More Latest Insight – Page 211
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PremiumLiberty’s Fries hints at VodafoneZiggo talks
CEO Mike Fries said Dutch JV partners are at an “inflection point”. Wholesale opportunity could arise in the UK as VM O2 extends its reach.
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PremiumAPIs and collaboration central to metaverse entry
Vodafone’s Víctor Fernández joined on MWC panel by Meta, Microsoft, and Telefónica figures to extol metaverse virtues, with warnings of challenges ahead. Collaboration and cross-industry coordination seen as key to scale deployment. API developments at Vodafone playing a role.
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Public AffairsDT stops software development in Russia
Operator confirms closure of St. Petersburg development centre in response to Ukraine crisis. “Many” of DT’s thousands of employees have left Russia.
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica puts price on Spanish FibreCo — reports
Group appoints AZ Capital and BBVA to support stake sale in rural fibre business. Pension and private equity funds among prospective buyers.
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PremiumElsewhere in Openreach: Viavi signed up to test fibre network
Openreach partners Viavi to provide end users with “speedometer” for full-fibre speeds; joins Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.
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PremiumOpenreach to create 4,000 jobs, aims for more diversity
Industry steps up efforts to attract more people in tight labour market and keep fibre rolling. “Unprecedented” demand gives candidates upper hand. BT and Openreach, as well as Virgin Media O2, tout apprenticeship plans. Signs of progress on gender diversity and hiring more women in traditionally male-dominated roles.
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Network & InfrastructureT-Mobile US plugs ‘5G-as-a-platform’
5G Forward package of initiatives aimed at helping developers of all sizes gain access and experiment on operator’s network. Unveils brand new 24,000-square foot Tech Experience 5G Hub facility. New strategic partnerships with Disney and Red Bull to develop “new 5G-powered experiences”.
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Public AffairsSafaricom stands alone against tariff changes
Kenyan communications authority set to cut mobile termination rates by 88%, with Safaricom seen as biggest loser. Rate cuts said to level playing field, and enable greater competition and lower barriers for new market entrants.
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M&AKKR reiterates Telecom Italia interest
Private equity giant said to have made fresh request to begin due diligence. Follows €10.8bn made in November 2021. TI remains hopeful of its own revival plan via Open Fiber merger.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: £1.5 in NHS contracts
BT-backed lottery bid loses out to Vodafone rival; NHS contracts earn BT £1.5m.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Global: BT still in with Russia’s Rostelecom
Industry’s Russian withdrawal not so easy for Global as Rostelecom relationship remains; Diamond IP offloaded.
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Public AffairsÁlvarez-Pallete lambasts regulators for being stuck in the past
If WhatsApp et al are not regulated, then neither should Telefónica, he says. Álvarez-Pallete accuses Spanish regulator of dragging its feet over reforms.
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M&AIndian government urged to speed up Vi equity conversion
Debt-for-equity swap yet to go through after months in limbo. Vi said to believe completion is key to securing further investments. Move would give Indian government a 35.8% stake in Vi.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica lays out circular economy plans
Group pledges zero waste to landfill and refurb of 500,000 mobile phones by 2030. Backed by MAIA equipment reuse platform. Plans follow GSMA call to action for telecoms sector.
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Innovation (R&D)DCMS launches ‘open’ R&D network to overhaul UK innovation
UK Telecoms Innovation Network aims to build transparent, open hub for public and private R&D opportunities. Seeks to fix supply chain diversity issues in UK telecoms and export technology abroad. Interoperable network tech among the priorities.
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PremiumEnterprise, Microsoft put health in the spotlight
BT’s Healthcare Director Sultan Mahmud promotes future innovation with Microsoft, as Enterprise seeks to bolster healthcare proposition. NHS insight added in latest Clinical Advisory Board appointment.
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PremiumOfcom urges service providers to promote social tariffs
Regulator says 1.1 million households struggling to pay for broadband. Social tariffs can help, but only six service providers offer the discounts. Millions of eligible households don’t know about the cheaper plans. Ofcom expects industry to “step up”.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: BT still committed to YouView
YouView’s future secured until at least 2024; e-sports event promotes EE full fibre.
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CorporateOpenreach’s Selley in the dark about Drahi’s aims
Openreach CEO has met the Altice UK owner several times over the years. Selley sees BT as a “very good owner” that has the UK government’s ear.
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Public AffairsPlease Call Me inventor resolute against Vodacom appeal
Nkosana Makate will pursue compensation “until the end of the road” after Vodacom lodged a formal appeal against High Court rulings. Vodacom offers millions to Makate, who claims billions are owed.