Headlines – Page 136
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica puts price on Spanish FibreCo — reports
Group appoints AZ Capital and BBVA to support stake sale in rural fibre business. Pension and private equity funds among prospective buyers.
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Network & InfrastructureT-Mobile US plugs ‘5G-as-a-platform’
5G Forward package of initiatives aimed at helping developers of all sizes gain access and experiment on operator’s network. Unveils brand new 24,000-square foot Tech Experience 5G Hub facility. New strategic partnerships with Disney and Red Bull to develop “new 5G-powered experiences”.
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Public AffairsSafaricom stands alone against tariff changes
Kenyan communications authority set to cut mobile termination rates by 88%, with Safaricom seen as biggest loser. Rate cuts said to level playing field, and enable greater competition and lower barriers for new market entrants.
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M&AKKR reiterates Telecom Italia interest
Private equity giant said to have made fresh request to begin due diligence. Follows €10.8bn made in November 2021. TI remains hopeful of its own revival plan via Open Fiber merger.
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Public AffairsÁlvarez-Pallete lambasts regulators for being stuck in the past
If WhatsApp et al are not regulated, then neither should Telefónica, he says. Álvarez-Pallete accuses Spanish regulator of dragging its feet over reforms.
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M&AIndian government urged to speed up Vi equity conversion
Debt-for-equity swap yet to go through after months in limbo. Vi said to believe completion is key to securing further investments. Move would give Indian government a 35.8% stake in Vi.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica lays out circular economy plans
Group pledges zero waste to landfill and refurb of 500,000 mobile phones by 2030. Backed by MAIA equipment reuse platform. Plans follow GSMA call to action for telecoms sector.
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Innovation (R&D)DCMS launches ‘open’ R&D network to overhaul UK innovation
UK Telecoms Innovation Network aims to build transparent, open hub for public and private R&D opportunities. Seeks to fix supply chain diversity issues in UK telecoms and export technology abroad. Interoperable network tech among the priorities.
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CorporateOpenreach’s Selley in the dark about Drahi’s aims
Openreach CEO has met the Altice UK owner several times over the years. Selley sees BT as a “very good owner” that has the UK government’s ear.
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Public AffairsPlease Call Me inventor resolute against Vodacom appeal
Nkosana Makate will pursue compensation “until the end of the road” after Vodacom lodged a formal appeal against High Court rulings. Vodacom offers millions to Makate, who claims billions are owed.
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M&ATelefónica Tech boosts Microsoft partnership with Incremental acquisition
Incremental Group to be integrated into Telefónica Tech UK&I. £175m fee dependent on future performance. Acquisition sees Telefónica Tech UK&I become one of Microsoft’s largest partners in the UK.
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Innovation (R&D)UAE lab provides blueprint for BT’s university partnerships
BT using success of EBTIC collaboration to inform university partnerships in Ireland and India, building ties with local academics to support Adastral Park R&D. BT- and Khalifa University-backed EBTIC showcases collaborative innovation projects as partnership enters “Phase 3”.
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Products & ServicesClaws out for M-PESA from Central Bank, Treasury
Bank Governor Njoroge tells Senate ICT Committee that a standalone m-money business will improve regulation and customer protection in Kenya. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Yatani adds that M-PESA transaction charges are too high. Njoroge and Yatani’s submissions are part of probe into alleged monopolistic practices by Safaricom. Central Bank opens ...
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PeopleBT pilots cyber-training to bridge skills gap
CAPSLOCK partnership aims to address cybersecurity skills shortage to fill “more technical roles” within BT. One part of the Group’s broader up-skilling endeavours.
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Strategy & Change5G will give B2B its 4G moment — Geldmacher at REACH forum
It’s time for telecom operators to get in front of enterprise CIOs and start working on joint initiatives. 5G will change B2B services to the same extent 4G revolutionised B2C.
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Network & InfrastructureVodacom is big spender in SA spectrum auction
Long-awaited auction finally complete, but legal challenge looms. Vodacom is highest bidder, just ahead of MTN, and snags most spectrum. Government halts plan for controversial Wholesale Open Access Network.
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PeopleVivo stalwarts exit in board reshuffle
Telefónica’s Brazilian operator proposes changes to its Board of Directors, with Group shareholders BBVA and CaixaBank represented via newcomers Gual and Moreno. Former CEO Valente to leave, along with ex-Group COO Linares, and others. Political figures also on the way out.
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Suppliers & SCMDT to judge suppliers on their climate ambition
German operator looking for early win as it turns attention to vast — and growing — problem of supply chain emissions. Hardware vendors will be first to come under environmental spotlight as DT tweaks its RFP scoring system. Move comes following joint project with buying partner Orange.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone continues 5G drive with German standalone launch
Vodafone Germany first to launch SA network in country. Claims more than ten million customers can already access services from home. Partners with DAZN to test 5G mobile streaming of the German Bundesliga. Moves continue notable European 5G ramp-up for Vodafone in 2022.
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Partnerships & AlliancesDT partner SoftBank hit by perfect storm
Investors raise concerns over ‘money-losing startups’ that litter SoftBank’s portfolio. Vision Fund II, DT’s partner in at least three investments, remains a priority.