Infra-Tech
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Enterprise (B2B)Telefónica Tech opens portal to quantum realm
Next-gen services arm bulks-up portfolio with EaaS add. Multi-purpose potential of quantum encryption tech highlighted. Quiet engagement with Spanish startup bears fruit in new commercial partnership.
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M&A
Bids expected for Telxius subsea cables
Telefónica debt reduction strategy set to extend to submarine infrastructure as buyers are sought for 100,000km cable network. Reports indicate that an agreement is wanted by mid‑2021, with rough valuations standing around the €2bn mark.
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M&A
Telefónica’s Cerdán has more M&A deals up sleeve
Medium-scale buyouts remain on radar for Telefónica Tech CEO. Bold talk on deal-making forming route to growth goals. Reported souring of Govertis transaction hasn’t put Telefónica off.
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Venturing & Investments
Telefónica interest CyG bags fresh investment
Startup’s funding pot topped up by angel investors. CyG member of Wayra’s Hall of Fame . Cross-industry sustainability drive key to CyG’s growth potential.
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Venturing & Investments
Wayra injects cash into Valencian network tech player Kenmei
Network automation startup Kenmei broadening horizons, with ambitions outside domestic market. Startup’s AI specialism of potential interest to Telefónica. Rival MÁSMÓVIL joins in on funding round.
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Public Affairs
Telefónica sacks security execs in fraud probe: reports
ElevenPaths’ partner relationships under scrutiny as Group looks into dealings within managed security services unit. Report ties investigation with Govertis takeover in 2020, and senior executive reshuffle flagged in February.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vantage Towers on alert as Drillisch appears on 5G radar
National roaming deal between Drillisch and Telefónica Deutschland paves way for 5G rollout by Germany’s would‑be fourth MNO. Vodafone’s TowerCo spinout vies with Deutsche Funkturm and Telxius for Drillisch business. Ericsson sales veteran Peter Zehetner joins Vantage Towers as Managing Director in Germany.
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Venturing & Investments
Wayra levels up with co‑operative gaming investment
Telefónica open innovation hub puts gaming and e‑sports in its investment crosshairs, drawing together fellow venturers for “ up to €2m ” commitments. Fourteen funds participate in this year’s Coinvestment Day .
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Financial & Performance
Telefónica wobbles over 2020 finish line, targets stability
Revenue and OIBDA drop 11% as double‑whammy of COVID‑19 and currency fluctuations hit. Guidance on cash flow just about achieved, while FY21 focus will be on stabilisation. Dividend reduced by 25% as COVID‑19 challenges continue, and 5G auctions loom. Telefónica Infra picking up minority stakes in ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Deutsche Funkturm CEO says three’s a crowd in Germany
Jacobfeuerborn hints at further expansion abroad as ‘crowded’ home market dims growth prospects. ‘Grey spot’ network-sharing among German MNOs a concern.
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Innovation (R&D)
Open Future Call I: Telefónica eyes ‘revolutionary’ tech
Open Future hubs across Spain prep for first 2021 intake. Group seeks to highlight role in job creation amid present challenges.
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M&A
Telefónica to swap more data centres for Nabiax stake
Four data centres are said to be on the table, with a 20%‑stake in Asterion subsidiary Nabiax the price. Nabiax‑Telefónica JV reportedly in the pipeline to manage the estate.
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Venturing & Investments
YBVR earns extra Wayra investment for XR platform
Extended reality startup raises $1.5m in Pre‑Series‑A round, with Wayra increasing its initial investment. YBVR’s Verizon partnership bolstered. Wayra continues to bet on AR/VR/XR.
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Enterprise (B2B)
Telefónica drone-security platform takes flight
Operator comes out of trial phase with creation of new international platform. Number of clients said to already be in pipeline, with UK-based drone control specialist one active user. Speciality in security-oriented use-cases emphasised.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica sews up Hyperledger Fabric agreement
Telefónica Tech signs collaborative agreement with blockchain consortium Alastria, which will see the operator build and manage a DLT network. T. Tech continues to play with DLT hosting service offering, building on Hyperledger experience.
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Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica inaugurates cyber-tech lab in Valencia
Multipurpose research and development unit made public a year after get‑go, with local cyber subsidiary playing key role. Telefónica’s innovation network in Valencian Community expanding, increasing engagement with regional partners.
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Venturing & Investments
5G and edge added to activation programme
Wayra Acceleration Programme expanding to seek out edge innovation, and leverage Spain’s rapid 5G rollout.
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Innovation (R&D)
Shaadow steps out of Telefónica’s innovation doorway
Startup lands cash-injection after internal incubation process. Spinoff equipped with ElevenPaths patented tech. Group execs keeping close-eye on operations.
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Venturing & Investments
Elsewhere in Telefónica Venturing: Wayra buys into retail
Wayra doubles up on retail and fintech focus. Brazilian portfolio trimmed further with LinkApi exit.
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Venturing & Investments
Payflow banks Wayra backing
Salary-on-demand startup Payflow added €400,000 to its Seed round via a strategic investor trio including Wayra. Wayra family grows but with scaleups now in the crosshairs.
