Latin America – Page 26
-
Network & Infrastructure
Vivo taps CDPQ for fibre spin out, as KKR invests in Chile
Telefónica|Vivo signs a 50:50 deal with Quebec-based investor to launch FiBrasil. Wholesale fibre provider will expand Vivo’s geographic reach, while the OB focuses on upgrading its existing fixed-network footprint. Long-heralded $1bn Chilean InfraCo plans culminate with KKR taking 60% stake.
-
Financial & Performance
Telefónica wobbles over 2020 finish line, targets stability
Revenue and OIBDA drop 11% as double-whammy of COVID-19 and currency fluctuations hit. Guidance on cash flow just about achieved, while FY21 focus will be on stabilisation. Dividend reduced by 25% as COVID-19 challenges continue, and 5G auctions loom. Telefónica Infra picking up minority stakes in Group infrastructure as ...
-
Network & Infrastructure
Movistar Chile secures 3.5GHz spectrum
Movistar makes highest bid for 5G-friendly 3.5GHz spectrum amid uncertainty over its future within the Telefónica Group.
-
M&A
Telefónica to swap more data centres for Nabiax stake
Four data centres are said to be on the table, with a 20%-stake in Asterion subsidiary Nabiax the price. Nabiax-Telefónica JV reportedly in the pipeline to manage the estate.
-
Enterprise (B2B)
Telefónica drone-security platform takes flight
Operator comes out of trial phase with creation of new international platform. Number of clients said to already be in pipeline, with UK-based drone control specialist one active user. Speciality in security-oriented use-cases emphasised.
-
-
Premium
Movistar deploys traffic management solution from Enea
Network efficiency and quality-of-service in focus as video usage grows.
-
Premium
Telefónica raises €1bn through sustainable bond issue
Sustainability financing includes social impact and environmental targets. Proceeds to fund fibre networks and connectivity in unserved areas.
-
Premium
Telefónica people moves: Garcia ascends to TIP directors board
Juan Carlos Garcia becomes the face of Telefónica’s collaborative innovation endeavour by succeeding David del Val at 5TONIC and Telecom Infra Project. Michael Falkensteiner takes on German brand leadership. Another former O2 exec joins Deutsche Glasfaser management.
-
Premium
Vivo selects Ericsson for charging solution
B2B and B2C charging consolidated on vendor’s OpenStack-enabled Ericsson Charging platform. Agreement builds on 2012 BSS partnership, with an eye to deployment of emerging 5G products and use cases.
-
Suppliers & SCM
Movistar MANOs up for virtualisation
Virtualisation specialist Whitestack is building up its engagement with Telefónica in Latin America.
-
Strategy & Change
Álvarez-Pallete gets political as challenges grow
Quiet support for a boardroom coup at Prisa indicates Telefónica’s political muscles as business priorities coincide with larger social challenges. Telefónica supporting government recovery goals, but lobbying for a more favourable investment environment as 5G auction looms. Group emphasising its Europe role as Latin America retreat sees grumbling.
-
Venturing & Investments
Elsewhere in Telefónica Venturing: Wayra buys into retail
Wayra doubles up on retail and fintech focus. Brazilian portfolio trimmed further with LinkApi exit.
-
Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Hispanomérica: inclusive digitalisation at the fore
Colombia CEO Hernández calls for inclusive digitisation, while Peru’s Internet para Todos notches another 4G reach milestone.
-
Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica’s Core Markets: Vivo-Claro deal gets checked
Vivo’s RAN-sharing agreement with Claro gets unwanted attention from CADE amid competition concerns.
-
Premium
Partner Markets: Vodafone’s scale-up substitute
Federation spanning 46 markets across the globe, with operators in New Zealand, Oman, and eastern Europe among recent adds.
-
Venturing & Investments
Wayra backed LinkApi lands a buyer
Telefónica’s Brazilian scale-up hothouse exits LinkApi through Semantix acquisition. Wayra continues transition to later-stage startups with fourth exit in just over a year.
-
Strategy & Change
Play axed from Telefónica Mexico’s content offering
OB opting to strengthen alliances with other OTT players instead of building out own video content platform. Movistar Play remains live in a host of other Latin American markets, but ambitious growth targets across LatAm far off realisation.
-
M&A
Oi firms up mobile deal, Vivo reinforces its market lead
Oi finalises mobile asset sale to three-strong consortium of Claro, TIM Brasil, and Vivo. Oi CFO: regulatory approval expected within the year. Trifecta of assets now divested by in-administration Oi as it seeks route to recovery via fibre.
-
Venturing & Investments
Two Movistar Money ventures set for take-off
Consumer finance business green-lighted for launch in Colombia, enabling Group to extend partnership with stakeholder BBVA. Telco also heading trials of similar personal loan service in Mexico, with Banco Sabadell on the scene. Both moves continue recent refresh of Telefónica’s financial services partnerships.