Latest Telco News
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra buys into sustainable energy startup Solum
Open Future-accelerated Solum adds Wayra cash to funding pot. Embryonic startup to initiate recruitment drive and go-to-market expansion strategy. Move builds on existing relationship with Telefónica.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica’s Rao hails bold approach to customer tech refresh
CTIO highlights ‘co‑creation’ role played by partners such as Salesforce.
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M&A
Vivo set for a longer wait as CADE rules Oi deal is complex
Regulator to take its time to examine Oi divestment in detail. Decision confirms fears that closure will likely take place in 2022. Suggestion raised that deal could even be rejected.
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Network & Infrastructure
European Aviation Network charts 5G NSA flightpath
5G NR backwards compatibility with existing Evolved Packet Core main attraction over standalone variant. Allows EAN to simultaneously support existing aircraft fleets using 4G, and 5G fleets when onboard equipment becomes available.
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People
CTO said to exit Vodafone Spain after Tech reshuffle
CTO Ismael Asenjo set to leave, according to local reports. Changes continuing to take hold from reworking of Europe‑wide Technology operating model. Move follows appointment of Networks and Digital leads at OpCo.
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People
Ahuja resigns Vodafone directorship
Telecom veteran departs Group Board, citing commitments elsewhere. High-profile resignation comes on eve of Vodafone AGM, with Olaf Swantee set to be sworn in.
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Network & Infrastructure
Joosub fears Telkom will put spanner in SA spectrum works
Vodacom CEO hopeful that operator dialogue with ICASA can solve impasse on 4G/5G spectrum. However, Joosub thinks Telkom has a propensity to “ delay or play games ”.
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Strategy & Change
BT Global shuts down Kuwait HQ
Division’s rationalisation of Middle Eastern footprint continues as Group confirms closure of Kuwaiti facilities. Residual presence in country — and region — maintained via new reseller alliance with Ooredoo.
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Network & Infrastructure
Fries floats full-fibre future for VM–O2 in Liberty‑led UK scene
A future upgrade of VM‑O2 fixed infrastructure could see coaxial cable edged out and fibre deployed throughout the operator’s footprint, according to JV’s Chairman. Pragmatic approach to fibre is being driven by the JV weighing its options on expanding into the wholesale market. Targeting the B2B sector ...
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Innovation (R&D)
BT explores metamaterials for future networks
Researchers delve into new materials for smarter, greener wireless tech. Metasurfaces applied for better signal propagation and performance. Operator planning to increase investment in materials R D.
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Products & Services
Movistar+ sets stage for aggregator play in Spain
New CEO Cristina Burzako restructures and refocuses strategy. Focus tightening on partnerships and customer experience, but original content and exclusive sport remain important differentiators. Amidst Movistar + revamp, Telefónica faces big decisions and bigger bills for content rights.
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M&A
Vantage back in shop window as Vodafone builds revival
M A remains a lever to help Vodafone revive growth, says CEO Read. New Chairman van Boxmeer lighting a fire under Group strategy and ambition. Another chunk of Vantage could be sold off to “ like-minded ” partner. Hint made of some UK deal-making in pipeline. ...
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Venturing & Investments
BT investment signals cybersecurity intent
BT named lead investor in $33m Safe Security funding round. SAFE cyber risk quantifier to be added to BT security offering, with the potential to target 30 million BT Consumer customers flagged by the partner. As well as exclusive securing UK rights, BT’s cash injection to ...
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone shuffles international partnership team
Oversight of Partner Markets federation shifts to Vinod Kumar’s Vodafone Business division. Move comes with Vodafone seeking platforms for margin-friendly B2B growth, to improve cash flow.
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Partnerships & Alliances
BT targets Amazon as key commercial partner
As Consumer embraces a platform strategy and seeks new partners to help boost customer value and enhance its billing relationships, a concerted effort is being made to woo internet giant Amazon. Relationship building reflects determination to achieve a “ best for partnerships ” strategic objective.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Movistar gives fitness startup Volava distribution leg up
Wayra interest Volava taps into Spanish OB’s customer base, with flexible payment options for its hardware. Movistar raises possibility that early‑stage link‑up could be expanded upon, as startup pounces on COVID‑19 ‑spurred exercising‑at‑home trend.
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Network & Infrastructure
German MNOs face “Herculean” flood recovery projects
O2, Telekom Deutschland, and Vodafone make headway in respective network restoration efforts after flash floods take out networks. Portable base stations plugging gaps left by damaged fibre.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vantage Towers CEO dismisses bond proxy tag
Vivek Badrinath enthuses about “ exciting business model ”. Sees scope for innovation and expansion through greater non-operator engagement. Always on the lookout for M A opportunities, but existing markets take priority if going down consolidation route.
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People
Latest Deutsche Telekom people moves: German sales rejig
1NCE co‑founder departs for Truphone. Former DT IoT CFO confirms his move to Telekom Deutschland. Renewed sales leadership in Germany. T‑Mobile MONEY lead exits for insurtech player.
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Suppliers & SCM
Telefónica says continuity vital in 5G SA supplier selection
Operator confirms longstanding network partners Ericsson and Nokia as 5G SA radio suppliers. CTIO claims provider has the “ best technology partners ” that can help develop 5G “ at the highest level of quality ”.
