All Legal (compliance, regulatory) articles – Page 31
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M&ACould Telefónica hold key in Prisa power play?
Manoeuvring said to be taking place around Telefónica’s residual holding in media group. Group reportedly open to selling 9.4%-stake but not at any price.
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Partnerships & AlliancesDrillisch soldiers on with roaming talks
Prospective MNO confirms it is seeking one national roaming agreement. DT’s Höttges questions whether potential rival is serious about building its own 5G network. Talks with Telefónica described as ‘constructive’.
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Strategy & ChangeJansen floats potential for Openreach stake sale
“Open-minded” Jansen may see an Openreach stake sale as a way to relieve pressure on investor demands for a quicker transformation. While CEO’s tone more positive on an asset sale, the challenges of extricating elements of the Group for a sell-off may limit options.
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom still keen on Ethiopia entry
Safaricom blocked from operating fintech service in Ethiopia, potentially making case for entry shakier, but operator reaffirms Ethiopian commitment and intention to enter bidding war. ECA offers spectrum auction update, amid escalating regional conflict.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica's core markets: Oi sights rescue party; O2 hits 4G targets
Path for Oi acquisition clears; German 4G catch-up continues; O2 UK picks up EE spectrum.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Vodacom in SA and Tanzanian trouble
Vodacom reportedly tangled in murder scandal in South Africa, and taking political fire over Tanzanian election.
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Financial & PerformanceBT cash to take a hit on Brexit and Huexit stockpiling
An improved earnings forecast at BT is not expected to generate more cash as the operator buys up Huawei gear ahead of the 5G ban. Ericsson highlights its own efforts to ensure it can meet BT’s needs in uncertain times ahead.
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Public AffairsTalkTalk stiffens resistance to Openreach network pricing
Alternative network provider is waging an ongoing war with Openreach over wholesale fees.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone Portugal threatens to boycott 5G auction
Objections to auction terms favouring new entrant. Complaints escalated to Brussels, and R&D centre plans reconsidered. Other European auction processes continue to be clouded by traditional operator–regulator machinations, with COVID–19 and trade tensions adding to mix.
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M&AVodafone gets India tax break from The Hague
International arbitration court rules against India in long-running tax dispute surrounding 2007 Hutchison Essar acquisition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government reportedly mulling an appeal, pending legal advice. In separate tax news, India’s Supreme Court calls for ten-year payback period on outstanding AGR dues.
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Public AffairsHuawei on retreat as US dials up European pressure
German coalition cabinet reportedly approves measures in IT security bill that, if passed, will effectively ban Huawei from 5G RAN market. Revision looks set to hurt Vodafone’s planning in largest market. Vodafone Greece also looks set for disruption as Pompeo visit increases pressure for a local ban.
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Suppliers & SCMBrexit and COVID: BT’s twin supply chain headaches
Group continuing to scrutinise status of 450 key partners, amid logistical and financial turmoil wrought by pandemic. Spread of critical partners under consideration to create greater resilience post-coronavirus and split from EU. Telcos, traditionally known for squeezing suppliers to the max, now focused on keeping them afloat.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Openreach: innovation in the crosshairs
Openreach targets innovation, Vodafone launches gigabit services, superfast stymied by capacity gap.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Global: McAfee flags BT role
Financial services business grows, US military renews contracts, McAfee flags BT role.
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Strategy & ChangeOpenreach fine as is — Lowth
BT CFO maintains Openreach contribution to the Group is undervalued, but that greater clarity and continued messaging on the progress of the fibre rollout could change perceptions. With all physical network assets tied to the BT pension and Openreach now effectively a services business, any attempt to bring in ...
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Public AffairsTalkTalk takes pot shot at Openreach FTTP pricing
CEO calls for longer-term, discounted full-fibre wholesale deals. Harrison claims BT’s alleged fears of breaching UK competition rules is “red herring”, while incumbent maintains it needs to appease all stakeholders.
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Public AffairsRead rails against states flouting EU law
Group CEO used a sponsored posting on the Politico website to demand, once again, a level playing field for Europe’s telecoms players, while bemoaning steps taken by several EU governments to sidestep European competition legislation. Article does not suggest Read’s bid for a reset of regulatory relations in Europe ...
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Network & InfrastructureBT’s Nokia pick points to renewed virtualisation drive
Nokia to become 5G infrastructure top dog as Huawei fades. Virtualisation opportunities abound as BT and Nokia commit to expanding open RAN ecosystem, and imminent developments on the network edge are anticipated.
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PremiumAirtel–Telkom merger falls through
Let-off for Safaricom as its two major mobile competitors remain marooned in sub-scale no-mans-land.