Europe Telecoms News
All the latest telecoms insight, news and analysis from across Europe, including BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Innovation (R&D)
T-Labs and TMUS scoping out immersive shopper tech
Group R&D arm and US NatCo open applications for T‑Challenge 2022. Focus on retail vertical, with telco keen to enhance post‑COVID experiences for those shopping at home and in‑store. Scheme offering share of €600,000 prize pot.
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.
Products & Services
Fortinet secures Telefónica SD‑WAN for hybrid work era
Telefónica Tech launches evolved flexWAN proposition, addressing the cybersecurity demands of ‘new normal’ hybrid working. Longstanding security partner Fortinet tapped for updated offering. Spain first, rest of Telefónica footprint to follow. Fortinet ups engagement with telco players.
People
Latest Vodafone people moves: leads named at scale up and engineering units
New unit established to draw together hunt and nurture unicorn startups, with Bento at the helm, while a unified European software engineering team installs Connelly at the top. Vacant Vodafone IoT Technology leadership filled by pair of promotions, with IoT solutions development also in the crosshairs elsewhere in the ...
Strategy & Change
Deutsche Telekom’s OneApp to launch in Germany
Germany will be tenth market to deploy the self-service customer care app. OneApp is key product in the Group’s IT harmonisation programme.
M&A
Telefónica moulds new UK unit for central cloud push
Cancom business, bought in August, becomes “Telefónica Tech UK & Ireland”. New name reflects ambitions to widen out Group’s in‑country offering.
Venturing & Investments
BT forms team to target strategic startup investments
Group getting back in funding game, focusing on startups in North America and Europe. New Digital division’s focus on platforms and partnerships at centre of push.
M&A
Hrvatski Telekom’s Optima offload expected within “days”
Change in Electronic Media Act paves way for transaction with United Group. Regulatory chief “very satisfied” at the prospect of a “third major player” in the fixed market.
Strategy & Change
OVHcloud IPO to fuel Europe’s “cloud champion”
T-Systems’ Gaia‑X partner to go public this week. European cloud provider plans to take on US tech giants with data sovereignty credentials. Growth plans include bulking up through acquisitions.
Partnerships & Alliances
Greggs keeps good times rolling with VM O2 partnership
Virgin Media O2–Greggs alliance working “well for both brands”, as telco adds element of differentiation to customer loyalty programme.
Network & Infrastructure
Citi said to be charged with Telefónica Spanish infra sale
Rumours continue to circulate around Telefónica’s fibre monetisation plans in Spain. Investment bank understood to have valued Spanish fibre infrastructure at €14bn. Sale speculation comes despite Telefónica classing its Spanish fibre infrastructure as a “strategic asset”. Report suggests Group is seeking resources to finance investments in 5G and digitisation. ...