All articles by Ken Wieland – Page 8
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M&ATPG sells towers to Canadian pension fund
CEO Berroeta claims balance sheet boost is “strong outcome” for shareholders. Enterprise value set at AU$ 950m. After transaction costs and tax, TPG will bank a more modest sum of between AU$ 350m and AU$ 400m. Transaction includes 20-year master services agreement.
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M&ATelefónica wants €1bn for 49% stake in Spanish rural FibreCo
Group issues sales prospectus for new fibre JV. “Host of possible interested parties”, according to Spanish media outlets, with winner to be decided by the end of the year.
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OperationsVodafone exec hails big data benefits of Google Cloud
Ignacio Garcia says Vodafone collaboration with Google Cloud Platform has helped improved customer satisfaction and lower TCO. Platform processed more than 100 exabytes from Group operations in 2021.
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodacom signs “exclusive” deal with Visa in South Africa
New contract builds on similar deal between Safaricom and Visa for M-PESA. Visa payments option likely to be available as a virtual card integrated into the recently launched VodaPay Super App.
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OperationsTelekom Deutschland CEO urges regional decision making
First meeting of five ‘Regio Circles’ takes place in Berlin. Gopalan keen to empower local customer-facing units to improve end-user experiences. Fibre and 5G services a priority.
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Network & InfraScottish gov working with Openreach to accelerate R100
R100 project, backed by devolved Scottish government, connects only tiny fraction of targeted premises with superfast broadband. Subsea infrastructure on track to hit rollout deadline, but wider R100 programme facing delays. Scottish government “actively engaging” with Openreach to accelerate rollout; acknowledges (again) that R100 is “hugely challenging”.
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PremiumJalil echoes Mehta mantra of moving fast, breaking things
Global CIO flags digital transformation for multinational customers as priority. BT moving from network-centric products and connectivity to cloud-based platform solutions. Working closely with Mehta to adapt BT culture and “attract a new generation of tech talent”.
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Network & InfraVodafone fibre JV rumours resurface in Germany
UK-headquartered Group reportedly talking to investors. Maximum investment said to be capped at €10bn. Off-balance sheet option wheeled out again.
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PremiumEU backlash over BT nod to manage TESTA
EU-headquartered telcos reportedly up in arms over Commission’s preference for BT to manage pan-European backbone network for exchange of sensitive data. EC suspends signature of £1bn TESTA framework contract pending review of concerns raised.
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M&AT-Mobile Netherlands CEO welcomes private equity owners with open arms
Abildgaard compares new strategy with that of old parent company Deutsch Telekom. Ambitious aim to turn Dutch operator into the country’s largest fibre service provider within five years. CEO makes undisclosed investment in new-look company.
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M&AHrvatski Telekom to absorb evotv assets
Merger of HT Produkcija with Croatian incumbent on the cards. HT Produkcija, fully owned by Hrvatski Telekom and owner of evotv, will cease to exist.
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M&ADeutsche Telekom set to cash in on Dutch exit
T-Mobile Netherlands’ junior partner Tele2 expects sale transaction to close within “weeks”. Group to receive around €3.8bn in net cash proceeds. Unlikely to follow Tele2’s lead and use cash windfall for extraordinary dividend.
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PremiumVodafone goes 5G network slicing with Ericsson
Duo claims first successful lab trial for “on-demand” network slice. Set-up purportedly takes 30 minutes using “automated processes”. Guaranteed downlink speeds of 260Mbps apparently achieved.
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Network & InfraT-Mobile US plugs ‘5G-as-a-platform’
5G Forward package of initiatives aimed at helping developers of all sizes gain access and experiment on operator’s network. Unveils brand new 24,000-square foot Tech Experience 5G Hub facility. New strategic partnerships with Disney and Red Bull to develop “new 5G-powered experiences”.
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Products & ServicesClaws out for M-PESA from Central Bank, Treasury
Bank Governor Njoroge tells Senate ICT Committee that a standalone m-money business will improve regulation and customer protection in Kenya. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Yatani adds that M-PESA transaction charges are too high. Njoroge and Yatani’s submissions are part of probe into alleged monopolistic practices by Safaricom. Central Bank opens ...
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PremiumEE leans on Nokia for outdoor small cells
200 street-level 4G small cells rolled out in UK. 5G small-cell trials to start “soon”. Outdoor minicell trials with other suppliers in pipeline.
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PremiumExecs upbeat about fixed wireless headway
5G Home Internet sails past half-million subs target for end-2021. Some 40% are new TMUS customers, the majority of which come from cable operators. Sievert talks gleefully of “cable switchers” in urban and suburban areas.
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PremiumOneWeb rescues launch plan with SpaceX
UK-backed operator can send more satellites into orbit this year after cancelling launches on Russian rockets. Fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hits satellite comms operator and threatens years of international space collaboration. Possible knock-on effect on distribution partner BT if service is delayed.
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PremiumTMUS lends AT&T a helping 3G hand (until July)
Under pressure from the Alarm Industry Communications Committee, AT&T signs 3G roaming deal with TMUS. AICC says it is ‘too little, too late’ and that “millions of Americans” will be left without emergency home alarms. TMUS to shutter 3G network on 1 July 2022.
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Network & InfraOfcom pursues ‘strategy refresh’ on satellite spectrum
UK regulator says the growing number of LEO broadband satellites is adding pressure on the use of spectrum. Warns that complexities of managing interference between different NGSO systems could have implications for competition. Starts industry consultation to review where best to focus efforts in space sector.