Headlines – Page 159
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People
DT–Orange procurement alliance BuyIn names new device boss
Sharaf steps up to lead Devices & Platforms, taking the reins from Kohler.
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Suppliers & SCM
TDE's Yext engagement bears fruit
German NatCo flags digital customer support improvements. Yext says telco is a user of its Listings and Reviews products, among others.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Deutsche Telekom Group: Deutsche Funkturm flags mast deal
DT adds TripleA to tower-building team; real estate “right-sizing” takes effect.
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Operations
Vodafone Spain’s downsizing plan under union scrutiny
Operator proposes to outsource remaining retail outlets, rather than close them as part of job cull. Unions want assurances that employment is “guaranteed” and that outsourcing of workers is voluntary.
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Profile
CEO Lutz Schüler relishes challenger role at VM O2
After Virgin Media O2’s first 100 days, Schüler is raring to go head-to-head with BT on full fibre, wholesale, and B2B. Reportedly in talks with Sky on fibre investment. Determined merger integration won’t slow VM O2 down. Big believer in “data and digital” for delivering what customers want; hints ...
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Innovation (R&D)
BT wants 6G to solve real-world problems
Senior BT execs say new technology should respond to consumer, industry needs. No appetite for a “step change” in radio; 5G backwards compatibility a must. Coverage, reliability more promising areas for 6G improvement than peak data rates.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Core Markets: Prosegur JV ties with Santander
AMC Networks files arbitration claim against Telefónica in Spain; security JV Movistar Prosegur Alarmas ties with Santander.
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Strategy & Change
Adobe on rise as Vodafone signals more marketing shifts
Adobe to play further role in transformation programmes over coming months. Adobe, Dentsu, Facebook, and Google point to value of symbiotic relationships with Vodafone.
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Suppliers & SCM
Telefónica inks three (more) PPA deals
Spanish OpCo procuring just shy of 600GWh of electricity through fixed-priced PPAs. Acciona key player in Group-wide carbon-cutting push.
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M&A
Telefónica mulling Spanish infra stake sale?
Rumours circulate that Group is discussing fibre monetisation in Spain. Between five and ten funding vehicles reportedly put hats in the ring, as Group sounds out market interest. Sale speculation comes despite Telefónica classing its Spanish fibre infrastructure as a “strategic asset”.
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Innovation (R&D)
Froment-Curtil highlights TOBi’s expanding role amid digital focus
TOBi now present in 15 Vodafone markets, although maturity of deployments varies. Aim is for TOBi to take over 100% of inbound conversations and limited sales transactions. Froment-Curtil sets out his stall as Group CCO.
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Innovation (R&D)
Vodafone seeks in-house ‘unicorns’ as part of platforms push
New startup innovation division established, with Group veteran Jorge Bento appointed Director.
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Strategy & Change
Digital duo plan to be catalysts of change for BT
Incomers Harmeen Mehta and Rob Shuter are tag-teaming to bring their external perspectives to BT’s digital transformation plans. Enterprise unit set to become a route to market for emerging services, with a “fail fast” mindset. BT described as receptive to need for change, but Mehta calling for people to ...
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone Spain sets sights on retail electricity market
Vodafone Spain enters electricity services space with new Vodafone Energía subsidiary. Unit targeting territories outside its footprint. Precedent set by rivals as telcos seek market differentiation.
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Network & Infrastructure
BT says awareness of 2025 PSTN shutdown not high enough
Senior BT Enterprise exec highlights lack of forward all-IP planning among some critical national infrastructure organisations. Encourages all CPs to put CNI at the heart of their transformation programmes. Advocates a government-led campaign to raise PSTN shutdown awareness. Industry still grappling with how best to provide power backup and ...
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: smart services drive in Huelva
Cloudflare and Tableau deployments highlighted; Group at forefront of smart services drive in port city of Huelva.
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Strategy & Change
Gopalan highlights pros and cons of pure data reliance
Telekom Deutschland CEO warns against drawing wrong conclusions from internal data-gathering.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodacom’s Super App cushioned if “politics” plays up
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says operator’s VodaPay Super App smarts are protected if political changes affect Alipay. Alipay technology underpins Vodacom’s financial services growth plans. Super App set for commercial launch in South Africa this month.
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Venturing & Investments
Telefónica Innovation & Venturing Roundup: Open Future seeks disruptive startups
Advisory group Mountside helping Wayra ensure businesses are “investor-ready”; Open Future seeks new generation of disruptive startups; regional Wayra hubs enter partnerships.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Group: Juniper flags Fusión role
Data core to digital transformation, says Telefónica strategist; Juniper flags IP network simplification.