Latest UK News – Page 87
-
Network & InfrastructureDCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined-up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
-
Network & InfrastructureA lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
-
Network & InfrastructureBT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
-
Network & InfrastructureJansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital-based services.
-
PremiumBT Sport converts rights deal with Premiership Rugby
Group eventually signs £110m three-year extension after reported disagreements over valuation. BT continues to invest in regional Welsh club rugby with three-year sponsorship extension.
-
PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: EE waives roaming
EE waives EU roaming charges, broadband guarantees personalised, lockdown learning backed.
-
Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Openreach: 2x usage for 2020
Openreach flexes on network strength after UK broadband usage hits new highs.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesOpenreach hits FTTP milestone in Cumbria
Connecting Cumbria programme completes Phase Two, nearing regional ‘superfast’ targets. Phase Three on the table to finish the job. Gigabit-capable coverage lags behind for rural premises.
-
Strategy & ChangeBT turns to disruptive AI veteran in pursuit of Ambition 2030
Airtel CIO Harmeen Mehta bringing even greater AI advocacy and a ‘big tech’ frame of mind to BT’s new Digital division. Philip Jansen looking at bigger picture beyond fibre rollout as he sees Group’s future in delivering a UK platform for software-defined services.
-
Innovation (R&D)BT explores edge to “level up” latency for UK gamers
As BT’s edge strategy evolves, gaming emerges as potential use-case. BT’s Neil McRae shares latest thinking about edge business cases. Consumer edge applications more advanced than enterprise services.
-
Network & InfrastructureOpenreach requests COVID vaccine relief
Direct talks between Openreach and government officials confirmed. COVID-19 surge halts operations. Openreach seeks to highlight public importance of connectivity.
-
Network & InfrastructureVodafone bulks up Vantage Towers with Cornerstone
Vodafone UK and Telefónica UK give each other freedom to “commercialise” their 50% stakes in Cornerstone JV. Transfer of Vodafone’s shareholding to Vantage Towers to take place within weeks. Important (and long-awaited) addition to Vodafone’s European TowerCo ahead of upcoming IPO.
-
PremiumBT people moves: network strategy and internal learning changes
Lovelock takes internal learning spot to action Blewitt’s ecosystem development. Adrian Joseph adds Direct Line to his portfolio. Sports Rights MD Haworth makes tracks. Former BT fleet CEO takes to Enterprise.
-
PeopleBT’s Ainley takes Ericsson UK&I top-spot
Former Ventures MD Katherine Ainley will be CEO for the vendor’s UK and Ireland operations from February. BT Ventures dismantlement nears completion. Ainley to lead Ericsson through key 5G rollouts.
-
Network & InfrastructureBT Labs leans on AI/ML for RAN revamp
Targets transformation in design and operation of 5G RAN architectures. Envisages shift from cellular-centric to user-centric networks. Aim not simply to reduce costs and handle more traffic, but to unlock new revenue streams through service differentiation.
-
PremiumTelefónica people moves: global Tech changes
Recently-established Telefónica Tech subsidiaries bed in across regional outposts. Well-travelled strategy exec lands at O2 UK.
-
PeopleBT’s sports rights boss Haworth subbed off
Andy Haworth, BT Sport Rights & Commercial Managing Director, is set to take a position away from BT. Departure follows renewal of key rugby rights, but with critical Premier League negotiations on the horizon.
-
PeopleVodafone UK’s Petty sets sights on Group CTO job
Exec lays out vision of 5G-based telco resurgence, but warns Vodafone could become M&A prey if data monetisation puzzle remains unsolved.
-
PeopleVodafone UK CIO Brocklesby to depart
Chris Brocklesby to exit OpCo as of March. “External opportunity” comes calling. News comes a week after CEO Nick Jeffery bade farewell.
-
Consumer (B2C)Allera makes mark with BT Consumer “turnaround job”
Latest Business Briefing sees Allera stamp his style on Consumer division, striving to bring a premium sheen to a venerable brand. Multi-play out of fashion and cross-selling in as BT and EE set to play to strengths. New marketing chief Thrane buying in to Group transformation philosophy.