Latest Vodafone Insight – Page 91
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodacom’s IoT.nxt digs for in-house growth
Startup claims fears over absorption into the Vodacom super-structure have so far been unrealised. Internet of Things player wins central place in Vodafone’s private network package for mining businesses.
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone rejigs FTTP relationship with Telefónica
Reworked deal said to give challenged Spanish OpCo a broader fibre platform and better terms, in return for expanded commitments.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone sets up new Czech TowerCo
Creation of new business is latest move in Vodafone’s M&A and business improvement plan for European sites.
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Strategy & ChangeDeutsche Telekom, Vodafone clap €130bn German stimulus
Massive €50bn pot set aside for ‘future’ technologies, including 6G, open RAN, AI, and quantum computing. New, €5bn mobile infrastructure company appears to take heat off mobile operators. Thinly veiled threat issued to network suppliers over ‘openness’ and interoperability.
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Partnerships & AlliancesCan new telco group bridge COVID tracing’s digital divide?
New rapid response specifications group, E4P, aiming to facilitate interoperability across European track-and-trace apps through a focus on privacy and security, with standards ready by end-summer 2020. Conflict between centralised and decentralised approach to developing tracing apps may prove a stumbling block, however.
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M&AMásMóvil equity deal may spark Spanish consolidation
The private equity acquisition of Spain’s number four operator may see a short-term spike in competition, but could ultimately lead to consolidation, easing pressure on Telefónica and Vodafone. Opportunities could emerge for Telxius to pick up MásMóvil masts in the aftermath.
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PeopleCan new Chairman bring back Vodafone’s bottle?
Coming straight from a 15-year CEO tenure, new Chairman does not look likely to be a back seat driver. Lack of a telco legacy appears significant, with Vodafone seeking to diversify products and more closely connect with individual customers. Growth-oriented M&A record suggests brief is not to dismantle Group. ...
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PeopleVodafone names new Brussels chief
FTTH Council Europe DG enlisted to help Group push for better capital returns in its challenged Europe Region.
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OperationsVodacom brings in TechM to push automation
Services and systems integrator exploring ways to take bot-based task handling to next level.
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Enterprise (B2B)Vodacom makes move into mobile private networks
Mining an early target for integrated IoT, edge, and analytics solution.
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Innovation (R&D)Operators prep for 5G reality with Qualcomm
Qualcomm’s OEM certification programme expected to enable establishment of a new XR device category. European operators predict performance and sports content rights can be leveraged to create popular new applications that will showcase 5G’s worth.
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Suppliers & SCMAltran expands Vodafone 5G links
Vendor flags further 5G engagement with Vodafone, building on existing projects in Italy, Portugal, and Spain.
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PremiumVodafone Q4 FY19–20 management update: staying the course, post-coronavirus
Read infers Group is better placed, post-Colao for economic downturn. Della Valle confirms new, AT Kearney-inspired €1bn cost-cutting plan, after trailering move in late-2019. No disruption to Read’s M&A overhaul, beyond Egypt. Targets hit but glitchy performance, both at OpCos and Vodafone Business.
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PremiumFacebook gives Jio a multi-billion pound like
Rival Jio gets fillip from hefty FDI and Facebook digital expertise. Unnamed VfI exec does not rule out similar webscale tie-up for the embattled JV. Indian JV relinquishes last urban stronghold and is set to lose second spot overall.
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PremiumVHA, Nokia take 700MHz path to 5G
JV aims to complement 3.5GHz 5G with low-band spectrum, “Optimisation” of 4G and 5G hints at AirScale DSS. Australian government and ACMA prep release of 850MHz and 900MHz frequencies for next-gen tech.
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PremiumVodafone public work declines, with battles ahead
VfUK’s position as a strong challenger on the supply of communications to government is under threat from the rise of Virgin Media, with its O2 merger plans likely to intensify competition. New contracts are still flowing through, but prospect of significant contract expiration by the end of 2020 flagged. ...
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PremiumVodafone could face long wait for spectrum
Rival O2 remains vexed by how Ofcom has structured mid-band licence sell-off.
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Venturing & InvestmentsArtiness AR surgery startup named VfIt Action for 5G winner
Milanese AR remote surgery technology provider selected for €1m funding and 5G testing. CEO Piatti says Vodafone investment will help it “tackle the Italian market”.
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PremiumVodafone Italy brings FWA into broadband line-up
Cautious move into fixed wireless with limited, rural-focused deployment.
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PremiumGermany, Netherlands put DSS on 5G display
NatCos count on Ericsson to dynamically reallocate low-band 4G spectrum for wider 5G coverage. VfD CTO gives DSS strong vote of confidence; calls the tech a “sensation”. VfZ uses DSS as 5G first-to-market launchpad ahead of Dutch spectrum auction.