Latest Telco Insight – Page 201
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Products & ServicesBT, VMware target modern network and security challenges
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), delivered as a BT-managed service, supports the adoption of “the latest technologies and workstyles” Latest in a string of collaborations between BT and VMware following long-term SD-WAN partnership.
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PremiumVodafone people moves: IoT.nxt strengthens US outpost
Vodacom’s IoT specialist IoT.nxt built up its USA play with Trevor DeLew named SVP, Sales. Vodacom Mozambique names a new CEO. Vodafone Spain shuffles strategy and sales directorships. Floundering Vi makes yet more changes to its enterprise unit as Arvind Nevatia forms his team.
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Public AffairsDCMS told to get a grip on Project Gigabit
“Disappointed” accounts committee frustrated by lack of measurable progress and clear plans for reaching 2025 target of 85% ultrafast coverage. Department blasted for lack of meaningful legislation on removal of barriers to deployment. DCMS still seeking clarity from operators on national rollout plans.
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OperationsSafaricom Ethiopia splashes out $100m on first data centre
Located in capital city Addis Ababa, the installation accounts for one third of a total $300m investment pegged for first year of operations. Data centre, which will house “core network infrastructure”, was built in China and transported to Ethiopia. Rabacal indicates the same business model will be used for ...
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PremiumTelefónica actions inflation-linked pricing
Virgin Media O2 customers to face steepest rise in broadband and mobile prices, but all UK customers will be impacted. 11% price hike in April a necessary part of network investment, VM O2 spokesperson claims.
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PremiumVodafone Germany trumpets BASF campus network role
BASF is working with Vodafone Germany on campus network trials. Chemicals giant has campus network licences for Ludwigshafen and Schwarzheide, tying with Deutsche Telekom at the former. Vodafone’s RedBox system not being used in Schwarzheide. Campus network approvals reach 186 in 3.7GHz/3.8GHz band and nine at 26GHz.
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PeopleOpenreach’s Service Delivery chief Olly Kunc exits
Quietly leaves the Group, leaving management a shared, interim responsibility of Khatter and Stewart.
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Analyst ReportTelefónicawatch Report #160 – January 2022
Key stories include: Gov shores defences as telco buyers circle | Group calls for oomph on openness | Board gets an end-year rejig | Tech shows off SME MagNETism | Unions sign on to Spanish cutbacks
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra continues blockchain drive with ‘climate marketplace’ investment
Telefónica’s innovation hub takes part in €7m Pre-Series-A round. ClimateTrade utilises blockchain tech to help its clients reach carbon neutrality.
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OperationsBT and TalkTalk footing the YouView bill as losses mount, Arqiva exits
Latest accounts show the TV platform’s shareholders now down to six, with the two operators keeping the venture afloat. R&D budget remains high at £16m, compared to revenue of just £9m. Telcos remain coy on paying subscribers for their TV services.
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M&AVodacom moves closer to Vodafone Egypt takeover
Vodacom gets shareholder backing for acquisition of 51% stake. Regulatory approval is still required.
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PremiumElsewhere in Vodafone Associates & JVs: Egypt reducing dirty diesel
Regulatory decision on TPG’s FTTB expansion plan nears; Egypt takes hybrid to reduce dirty diesel.
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Network & InfraVodafone claims 5G open RAN first
Vodafone UK launches 5G open RAN site, building on government-led open infrastructure ambition. Initial launch leverages partnerships with Capgemini, Dell, Intel, Keysight, Samsung, and Wind River. NEC and Samsung to be used in tandem for 2,500 sites from mid-2022.
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Products & ServicesDT to join NFT craze
Operator will open up its own platform in the coming months. Claims clients will not require specialist NFT and crypto knowledge to get started.
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone Carrier Services flags stc Bahrain tie-up
Partners aim to ‘drive IP adoption’ in the Middle East. Anticipating “tremendous connectivity growth” in the region.
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PremiumVi flags VoLTE help from Anritsu
Supplier’s cloud-native software provides QoE KPIs and recommends best actions to resolve issues impacting customers. OpCo in process of expanding reach of Anritsu monitoring platform from 20 million VoLTE subscribers to 58 million.
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Financial & PerformanceTelefónica issues further €5.5bn in green bonds
ESG remains in the Telefónica spotlight with more refinancing at the Group. Decarbonisation and increased executive diversity the criteria for success. Group edges closer to €10bn total volume ambition.
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PremiumVi overhauls national backbone
New 300G/400G network being launched, with assistance from Ciena.
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Public AffairsOfcom details O2 UK ‘carelessness’ in billing investigation
Regulator publishes 74-page document highlighting the extent of O2 UK feet-dragging in its investigation as to why the operator overcharged customers during a seven-year period. Demands O2 UK review its processes and systems to ensure accuracy and completeness of responses to information requests in future. Restates view that £150,000 ...
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OperationsAI not ready for bot-to-bot negotiation — BT’s Brown
Director of Procurement Strategy & Transformation says AI needs more training, but bot-to-bot purchasing “will come”. BT already implements AI tech to help select prospective vendors and optimise supply chain monitoring.