More Network & IT insight – Page 159
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Network & InfraFunding keeps flowing for UK full-fibre altnets
Investor appetite still strong for UK’s busy fibre build scene. Altnets swell ranks to 100 and counting, some start to snap up rivals. Old guard Openreach keeps ahead of the pack with seven million premises passed for full-fibre rollout.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra invests in ‘Spanish Google Drive’
Cloud storage provider Internxt receives cash injection in new funding round. Security-focused business hopes to grow “even faster” with newfound support.
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Network & InfraVodacom Tanzania targets rural areas with fibre investment
TZS 25bn investment secures use of government-owned fibre infrastructure. State wants 80% population coverage by 2025. OpCo aims to offer increased access to healthcare, education and “financial inclusion”.
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InnovationStaex: DT spinoff aims to patch up fragmented IoT
Telekom Innovation Labs project on ‘new-generation’ IoT orchestration re-surfaces. New business Staex offers a fresh, decentralised take on running smart-utility and smart-city projects. First external funding secured. Startup sits outside of the DT perimeter but maintains ties with Detecon and T-Mobile.
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PeoplewatchBT alumnus Shaw takes KCOM top-spot
Tim Shaw, former BT Enterprise CTIO, takes Hull operator’s top-spot. Set to drive “exciting transformation” under Macquarie owners.
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Network & InfraScottish gov working with Openreach to accelerate R100
R100 project, backed by devolved Scottish government, connects only tiny fraction of targeted premises with superfast broadband. Subsea infrastructure on track to hit rollout deadline, but wider R100 programme facing delays. Scottish government “actively engaging” with Openreach to accelerate rollout; acknowledges (again) that R100 is “hugely challenging”.
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Strategy & ChangeTelcos must build trust as foundation for data services
Operators currently assume an unfounded bond of trust with customers, but can still build role as valued brokers, believes VM O2’s CDO. Fostering an improved reputation for trustworthiness and delivering privacy-by-design can lead to new revenue streams, according to Vodafone Business data chief. Ex-Deutsche Telekom veteran calls on operators ...
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Public AffairsUkrainian networks restored as Vodafone redoubles war efforts
Chernihiv and Kyiv networks back online as Vodafone Ukraine engineers continue work to ensure communications for citizens. Relief effort supported by Vodafone customer donations.
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PremiumElsewhere in Openreach: Arson takes out 7,400 connections
Arson attack in Kent knocks out 7,400 connections; Openreach set to launch Advanced Install pilot for complex jobs.
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PremiumJalil echoes Mehta mantra of moving fast, breaking things
Global CIO flags digital transformation for multinational customers as priority. BT moving from network-centric products and connectivity to cloud-based platform solutions. Working closely with Mehta to adapt BT culture and “attract a new generation of tech talent”.
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Network & InfraVodafone fibre JV rumours resurface in Germany
UK-headquartered Group reportedly talking to investors. Maximum investment said to be capped at €10bn. Off-balance sheet option wheeled out again.
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Strategy & ChangeTelcos seek security in the cloud as 5G grows
Telefónica’s Patricia Diez Munoz acclaims 5G security credentials, but edge deployments and multi-vendor environments bring new challenges. Neil McRae of BT positions security at the fore of cloud-native transformation and calls on vendors to finally ditch legacy attitudes to security, and the days of “stupid passwords”.
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Network & Infra“A serious tragedy”: Vodacom begins repairs following SA floods
KwaZulu-Natal flooding declared an emergency with more than 300 dead. Vodacom cites ‘social contract’ in ZAR 3m relief donation. Operators begin network restoration, with power outages a core issue after backup batteries washed out.
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M&ADT hoping for speedy resolution amid ‘multiple’ tower bids
Future of Deutsche Funkturm to be determined following bids from various parties, with American Tower, Cellnex, KKR, and Vantage Towers all named. DT apparently keen to seal a deal sooner rather than later. Despite previous intent to complete full sale, minority option remains “attractive”.
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Public AffairsTMUS ‘lost $200,000’ attempting to buy back leaked data
Reports say it’s unclear whether or not the US NatCo was aware of payments made to cybercriminals. Last year’s data breach affected nearly 55 million users.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT pilots orchestrated cloud with M2A Media
Pair conduct trial to meet demand for cloud media services. Further collaboration anticipated following “successful” integration showcase.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: BT Sport close to UFC renewal
BT close to winning fight for UFC broadcasting.
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OperationsDeutsche Telekom setting up new IT consulting arm
New consultancy business added to brief of Group CIO Peter Leukert. Move appears designed to support Group’s ERP transformation. Step comes amid wait for confirmation of ERP outsourcing deal with Accenture.
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PremiumEE to use spectrum aggregation for 5G network rollout
Operator taps Qualcomm for ‘Europe’s first’ aggregated spectrum 5G network. Set to roll out in major cities within a year, but take-up of compatible devices remains low.
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M&ATelefónica’s Vilá welcomes merger of rivals in ‘fragmented’ Spanish market
Telefónica COO again questions whether Telefónica should now be seen as a dominant player. Vodafone said to be exploring options for its fixed assets in Spain.