Headlines – Page 172
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M&AMurdoch’s News UK steps away from BT Sport talks
News UK has pulled back from talks with BT regarding a partnership for the sports broadcasting business. Discovery and ITV said to remain in contention, with DAZN seemingly the keenest of the bunch.
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Suppliers & SCMVPC’s Wilson says Tech 2025 bringing clarity
Wilson expects speedier decision-making, faster onboarding of new suppliers, and a stronger drive to standardisation across Group OpCos. Ericsson says it will be “happy” to pass on greater cost efficiencies to Vodafone. Swedish vendor targets African gains on back of tech reorg.
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Partnerships & AlliancesProsegur extends Telefónica tie-up into Colombia
OB distributing security services in three cities, with aim to strengthen customer retention. Telefónica supporting Prosegur’s LatAm expansion plans, with large growth opportunity anticipated. Collaboration now extends beyond Movistar Prosegur Alarmas JV in Spain.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: Telefónica Tech Ventures expands into IoT
Telefónica Tech Ventures expands into IoT; roads, manufacturing, and tourism targeted as Group continues to build “smart” business-to-business alliances.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Core Markets: CADE approves Vivo-Claro network-sharing agreement
Network sharing cleared with Claro in Brazil; 5G MVNO nears in Germany; Aviva joins Project Darwin CAV research.
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Strategy & ChangeDT, Vodafone push vendors to clean up emissions
Vodafone sends letter encouraging suppliers to step up support for its net zero emissions pledge. DT inserting stricter criteria into supplier assessments. Tackling climate change bringing commercial incentives for more fleet-footed telcos. Supply chain emissions an elephant in room for telcos as they talk up energy efficiency progress.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Hispanomérica: Colombia FTTP drive; Telefónica Peru divests Red Digital stake
FTTP investment continues in Colombia; Telefónica exits digital transaction platform in Peru.
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Strategy & ChangeVodacom to unify network and IT functions
Push for efficiencies encompassing rework of network and IT platforms, alongside major skills and capability upgrade. Following 2020 reorg, CEO Joosub concentrating heavily on extracting value and savings out of Group assets and operations. Programme likely to see cloud-based overhaul of Vodacom IT stacks and network functions.
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Public AffairsNI report criticises past public broadband projects
Audit Office report cannot verify that two broadband projects “achieved value for money”. High service take-up rates suggest not all public funding was needed. NI expected to claw back £14m of public funds from BT. Hopes for £165m Project Stratum to deliver better outcome for rural broadband.
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People
Fresh faces bedded in at Joosub’s Vodacom ExecCo
Vodacom Executive Committee confirmed with five newcomers. Vodacom South Africa joins Safaricom with a seat at the table, while other African OpCos grouped under International Business.
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Strategy & Change‘Fearless’ Mehta out to power rapid change at BT
New CDIO committed to radical cultural change, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and a willingness to embrace the risk of failure. BT’s slow start on digital transformation an opportunity to leapfrog a generation of innovation. Group CEO Jansen’s persuasiveness key to convincing Mehta of BT’s potential as a TechCo.
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Strategy & Change
Ethiopia: Kenyan president gets behind Safaricom entry
President Kenyatta urges Ethiopia to open up m-money market. Safaricom reveals planned ownership structure of future Opco, with Vodafone set to play a very limited role.
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Venturing & InvestmentsIterable goes double unicorn with DTCP backing
Customer communications platform player takes $200m in funding, with Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners on the ticket. Medium-term IPO a potential exit route for Group investment arm. Martech continuing to pique interest for DTCP.
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Strategy & ChangeElection turmoil clouds Movistar’s Peruvian future
A left-wing candidate could become Peru’s next president with suggestions that nationalisation may be on the agenda.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Deutsche Telekom Group: BT and DT’s uninvited co-pilot
BT and DT gain uninvited new co-pilot; DT’s tooz and Adidas become running buddies.
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PeopleDeutsche Telekom movers: brand leadership overhaul at T-Mobile
American NatCo’s Chief Marketing Officer Matt Staneff exits, paving the way for evolved brand and communications strategy. Group compliance lead Mackert reportedly exiting. Czech NatCo confirms leadership for newly-unified Enterprise division.
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Strategy & ChangeVan Boxmeer gifted remit to disrupt Vodafone Board
Latest Board Evaluation calls for increased “liveliness” of conversations across the Group’s top table. Composition changes mooted for dozen-strong grouping brought together by former Chairman Gerard Kleisterlee. Start of TechCo strategy seen as moment to strengthen accountability of top duo Read and Della Valle.
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica España sticks by Ericsson, Nokia for ‘real’ 5G
Scandinavian duo reportedly selected for 5G SA rollout. No real surprise as Ericsson, Nokia already ensconced in 5G NSA RAN. Spanish government offers sweeteners for rescheduled 700MHz spectrum sale.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Systems Solutions: IFF helps T-Systems to operate critical infrastructure
Research contractor supporting greater energy efficiency at DCs.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in T-Mobile US: TMUS on the prowl for e-health startups
TMUS on the prowl for e-health startups; SyncUP product portfolio expanded; get-go for Hometown grant scheme.