Headlines – Page 131
-
Public Affairs
BT: UK can beat EU to TechCo network contributions
While Europe’s ‘fair contribution’ row on network investments intensifies, BT’s Policy & Public Affairs Director Alex Towers underlines opportunity for UK to “get there first”.
-
Network & Infrastructure
OTE passes 650,000 premises with full fibre
Plan to pass three million premises by 2027 looks on track. Broadband upgrades to premises outside FTTP footprint gather momentum. Rival Vodafone Greece announces “acceleration” of fibre access rollout.
-
People
BT’s supply chain digitiser ships out
Adam Brown, exec behind BT’s Digital Procurement Garage initiative and wide-ranging buying operations overhaul, leaves to join Maersk.
-
M&A
TPG sells towers to Canadian pension fund
CEO Berroeta claims balance sheet boost is “strong outcome” for shareholders. Enterprise value set at AU$ 950m. After transaction costs and tax, TPG will bank a more modest sum of between AU$ 350m and AU$ 400m. Transaction includes 20-year master services agreement.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
DT expands SKT tie-up to metaverse and beyond
Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom map out new areas for cooperation. Tests of SKT’s metaverse platform expected in Germany by end 2022.
-
Network & Infrastructure
Slovakia prepares for 5G with 3.6GHz spectrum auction
Country’s four operators take home near-equal shares of available frequency.
-
Operations
Indus seeks to move on from “nail-biting” Vi crisis
Indian tower giant sees “discomfiting” client payment worries subsiding
-
Products & Services
T-Mobile launches “no BS” campaign to fight cablecos
Latest ‘Un-Carrier’ move aims to fix what T-Mobile claims are entrenched issues in US broadband market. 5G FWA network set for expansion. Consumers offered suite of deals and incentives. Enterprise Head Callie Field adds plans for businesses.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
BT continues “dramatic simplification” with cloud-first AWS deal
Five-year agreement adds to recent contract with Google Cloud to advance operator’s digital transformation and simplification drive. AWS named preferred cloud provider for internal applications.
-
M&A
Telefónica Tech acquires German data services player
Deal for data analysis outfit completed in transaction worth up to €350m.
-
M&A
Telefónica wants €1bn for 49% stake in Spanish rural FibreCo
Group issues sales prospectus for new fibre JV. “Host of possible interested parties”, according to Spanish media outlets, with winner to be decided by the end of the year.
-
Network & Infrastructure
Modular IT estate will make BT a ‘digital talent magnet’
Consumer Digital MD Kevin Lee labels in-house skills and capabilities a priority as BT aims to attract talent in UK and India. Commitment to “reuse” approach to development as part of Group’s digital transformation, with heightened reliance on collaboration. Challenges at Consumer include complex legacy architecture, with simplification deemed ...
-
Public Affairs
“If you’re a bully, you get a pasting”: union continues BT bashing, confirms action ballot
Communication Workers Union Annual Conference galvanises members as it takes fight to BT. Industrial action ballet to go ahead “as soon as possible”. “These people have no integrity” says Deputy General Secretary Andy Kerr.
-
People
Fries outstrips Read on earnings front
Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries took home $62m in FY21, putting him ahead of peers at fellow large telcos including Vodafone’s Nick Read.
-
Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica taps IDEMIA for quantum-secured SIM pilot
Quantum-safe 5G SIM proof-of-concept showcased for Telefónica’s Spanish customers. Partnership set to expand to consumer eSIM offerings. Operator aims to stay ahead of quantum cyberthreat curve.
-
Partnerships & Alliances
Still no date for Safaricom Ethiopia launch
STE indicates it is close to reaching network-sharing agreements with Ethio Telecom. Changes to national payments law should pave way for M-PESA.
-
Operations
Vodafone exec hails big data benefits of Google Cloud
Ignacio Garcia says Vodafone collaboration with Google Cloud Platform has helped improved customer satisfaction and lower TCO. Platform processed more than 100 exabytes from Group operations in 2021.
-
Financial & Performance
“Give the competition a chance”: T-Mobile US flaunts 5G dominance, dismisses inflation concerns
Positive set of figures from T-Mobile US as operator surpasses customer gain estimates. NatCo more than keen to highlight 5G influence, claiming a ‘two-year lead’ on rivals AT&T and Verizon. Cost of living crisis a “real opportunity” for T-Mobile to “serve more people as the value leader”, says CEO ...
-
Public Affairs
Net neutrality: Telekom StreamOn, Vodafone Pass ordered to close
Regulator says zero-rating add-ons breach net neutrality. German operators told to terminate services by next year. Order follows European Court of Justice ruling that the services are “incompatible” with EU law.
-
Operations
Telefónica tightens management focus for Spanish platform play
Previously heralded Industry Verticals unit now up and running as Telefónica implements a more ambitious multi-play strategy. Growing Wholesale business receives dedicated leadership, while regional management will take greater role in supporting B2B sector. Brand manager Serrahima given broader remit to improve customer experience in all sectors.