All articles by James Groves – Page 5
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People“Stability and continuity” key as Al-Saleh extends T-Systems stay
Chief Executive agrees to continue leading the business until at least 2027. Will guide T-Systems through “the next phase” following four-year transitional period.
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Public AffairsIndustrial action inbound as union rejects biggest BT pay rise in 20 years
Communication Workers Union rebuffs improved offer of a £1,500 flat rise for 58,000 employees. Union states it will take BT’s management “to a place they’ve never been before” as it prepares for a statutory industrial action ballot. BT believes its rates “compare well” against competitors.
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OperationsTPG cleared to separate wholesale and retail operations
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission greenlights ‘joint functional separation’ of the subsidiaries from 7 October 2022. Regulator believes the move will enhance competition in both segments. TPG is looking to create a new fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) wholesale business.
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Venturing & InvestmentsVodafone increases Vi stake
Group outlines commitment to struggling JV, upping its holding by 3.2%. Investment arrives via Vodafone subsidiary Prime Metals in a vital period for Vi. Further cash injections mooted amid government takeover.
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Operations“A country with enormous potential”: Safaricom poised for Ethiopia launch
Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia aims to go live on 9 April 2022. Hopes to add M-PESA within the next 12 months. Over 300 staff recruited to work in the country.
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M&AT-Mobile Netherlands sale finalised
Consortium WP/AP Telecom Holdings concludes long-awaited transaction. New owners keen on ‘business as usual’ approach, with eyes on continued growth. Deutsche Telekom expected to net about €3.8bn from sale.
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Network & InfrastructureNo further delays in Sprint 3G shutdown, insists TMUS
Following a three-month delay, reports had suggested the process could yet suffer further setbacks. Shutdown began 31 March and will be completed by the end of May. TMUS’ own network to follow suit on 1 July.
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Public Affairs“Insulting” pay bump rejected as BT faces fresh union battle
Communication Workers Union refuses £1,200 flat rise, demanding a 10% increase. States BT has a “clear choice” between prioritising shareholders or workers. Union threatens to begin statutory industrial action ballot.
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Network & InfrastructureVM O2 taps VMware to boost 5G rollout
Expanded collaboration to deliver 5G services “without limitations”. VMware continue work on Virgin Media O2’s ongoing deployment, which began 16 months ago.
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M&AKKR reiterates Telecom Italia interest
Private equity giant said to have made fresh request to begin due diligence. Follows €10.8bn made in November 2021. TI remains hopeful of its own revival plan via Open Fiber merger.
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M&AIndian government urged to speed up Vi equity conversion
Debt-for-equity swap yet to go through after months in limbo. Vi said to believe completion is key to securing further investments. Move would give Indian government a 35.8% stake in Vi.
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M&ATelefónica Tech boosts Microsoft partnership with Incremental acquisition
Incremental Group to be integrated into Telefónica Tech UK&I. £175m fee dependent on future performance. Acquisition sees Telefónica Tech UK&I become one of Microsoft’s largest partners in the UK.
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PremiumTMUS renews Netcracker partnership
Digital transformation solution provider will continue to provide BSS and managed services for TMUS’s wholesale business. TMNL reaches similar agreement to continue longstanding partnership with the NEC subsidiary.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone continues 5G drive with German standalone launch
Vodafone Germany first to launch SA network in country. Claims more than ten million customers can already access services from home. Partners with DAZN to test 5G mobile streaming of the German Bundesliga. Moves continue notable European 5G ramp-up for Vodafone in 2022.
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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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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.
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PremiumVodafone Q3 FY21–22 Guidance: Déjà vu as Group eyes “sustainable growth”
Top brass remains optimistic as COVID-19 recovery continues.
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PremiumVodafone Q3 FY21–22 Spend: CPI+ a “necessary logic”
Price rises planned across Europe, in response to rising costs. Della Valle outlines strategy, but remains vague on details. CPI+ formula embedded in five markets, with more to follow.
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PremiumVodafone Q3 FY21–22 Headlines: Germany struggles, Africa bubbles
Group service revenue growth for fifth successive quarter. German user experience blunder takes gloss off solid set of numbers. Read continues to blame COVID-19 for German struggles, despite rivals’ success. Vodacom makes “very good progress” as Vodafone Egypt deal nears.
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Products & ServicesBT taps Cradlepoint for 5G FWA rollout
FWA solution goes live in 33 countries. Ericsson-owned Cradlepoint acts as ‘key equipment partner’ in bringing the product to market. BT aims to support hybrid networking models.