Latest from Mobile World Congress – Page 4
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PremiumAPIs and collaboration central to metaverse entry
Vodafone’s Víctor Fernández joined on MWC panel by Meta, Microsoft, and Telefónica figures to extol metaverse virtues, with warnings of challenges ahead. Collaboration and cross-industry coordination seen as key to scale deployment. API developments at Vodafone playing a role.
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Public AffairsÁlvarez-Pallete lambasts regulators for being stuck in the past
If WhatsApp et al are not regulated, then neither should Telefónica, he says. Álvarez-Pallete accuses Spanish regulator of dragging its feet over reforms.
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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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PremiumDT signs up first customer for 5G SA campus network
Prinzhorn picks DT and Ericsson based on their international reach. Low device availability highlighted as bottleneck for campus network deployment. DT joins German state-backed CampusOS project to drive open 5G campus networks.
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PremiumElsewhere in Deutsche Telekom Group: Inmarsat takeover facing opposition
Illek wary on Drahi’s BT intentions; Nemat urges sector to “be human”; Inmarsat deal said to be causing UK ructions.
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PremiumNemat confirms 2023 open RAN target
DT is now looking for vendor partners as open RAN gets ready for primetime. The Group remains convinced of the need for both mobile and fixed-access disaggregation.
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PremiumDT gears up for 5G SA and network slicing
Cross-border PoC with Ericsson puts ‘E2E’ 5G SA network slicing through its paces. TDE aims to launch 5G SA in 2022. RTL pilot looks to 5G’s future role in live broadcasting.
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Products & ServicesDT’s RDK router revamp gets ready to roll
Group goes “full throttle” on RDK router overhaul. Router software platform seen as foundation for complete home services. DT is “major contributor” of software to open source community.
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Network & InfrastructureReliance Jio joins DT on network disaggregation journey
Wider rollout planned for Germany as DT CTO appeals for more partners on fixed network disaggregation. Signs of the operator’s Access 4.0 vision becoming a reality?
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Innovation (R&D)Telefónica builds up metaverse momentum
Wayra unit seeks metaverse technology startups via Open2metaverse initiative. Spanish developers to get access to hub established in collaboration with Meta. Telefónica appoints Yaiza Rubio Viñuela as Chief Metaverse Officer.
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Products & ServicesTelefónica ponders crypto payment integration
Spanish operator will not be a “mere spectator” on Web 3 and cryptocurrencies, with possibility of accepting token-based payments considered. Chief Digital Officer Chema Alonso describes Group “reflections” on potential role of the operator in decentralised technology developments.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone Spain ups its 5G and open RAN game
Spanish OpCo puts 700MHz spectrum into action to expand 5G coverage. Launches fibre alternative with 5G fixed-wireless access service. Advances open RAN with the country’s first call and an additional test lab.
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PremiumEuropean fragmentation takes centre stage at MWC
Vodafone execs Nick Read and Joakim Reiter take part in MWC 2022 keynotes to deliver consistent messages on “life or death” matter of digital transformation. Pair demands government collaboration once again. Cites Spain’s digitalisation approach as a “blueprint” for countries throughout Europe.
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Public AffairsTearful DT tech boss urges sector to “be human”
Claudia Nemat calls for industry to step up on sustainability and human-centred tech development, amid wave of global crises. DT adapts MWC presence in light of Ukrainian situation. “Intensive discussions” took place over event withdrawal. Robbie Williams demo cancelled.
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Public AffairsVodafone sends Instant Networks to Ukraine border
Vodafone Foundation starts setting up portable base stations to support refugees in Hungary and donates humanitarian aid. OpCos offer free calls and texts to Ukraine and free roaming for customers remaining in Ukraine. Partner Markets span both sides of the conflict.
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Enterprise (B2B)T-Mobile expands beyond US, goes transatlantic on IoT
DT and American NatCo pick a safe, greenfield side-line of cross-border IoT as first target for international B2B collaboration plan they flagged in 2021. Move comes with T-Mobile quietly beginning to look beyond USA for opportunities, raising strategic questions for DT and its own international B2B interests.
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Products & ServicesT-Systems and Google sovereign cloud ready for launch
Ahead of schedule, initial offering will launch in March with phased rollout over next three years. First result of latest tie-up between Google and T-Systems and a positive sign for Europe’s Gaia-X project.
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Network & InfrastructureDeutsche Telekom joins the 6G conversation
Operator shares vision for 6G and desire to shape the evolution. DT view: 6G will be sustainable, carbon-neutral, and human-centric. More 6G funds available as Germany invests €685m and EU allocates €900m.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Deutsche Telekom Group: Höttges’ Euro warning
Höttges warns of European vulnerability in fragmenting world.
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Products & ServicesDT makes next-gen home improvements
Homegrown and open-source tech underpin consumer services strategy. New Home OS and Router OS in the spotlight. DT goes big on cloudification, voic-ification, and orchestration.