All articles by Joe Purnell – Page 2
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Products & ServicesBT takes network slicing mainstream with Fast Lane launch
EE becomes the first UK operator to bring network slicing to consumers, creating a test case for the tech as questions remain about customer willingness to pay a premium for the quality-of-service add-on.
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Network & InfraDigi teases measured approach to UK expansion as converged challenger emerges
Serial under-cutter Digi is investing cautiously, building fibre selectively, and laying the groundwork for a future fixed-mobile proposition, suggesting an aggressive land grab is unlikely.
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PeoplewatchVodafone Peoplewatch: Vodacom tightens grip on Safaricom, network chief changes in Europe
August 2026 update, with 40+ strategic and senior changes including: a set of boardroom swaps as Vodacom installs reps at Safaricom; Yago Lopez taking a Group-level job, meaning a new Chief Networks Officer comes in at Turkey; and HR swaps at VOIS…
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone deepens Telenor ties, becomes international voice gateway
In-depth: Vodafone deepens strategic Nordic relationship to take in international voice, building on Procure & Connect alliance, exploiting UK Group’s scale, and supporting Telenor’s strategic pivot to home region ‘optimise’ and ‘focus’.
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Analyst BriefingVodafonewatch: Indian recovery, Greek opportunity
Analyst Briefing: signs of revival in India, a new fibre frontrunner in Greece, and carving a place in the future of ‘chaotic’ IoT. Plus, Vodacom poaches rival bosses to bolster the boardroom, and Vodafone co-develops an AI-powered disputes resolution platform with a UK startup…
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PeoplewatchBT Peoplewatch: fibre wind-down, culture overhaul
August 2026 update, including the impact of the FTTP build wind-down, People & Culture overhaul, and a new consumer FWA product lead as BT looks to plug fibre gaps, plus more across Business, Openreach, elsewhere…
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PeoplewatchFormer MTN, Airtel heavyweights lined up for Vodacom board
Vodacom turns to ex-MTN M&A chief and Airtel Africa CEO to fill boardroom spots ahead of Chair Saki Macozoma’s retirement.
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Financial & PerformanceVodafone’s Indian revival side-story: Vi declares ‘year of execution’ after first-ever customer base growth
In-depth (another of Vodafone’s low-key £1bn+ bets): local management promote inaugural net customer adds as evidence that 5G-led revival is coming through, putting operator on the road to competitive (and financial) recovery, if only yet more funding secured…
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Analyst BriefingBTwatch: fibre dividend emerges, Ofcom bares teeth on promos
Analyst Briefing: stubborn numbers but signs of things to come as BT’s Q1s leave the Group on track for near- and mid-term guidance; Openreach knocked back as Ofcom moves to block pricing change; and TelcoTitans considers the implications for the Group of a new UK Prime Minister…
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Financial & PerformanceBT accelerates job cuts as fibre takes over
Q1 FY26–27 spend: Openreach’s expanding fibre footprint is beginning to support BT Group’s cost-cutting mission, with falling repair volumes, lower energy use, and accelerating labour reductions strengthening management’s route towards its £3.7bn savings target.
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Network & InfraVodafone talks up eRedCap potential as IoT gets ‘chaotic’
With RedCap still in its relative infancy, Vodafone IoT is already looking ahead to the emergence of the next-gen ‘enhanced’ RedCap, tracking growing demand for applications above LPWA’s capabilities, but without the cost and complexity of full 5G.
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Financial & PerformanceBT remains under pressure with operations improved, but financials unmoved
Q1 FY26–27 in-depth: BT’s first quarter delivered a familiar contradiction as the Group marked operational progress across fibre, customer growth, and portfolio simplification, yet provided little evidence of financial improvement.
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Financial & PerformanceBT guidance: toned down but on track
Q1 FY26–27 guidance: BT resets near- and mid-term forecasts after ‘discontinuing’ hived-off BT International, with the division’s long-time drag meaning its disappearance is barely noticed on the earnings front (more so on revenue). CEO says the Group remains ‘on track’, albeit with a knock this FY.
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Financial & PerformanceBT: CEO Kirkby sets the stage, but payoff still pending
Q1 FY26–27 overview: BT opened its current FY with a solid but unspectacular quarter, as operational progress across Openreach, Consumer, and Business points to improving momentum, but stronger financial benefits are still yet to emerge.
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M&AGreek fibre: new #1 imminent as Vodafone–PPC merger plans advance
PPC CEO lays out more detail of proposed Greek fibre JV with Vodafone, and adds mid-2027 target for completion. Merged wholesaler would become market leader, but PPC FiberGrid appears likely to take the crown from OTE either way.
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Analyst BriefingVodafonewatch: one in, one out as group completes deal double
Analyst Briefing: A positive Q1 performance followed by completion of a pair of major, structural deals in Europe helps CEO Margherita Della Valle lead the Group into a new phase, and suggests multi-year footprint rethink is beginning to deliver tangible results. Elsewhere, European towers trouble, questions of SatCo revenue potential, and AI gets physical in Albania…
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Financial & PerformanceBT Business emerges from valley, greeted by mountain
Q1 FY26–27: Challenged division posts second successive quarterly revenue growth and enters final year of legacy voice services, escaping the drag that has contributed to a decade of decline. Turnaround far from over, however, as post-PSTN, post-BT International carve-out life nears…
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Financial & PerformanceVodafone: strong start to year adds traction to ‘new chapter’ growth narrative
Q1 FY26–27 overview: Vodafone has delivered one of its strongest quarterly updates in recent years, buoyed by Africa consolidation and improving conditions in key European markets, prompting management to raise FY guidance and talk with increasing confidence about a ‘new phase’.
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Financial & PerformanceVodafone rises as Africa bulks up, Europe steadies
Q1 FY26–27 in-depth: Vodafone’s largest markets appear to be moving forward together for the first time under CEO Margherita Della Valle, even if challenges remain. Germany has found firmer footing, UK integration is advancing, and consolidation of Safaricom has strengthened African contribution…
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Financial & PerformanceVodafone to keep cutting costs, shedding jobs — raises ‘efficiencies’ goals and guidance
Q1 FY26–27 spend & guidance: EBITDAaL outlook upgraded despite M&A integration costs, reflecting confidence in reshaped portfolio in both Europe and Africa, supported by amping-up of widescale efficiencies programme beginning to generate tangible benefits, including job cuts.