Cellnex offers CMA deal to secure Hutchison UK tower merger
Spanish InfraCo willing to sell enough sites from its existing estate to enable a new UK tower player to emerge, and overcome CMA concerns on competition linked to its planned CKH infrastructure acquisition. Four companies have already stepped forward as potential buyers. CTIL objects to being positioned as a ...
Submarine cable vulnerabilities surface
Malicious threats loom, but accidental damage more common. Russian aggression, underwater volcanoes, fishing and anchoring roil subsea cable networks. Difficult to prevent damage, resiliency is best protection.
Vodafone claims 5G open RAN first
Vodafone UK launches 5G open RAN site, building on government‑led open infrastructure ambition. Initial launch leverages partnerships with Capgemini, Dell, Intel, Keysight, Samsung, and Wind River. NEC and Samsung to be used in tandem for 2,500 sites from mid‑2022.
Ofcom details O2 UK ‘carelessness’ in billing investigation
Regulator publishes 74-page document highlighting the extent of O2 UK feet-dragging in its investigation as to why the operator overcharged customers during a seven‑year period. Demands O2 UK review its processes and systems to ensure accuracy and completeness of responses to information requests in future. Restates view that £150,000 ...
Latest BT people moves: ESG key in New Year changes
Digital impact and sustainability manifesto brings a number of new roles to further ESG agenda. Fibre build challengers Borderlink and Hyperoptic poach ex‑BT and Openreach staffers to drive regional FTTP rollout plans. Healthcare remains a key focus for Digital and Enterprise developments.
Openreach’s McTighe emerges as frontrunner for Ofcom chair
Mike McTighe, Chairman at Openreach, reportedly on the shortlist to oversee regulator. Drawn‑out search for Lord Burns’ successor sees another BT‑affiliated name on the cards.
DAZN retakes lead in BT Sport race
Sports streaming specialist in pole position to land $800m deal. Discovery JV still a possibility, but cash injection may be preferable as BT invests in 5G and fibre rollouts.
Elsewhere in Openreach: Selley plays down fibre workforce concerns
Selley dampens workforce concerns; copper stop‑sell rollout continues.
Openreach gets good marks for independence
Ofcom monitoring unit warns BT and Openreach to stay vigilant. Stakeholders raise concerns about PIA, defective poles, and lack of clarity on Openreach’s build plans. Equinox pricing offer deemed free from BT influence, as Ofcom defends its approval to Competition Appeal Tribunal in challenge brought by CityFibre.
Elsewhere in UK: VM O2 augments EV fleet
VM O2 augments EV fleet; becomes founding member of National Databank to provide free data to low‑income households.
Elsewhere in BT Enterprise: BT links up with TIM & Telefónica in Turin
BT Enterprise ties with Italian telcos for connected cars and the University of Hertfordshire for smart city solutions.
BT focuses energies on health industry
BT ramps up plans with formation of Clinical Advisory Board populated by eight NHS clinicians. Move builds on operator’s sign‑up to Health Tech Alliance and The Kings Fund as part of efforts to expand in the industry through collaboration.
