESaaS-based partnership with Vertiv highlighted. Major suppliers enrolled in operator’s emission benchmark scheme, as cutting Scope 3 emissions moves up agenda.
Network & Infrastructure
Movistar Chile secures 3.5GHz spectrum
Movistar makes highest bid for 5G‑friendly 3.5GHz spectrum amid uncertainty over its future within the Telefónica Group.

Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa
Vodafone launches Africa.Connected campaign to bridge the digital divide, while Joosub clears things up regarding Ghana in Q3 results.
Public Affairs
Regulations hit Vodacom customer tally
Vodacom Tanzania indicates impact of regulator’s fraud reduction scheme. Another 1.1 million SIM cards due for disconnection imminently.
Network & Infrastructure
ICASA digs heels in over spectrum auction rules
Regulator stands firm against legal action taken by MTN, Telkom. VdSA proves unlikely ally.

People
T-Mobile CIO Cody Sanford exits amid IT–digital reshuffle
Cody Sanford, Chief Information Officer and Chief Product Officer at T‑Mobile US, is set to leave to pursue “external opportunities”. Chief Operating Officer Brian King steps into CIO vacancy. Wider reshuffle flagged to support new digital strategy.
Strategy & Change
Deutsche Telekom’s stakes in Europe NatCos creep up
Share buybacks increase holdings in Hrvatski Telekom, Magyar Telekom, and OTE. Group ends FY20 with a much-reduced 43.4% stake in T‑Mobile US, but Bonn still calls management shots.
People
DT’s tech and M&A chiefs earn contract extensions
Thorsten Langheim (USA & Group Development) and Claudia Nemat (Technology & Innovation) both pick up new five‑year deals. CEO Höttges underlines stability and momentum for the Group.

Products & Services
DT’s tooz eyes European debut in May
Smart‑glasses startup has been engaged in a German digital health project since September. Product development gathers pace after China launch earlier this year.
Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone boosts takings from Partner Markets allies
Soft-power federation increases contribution to the Group, amid footprint expansion. Relationship formed upon exit from New Zealand appears one significant driver. Africa and Americas gaps cloud Vodafone’s ‘global’ credentials.
Suppliers & SCM
O2 heads down under for customer tech refresh
Australian software provider Hansen joins gang of suppliers working on German OB’s wide-reaching digital transformation. Vendor sees potential to expand its footprint to other Telefónica geographies. O2 front-loads licence purchases.