Headlines – Page 137
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Network & InfrastructureOfcom pursues ‘strategy refresh’ on satellite spectrum
UK regulator says the growing number of LEO broadband satellites is adding pressure on the use of spectrum. Warns that complexities of managing interference between different NGSO systems could have implications for competition. Starts industry consultation to review where best to focus efforts in space sector.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone to roll out hybrid working, shrink Newbury HQ
Vodafone seeks sale and leaseback options for The Connection HQ, new Manchester and Newark hubs, and repurposed Stoke-on-Trent site all part of shift to permanent “blended working” model. New approach to work underpinned by “flexibility and trust”, instilling lessons learnt under pandemic conditions.
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Network & InfrastructureLiberty Global’s Fries hints at UK fibre consolidation
CEO outlines plan to create a separate ‘light NatCo’ for new fibre JV. Liberty Global and Vodafone at inflection point over VodafoneZiggo. Despite fibre plans, Fries says HFC technology will be around for a long time yet.
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Products & ServicesM-PESA not threatened by talk of central Kenyan e-money
A central digital currency would not step on M-PESA toes, says MD Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, but cooperation key to finding efficiencies in a market dominated by Safaricom’s e-money offering. M-PESA at 15: 51 million users in seven markets; Kenyan strength; Super App prospects on the horizon, as is competition.
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OperationsDT outlines ‘digital experts’ upskill target
2021 Annual Report sets 17% digital workforce target within three years. Places emphasis on in-house digital upskilling; recruiting outside digital talent seen as “challenging”. Overall FTE headcount drops 4% year-on-year, but Group still manages to hire more than 8,000 employees outside the USA with focus on IT and technical ...
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Products & ServicesDT’s RDK router revamp gets ready to roll
Group goes “full throttle” on RDK router overhaul. Router software platform seen as foundation for complete home services. DT is “major contributor” of software to open source community.
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OperationsT-Systems closes Russian consulting business
Management and technology consultancy Detecon ends Russian activity in response to Ukraine crisis.
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Products & ServicesFamilyMode relaunch now in T-Mobile’s hands
TMUS partner Smith Micro completes its work on the new SafePath 7-based FamilyMode 3.0 product. TMUS launch on SafePath 7 provides vendor with ‘migration blueprint’ for rival operators.
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M&AVivendi head sees Telefónica–Prisa “synergies” as acquisition rumours continue
Arnaud de Puyfontaine wants strategy alignment with “common vision”. Local reports claim Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez “does not look favourably” on potential Vivendi involvement with Telefónica. Atresmedia also in the frame as part of convoluted acquisition scene in Spain.
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PeopleBT names drone chief to fuel unmanned aviation
Dave Pankhurst appointed Drones Director at BT Digital’s newly-formed Incubation unit. Drones highlighted as one of four key verticals for the startup creation and acceleration division.
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M&AFormer Telefónica business Atento seeks sale — reports
LatAm contact centre operator hires Goldman Sachs to advise on options, with sale on the table, according to Bloomberg. Telefónica partner and former subsidiary sees share price spike on news.
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InterviewGSOA: The 5G and broadband view from space
Aarti Holla-Maini, Secretary General of the Global Satellite Operators Association, shares priorities for satellite sector and the challenge of speaking as one voice for a diverse membership.
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Strategy & ChangeMehta puts BT Digital “on steroids” to power transformation
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer Harmeen Mehta relishes opportunity for dramatic change at BT, as she sets about untangling digital architecture. Google-powered Digital Brain to bolster AI and data platform. Digital jumps on cost savings bandwagon, with £500m contribution expected. Talent and recruitment drive incoming.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra teams with Iker Casillas on sports tech investment
Telefónica hub enters collaborative venturing partnership with SportBoost targeting sporting innovation. Wayra seeks stake in sports technology future and offers financing, networking, and business development in return.
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Suppliers & SCMTelcoX research finds hyperscalers ascendant but not entrenched at Vodafone
TelcoX ‘voice of the customer’ insight into how Vodafone employees perceive Techverse and Dataverse suppliers. Vodafone remains work in progress for AWS and Google. Opportunities for vendors to sharpen their differentiation. Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE retain significance despite tough externalities. Vodafone executives aligned on value of data, held ...
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OperationsDeutsche Telekom puts tower business up for sale
Group said to be prepping auction of 40,600 masts with an €18 billion price tag attached. Cellnex and American Tower reportedly putting together offers.
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Network & InfrastructureOpen Dutch Fiber, T-Mobile begin Amsterdam FTTP rollout
DTCP-backed fibre builder started its Amsterdam deployment in two districts, with anchor tenant T-Mobile Netherlands in tow. Extra 29,000 homes set to be added to Dutch network, driving ODF closer to one million target.
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M&AOrange demands part-refund on 2021 Romania buy
Orange seeking a €24m retrospective discount on purchase of OTE’s majority stake in Telekom Romania, completed last year. OTE says it is examining the claim.
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Partnerships & AlliancesSpaceMobile steps up commercialisation plans
Confirmation of multi-launch agreement demonstrates building momentum for space-based cellular connectivity solution, despite earlier prototype delays. Satellite operators jostling for launch spots as Russian rockets are frozen out in response to Ukraine invasion. Partner and investor Vodafone set to offer seamless SpaceMobile integration, with Group CTO framing the technology ...
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Products & ServicesMagenta Telekom taps Broadpeak for Austrian TV launch
Cloud PVR solution implemented as Magenta TV crosses German border. Expansion boosts service following the collapse of MagentaGaming offering in February 2022.