Joseph Purnell
Joseph Purnell is a Staff Reporter for TelcoTitans, contributing telecoms news analysis since 2019 as part of the TelcoTitans and Market Mettle Editorial team.
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PeopleLatest Telefónica people moves: Group appoints Climate Change boss
Sustainability a priority with new Chief of Climate Change post. Changes in Germany include a CEO swap at Omnichannel unit and exit of CISO Hollander. Provisional approval for the VM‑O2 merger sees a swathe of proactive appointments — but no room for a handful of O2 UK stalwarts.
- People
Inglis out as BT continues Board refresh
Another Board change as Mike Inglis, six‑year Non‑Executive Director, readies for his departure later this year. Sara Weller to (partly) fill his shoes on committees.
- Suppliers & SCM
BT buys into blockchain-based vendor monitoring group
Tech-led transformation of telco’s procurement operations continues via adoption of IBM-backed Trust Your Supplier system. Group joins Vodafone, DT, and Verizon in backing new scheme. Move support category‑aligned setup of standalone ProcureCo in Dublin.
- Products & Services
Vena: BT launches “smart” broadcast network
BT Media & Broadcast division unveils Vena as end‑to‑end broadcast platform. Enabling remote production at core of new service, reflecting expedited industry‑wide transition during pandemic. Two “major broadcasters” already on the books. Evolution pending in existing Media & Broadcast partnerships.
- Network & Infrastructure
Openreach offers a hand in all‑IP migration
InfraCo launches Call Waiting List as part of analogue shutdown educational campaign. Customers encouraged to sign up for guidance and advice on digital migration, in bid to hang up analogue lines by the end of 2025.
- People
Latest Deutsche Telekom people moves: Stenzel leaves DTCP
DTCP MD, Advisory Till Stenzel makes tracks, while ex-BT CTIO Karonis is added to Advisory Council. Magenta Telekom’s Schauerhuber leaves after lengthy tenure. Cesar Martinez takes the helm at T‑Sys North America. New blood at T‑Mobile: Youngblood named Chief Security Officer.
- People
Ex-BT CTIO Karonis takes Capgemini, DTCP roles
Telco veteran Fotis Karonis joins Capgemini as 5G & Edge EVP, making the most of past operator ties. Deutsche Telekom venturing vehicle DTCP also adds his name to Senior Advisory Council.
- People
Latest Vodafone people moves: Chief Network Officers named across European footprint
Following the lead of Vodafone UK Networks Director Andrea Donà, CNOs were named at a handful of European OpCos, including some external appointments. Former Vi executive Narayan takes Lyca Group CEO job and sets lofty ambitions for MVNO strategy turnaround.
- Partnerships & Alliances
T‑Mobile taps Zyter for telehealth play
Preferred partnership sees remote healthcare specialist Zyter offer its products to T‑Mobile customers, leveraging the provider’s 4G/5G networks. T‑Mobile for Business EVP Mike Katz sets his ambition for automated, remote diagnostics as an alternative to hospital trips.
- Network & Infrastructure
EE spins up spectrum to further 5G ambitions
New licences put to use minutes after being issued, in partnership with Nokia. BT pays an additional £23m after initial low‑ball auction, but Group still bagged “an excellent price”, says Consumer CEO Marc Allera. EE open to future spectrum trades as O2 and Vodafone sign their own deal.
- People
Telefónica, Liberty lay out leadership for merged VM‑O2
Telefónica and Virgin Media execs share the spoils 50:50 at the new venture, which is still pending regulatory approval. Jo Bertram and Gareth Turpin among the O2 names to get a seat, with Telefónica Argentina’s de Meo brought in as CIO. No room for O2’s HR guru Catherine Leaver, ...
- People
Latest BT people moves: strategic appointments in health and banking
BT continues its effort to grow into the healthcare industry with accounts leaders named at Enterprise. Unilever CISO joins Group as cybersecurity VP. BT Global’s Rycx targets Simplify programme expansion for MNCs. Board changes at soon‑to‑be subsumed OnePhone.
- Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica leads TIP 5G private network trial
Telefónica leads latest Telecom Infra Project solution group, with private networks the focus. TIP Community Lab in Madrid to host tests before Málaga excursion.
- Partnerships & Alliances
TrustOS adds Chinese expertise for IoT networks
Telefónica Tech blockchain platform TrustOS partnered China‑based aitos.io and Fibocom for IoT device verification solution. TrustID module also integral to blockchain‑based proof of concept.
- Strategy & Change
Telefónica Argentina seeks enterprise gains with B2B reboot
Movistar Negocios merges with Telefónica Business Solutions in Hispam consolidation effort. Brand identity, simplification, and value creation underlined as key motivators.
- Innovation (R&D)
DT pressure‑tests Niantic’s multiplayer AR tech
Artificial reality developer Niantic taps MobiledgeX for social AR gaming. DT among carrier partners to conduct network tests for latest 5G‑enabled mobile game.
- Partnerships & Alliances
DT IoT taps Polte for positioning progress
Cellular location specialist and DT IoT partner Polte flagged successful initial trials, to be built into commercial pilots with “several” DT customers. German NB‑IoT network to be used in the next phase of testing as DT IoT expands its IoT Solution Optimizer proposition.
- Strategy & Change
Telefónica draws new logo to reflect digital vision
New marque is the first corporate identity refresh this century for the operator. Executive Chairman Álvarez‑Pallete outlined symbolism behind the change at Group AGM.
- People
T‑Mobile execs fill pockets after Sprint merger success
SEC filings show a bumper pay‑day for new CEO Sievert and CFO Osvaldik. Predecessors Legere and Carter picked up sizable severance packages.
- Content & TV
Ex-BT chief Patterson tipped for Super League top‑spot
Former BT CEO Patterson said to be among those considered for controversial European Super League stewardship. Former employer BT stands against the breakaway league proposals.
