Michelle Donegan
Michelle Donegan is an experienced telecoms writer and has been contributing as a reporter and news analyst for TelcoTitans since July 2020.
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Public AffairsNI report criticises past public broadband projects
Audit Office report cannot verify that two broadband projects “achieved value for money”. High service take-up rates suggest not all public funding was needed. NI expected to claw back £14m of public funds from BT. Hopes for £165m Project Stratum to deliver better outcome for rural broadband.
- People
T-Systems CTO takes the helm on Gaia-X board
Maximilian Ahrens elected Chairman along with first board of directors. First Gaia-X services expected by end of 2021. Another sign of Deutsche Telekom’s support for the initiative.
- Suppliers & SCM
NPS revival makes for happy shopping at Vodafone’s VPC
Digital transformation at Vodafone’s procurement unit said to have driven positive Net Promoter Scores for user experience. VPC says it is now faster, more efficient, and has “happy” purchase orders. Process mining and machine learning driving further efficiencies.
- Network & Infrastructure
DT drives mobility data space in Germany
T-Systems and DT IoT get mobility industry cloud on the road. Government-backed project unlocks data for safer, greener transportation. Data Intelligence Hub supports industry cloud initiatives. DT’s data sharing projects span automotive, logistics, and mobility sectors.
- Enterprise (B2B)
T-Mobile US and DT team up for transatlantic B2B services
NatCo and Group collaborate on developing services for global businesses. “Transatlantic synergies” boost TMUS enterprise plan. Sprint International assets left hanging amid B2B manoeuvres.
- Network & Infrastructure
DT’s Pan-Net activates edge in 5G cross‑border tests
EU-funded trial networks test autonomous driving across borders. Group companies supply 5G connectivity and edge computing. More EU funds expected for connected and automated mobility (CAM).
- Network & Infrastructure
SAP CEO sees more ‘European’ industry clouds ahead
Catena-X Automotive Network appears just the start for European data spaces supported by Gaia‑X. SAP is working on industry clouds for other sectors. Catena-X seen as proof point for Europe’s sovereign data and cloud initiative.
- Interview
Openreach Tech team powers UK fibre build
CTIO Colin Lees shares impact of tech overhaul on network build. More effort on provisioning and repair in three-year transformation project. Openreach owns IT and Network strategy decisions; BT Digital and BT Networks are key suppliers. Three-supplier strategy for FTTP advances with Adtran, Huawei and Nokia.
- Network & Infrastructure
DT rolls out RDK for next-gen home gateways
Home broadband devices set for Group-wide revamp. Desire for data drives DT to RDK. Broadband eclipses TV for now in DT’s software platform focus. DT embraces open-source community.
- Strategy & Change
BT in talks to sell BT Sport stake
Early discussions with potential investors underway, as BT seeks strategic partners to “strengthen our sports business”. Volatile sports rights costs, and minimal benefits to ownership within emerging Consumer business model likely prompting talks. BT Sport rumours reignite Openreach sale speculation, underlining the Group’s need to find financial headroom for ...
- Strategy & Change
Vodafone CFO: Shared Services at the heart of digital strategy
Finance’s Shared Services division was spark for Group’s digital strategy. Vodafone Group CFO Margherita Della Valle is not “empire building”. Shared Services drives efficiency, but not immune from cuts.
- Network & Infrastructure
T-Systems harnesses 5G, AI, and edge for campus networks
Campus networks in focus at Hannover Messe event. T‑Systems develops edge offerings with AWS. AI‑managed service and industrial IoT apps added to campus portfolio.
- Partnerships & Alliances
T-Mobile US teams with Lumen for B2B edge services
TMUS makes inroads to more enterprises with Lumen. Collaboration brings together 5G, fibre, and edge computing.
- Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica Argentina taps IBM for open RAN trial
Proof of concept open RAN network led by IBM as systems integrator. Movistar test network adds to Group trials in Germany and the UK. IBM plants open RAN flag in Spain with new Centre of Excellence.
- Content & TV
Deutsche Telekom plans TV migration to all‑IP in 2022
TV technology roadmap aims for all-IP and unicast. DT wants to match innovation speed of web content providers. Transition expected to start in all European markets by end-2022.
- Suppliers & SCM
Vodafone’s supply chain unit targets enterprises with ‘buying club’
New procurement service for enterprise customers and Partner Markets. Marketplace aggregates tail spend to control procurement costs.
- Public Affairs
Vodafone Germany braces for cable rule changes
New law could end bundling cable TV with housing association rental fees. VfD could lose two million subscribers, estimates Jefferies.
- Strategy & Change
Vodafone CFO: passion for digital drives transformation
Group CFO Margherita Della Valle plays leading role in transformation. Finance team is digital early adopter, leading Group by example. CFOs wield more influence over digital strategy.
- Strategy & Change
Deutsche Telekom targets Sweden and UK in IoT sales push
Two new sales roles to support European growth ambition. DT’s B2B overhaul bears fruit as DT IoT and DTBS work together to expand IoT business. IoT Hub takes longer than expected to launch commercial offerings.
- People
CEO Avidan leaves Deutsche Telekom IoT
Dennis Nikles appointed new MD at DT IoT. After building DT’s independent IoT business, Avidan exits company “at his own request”.
