Headlines – Page 175
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PeopleFairhead added to BT Chair candidate list — report
Former International Trade Minister and HSBC Chair Rona Fairhead has emerged as a contender to replace the outgoing Jan du Plessis. Shortlist-creation reportedly still in its early stages.
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Products & ServicesMediaKind trumpets role in Movistar+ VoD upgrade
Media technology specialist builds on long-term partnership that began in its former incarnation as Ericsson Media Solutions.
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Public AffairsNational court backs Telefónica over Canal+ deal
Audiencia Nacional rejects claims made by Vodafone Spain and others that 2015 DTS acquisition impedes competition. Expresses confidence in regulator CMMC to monitor pay TV market.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica brings insurance unit closer to home
Telefónica Seguros, the Group’s insurance subsidiary, moves from Luxembourg to Spain as its remit expands. Cybersecurity and digital insurance niche increasingly a focus.
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Partnerships & AlliancesVivo to build telemedicine presence with Teladoc
Teladoc Health partners with a second Telefónica core market to launch Vivo’s telemedicine and wellness platform. E-health proposition marks another step into a “digital ecosystem” for Vivo. Brazilian JV on the cards, if results go the right way.
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Network & InfrastructureO2 deal with Vodafone to supplement spectrum gains
Ofcom closes assignment stage of UK spectrum auction with O2 trading blocks with Vodafone, while BT opts to buy preferable positions outright. O2–Vodafone trade ensures contiguous spectrum blocks in 5G-ready bands.
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Venturing & InvestmentsTelefónica Venturing Roundup: Wayra reaches double figures
Wayra reaches double figures; Israeli startups sought for Rosetta use-cases; and Andalusian accelerator welcomes its latest cohort.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Group: Spanish cyber defences strengthened
Telefónica bolsters Spain’s security defences; reskilling initiatives backed.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Core markets: Zalaris banks payroll contract
Payroll contract awarded in Germany; Vivo hones in on financial services, cybersecurity takes off in Spain.
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Suppliers & SCMMovistar selects Nokia for 5G in Chile
Telefónica Chile gets on with 5G rollout amid uncertainty about its future within the Group.
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Suppliers & SCMNokia supplies “final piece” in Spain’s IP Fusión jigsaw
Telefónica España apparently on home straight to complete “end-to-end” IP network transformation. Latest Nokia kit deployment aimed at extending 5G, FTTH coverage to rural and remote areas.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: Siemens paired for smart buildings
Siemens partnered for smart buildings; Gilat wins teleport contract; Silicom selected for SME SD-WAN drive.
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Partnerships & AlliancesO2 adopts ‘conversational’ AI-based platform
Operator purchases three-year licence, with AI tech set to support long-term aim of becoming CX “champion”.
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Financial & PerformanceDT’s top team drops €4m on shares
Leadership puts money where its mouth is following ambitious mid-term strategy update. German operator seeking to boost T-Share perceptions and align with T-Mobile US’ rising valuation.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach doubles rural fibre targets
Infrastructure business targets six million premises passed with full-fibre by 2025, aided by recruitment drive and enhanced investment. 4.8 million total premises passed so far, but no word on rural progress. Collaboration with government and fellow builders key to hitting goals.
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M&ATele2 ready to pull T-Mobile Netherlands plug
Tele2 Group CEO confirms intent to pivot away from the Dutch market, with focus on its ‘core’ territories. Comments come with DT also pondering options.
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Products & ServicesMovistar Game shaping up to be Telefónica’s cloud gaming bet
Cloud gaming project has its roots in a 2018 Innovation Call and is said to be in the ‘prototyping phase’. Ludico is internal code name for all gaming activities at the Group.
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M&ATelefónica Colombia dials up DIRECTV buyout
DIRECTV internet services customer base and spectrum to be acquired under agreement, pending regulatory approval. Deal indicates “commitment” to Colombia despite rumblings of an exit, says CEO Hernández.
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Innovation (R&D)Wayra widens scope of blockchain tech programme
Innovation unit’s Activation Programme blockchain stream now welcoming proposals from startups in “any sector”.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT taps into Salesforce on enterprise CX
BT’s Amit Sharma provides insights into the Group’s collaboration with Salesforce on the implementation of Open APIs. Aim is to create a more automated, digitally-led customer experience for enterprises. Project sees adoption of iterative approach, with less ‘big bang’.