Latest Telco Insight – Page 6
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PeopleBT alumnus Shaw takes KCOM top‑spot
Tim Shaw, former BT Enterprise CTIO, takes Hull operator’s top‑spot. Set to drive “exciting transformation” under Macquarie owners.
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Network & Infrastructure
Scottish 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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Venturing & Investments
Telefónica takes stake in deep‑tech investment fund
Leadwind, launched between Telefónica and K Fund last year, raises €140m in first closing. Telefónica named largest private backer, with Spanish government’s innovation fund among public support.
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Strategy & Change
Telcos must build trust as foundation for data services
Operators currently assume an unfounded bond of trust with customers, but can still build role as valued brokers, believes VM O2’s CDO. Fostering an improved reputation for trustworthiness and delivering privacy‑by‑design can lead to new revenue streams, according to Vodafone Business data chief. Ex‑Deutsche Telekom veteran calls on operators ...
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M&A
Oi sale completed following two‑year wait
Consortium featuring Telefónica|Vivo, América Móvil’s Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil concludes BRL 14.5bn deal for Brazilian operator’s mobile assets. Move will bring a “new infrastructural balance” to the market. Initial interest was mooted in March 2020, with Oi having filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Telefónica|Vivo to net 12.5 million ...
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Strategy & Change
T-Systems readies software development centre in Romania
Enterprise services unit adds new location to global delivery organisation. Laszlo Posset hits the ground running following his recent move from T-Systems ICT India.
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Products & Services
BT digitises fan engagement with Interact launch
Digital audience interaction solution launched as supplement to existing Agilemedia services. BT Sport case study in action, with Interact positioned as part of BT’s “future of broadcast” solutions portfolio being developed at Adastral Park.
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People
Vodafone Germany names new CEO as Ametsreiter confirms exit
Hannes Ametsreiter to pursue private investment career from July, when Microsoft’s Philippe Rogge will take the Vodafone Germany helm. Rogge, President for Central & Eastern Europe at Microsoft, chosen for his “pan‑European strategy”, says Group CEO Nick Read.
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Marketing
Telefónica, Deutsche Telekom lock horns over ‘T’ logo
DT objects to Telefónica’s adoption of a ‘T’ made up of five circles.
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Public Affairs
Ukrainian networks restored as Vodafone redoubles war efforts
Chernihiv and Kyiv networks back online as Vodafone Ukraine engineers continue work to ensure communications for citizens. Relief effort supported by Vodafone customer donations.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Openreach: Arson takes out 7,400 connections
Arson attack in Kent knocks out 7,400 connections; Openreach set to launch Advanced Install pilot for complex jobs.
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Strategy & Change
Jalil 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 & Infrastructure
Vodafone 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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Strategy & Change
Telcos seek security in the cloud as 5G grows
Telefónica’s Patricia Diez Munoz acclaims 5G security credentials, but edge deployments and multi‑vendor environments bring new challenges. Neil McRae of BT positions security at the fore of cloud‑native transformation and calls on vendors to finally ditch legacy attitudes to security, and the days of “stupid passwords”.
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Network & Infrastructure
“A serious tragedy”: Vodacom begins repairs following SA floods
KwaZulu‑Natal flooding declared an emergency with more than 300 dead. Vodacom cites ‘social contract’ in ZAR 3m relief donation. Operators begin network restoration, with power outages a core issue after backup batteries washed out.
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People
Latest Telefónica people moves: advisory swaps at Tech
Telefónica Tech adds Jaime Bergel and Eva Fernández to its Advisory Board, taking membership to 14. New operations lead added to Technology functions in Brazil and Germany. Jaime Smith Basterra replaces long‑serving Telefónica non‑executive Peter Erskine on the O2 Germany Supervisory Board. VM O2 commits to establishing a FinOps ...
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M&A
DT hoping for speedy resolution amid ‘multiple’ tower bids
Future of Deutsche Funkturm to be determined following bids from various parties, with American Tower, Cellnex, KKR, and Vantage Towers all named. DT apparently keen to seal a deal sooner rather than later. Despite previous intent to complete full sale, minority option remains “attractive”.
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Public Affairs
EU 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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Enterprise (B2B)
Elsewhere in BT Enterprise: Toople highlights strong Q1
Channel partner Toople reports strong quarter following set up of BT‑exclusive contact centre.
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Public Affairs
TMUS ‘lost $200,000’ attempting to buy back leaked data
Reports say it’s unclear whether or not the US NatCo was aware of payments made to cybercriminals. Last year’s data breach affected nearly 55 million users.
