More on EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 161
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Suppliers & SCM
Chipset shortages delay Openreach provisioning
Ongoing chipset shortages lead to Ethernet product delays at Openreach, adding to problems flagged last year. Semiconductor supply and demand imbalance set to last at least another twelve months. Supply chain problems a recurring theme at BT, too.
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Operations
Little Cab arrives in Ethiopia
Safaricom-backed ride-hailing app attempting to rival Uber in Ethiopian capital. Expansion into the country has been delayed by COVID-19.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone Portugal suffers “terrorist” cyberattack
Mário Vaz, Vodafone Portugal CEO, says recovering from “terrorist” incident will be a “lengthy” job. Data, SMS, voice, and TV services impacted, with emergency services forced onto contingency connectivity plans.
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Public Affairs
M-PESA cleared for Ethiopian launch
State Minister of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance anticipates wider Safaricom launch “sometime in April”. M-PESA app will be introduced to a new market of 116 million people. Question marks remain regarding third telecoms licence in the country.
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M&A
Iliad makes move on Vodafone Italy
France-based Iliad Group said to have tabled an offer to Vodafone board last week. Vodafone share price gets short-lived bounce. Read’s self-styled “proactive” approach to M&A under the spotlight (again).
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Strategy & Change
DT, Vodafone climate plans get mixed reviews
Industry analysis gives DT and Vodafone good marks for “deep decarbonisation” plans, especially when stacked up against some of the world’s largest companies. Praised for headline pledges and transparent emissions reporting, but require work to improve their chances of reaching those commitments. Renewable energy sourcing and indirect, Scope 3 ...
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Premium
Elsewhere in UK: VM O2 to establish refurbished device scheme
VM O2 continues social change efforts with refurbished device lending scheme for temporary accommodation residents; CWU swaps target-driven bonuses for 10% salary increase for retail staff.
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Premium
VM O2 signals private network ambitions
JV collaborating with Nokia on private mobile networks since 2020. Further deals could be in pipeline.
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M&A
Oi mobile sale hits another road bump
Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) representative at antitrust regulator CADE gives thumbs down to proposed sale of Oi Group’s mobile assets to Telefónica|Vivo, Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil. Non-binding decision cites competition concerns and recommends “administrative proceedings” to investigate collusion among trio to exclude other interested companies. Oi says ...
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People
Ex-Telekom Deutschland CEO takes chair at altnet
Niek Jan van Damme appointed Chairman at NGN Fiber Network to support expansion ambitions under Eurofiber partnership. van Damme the second ex-Deutsche Telekom name to join the altnet this year.
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Premium
VM O2 CTO Jeanie York tackles convergence complexity
York opens up on bringing together technology, products, and teams. CTO, CIO, and CDO are separate but collaborate. New Volt converged service is result of squad way of working.
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Strategy & Change
T-Systems plots expansion in Spain
T-Systems Iberia targets 1,000 employees in Granada by 2025. Iberian unit certified as Group delivery partner for Amazon Connect. Centre of Excellence planned for Barcelona.
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People
Vodacom payment specialist XLink appoints MD
Majority-owned secure payments processor XLink Communications appoints Thanusha Govender with a ‘stay-the-course’ mandate. Former Absa strategy lead replaces stalwart Marnewick.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Spain: Movistar retail staff in line for pay rise
Unions negotiate 1% salary increase for Movistar retail staff; retail revamp continues with five new stores; Telefónica is discussions with DAZN for remaining La Liga matches.
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Consumer: Smart Hub 3 router to launch
BT, EE to launch new router; BT Sport hits target for darts coverage.
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Premium
UK operators action inflation-linked pricing
BT, EE join fellow operators in price hike announcements as UK inflation pushes broadband and mobile prices up nearly 10%. Consumer challenges affecting MNOs too, say MNOs. Brexit impact also felt for roamers.
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Technology: FWA trial underway at Adastral Park
BT joins partner list for entertainment R&D hub; FWA trial launched by Adastral Park.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Openreach: £20,000 reward for cable theft information
What next for Openreach under Drahi?; apprentice hiring spree targets diversity; Plusnet readies for FTTP entrance.
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Premium
Telefónica people moves: Colombian fibre JV names leadership
Telefónica Colombia’s fibre-building joint venture with KKR launches with a familiar top-team. Collaborative initiatives see Group execs take board seats at GSMA and IndesIA. VM O2 continues to make sweeping changes to senior leadership, with former O2 UK execs Bailey and Soto finding new roles elsewhere.
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People
Telefónica Tech names advisors to aid growth drive
Acquisitive division lists inorganic expansion as key motivator for the creation of a new Advisory Board. Twelve experts drawn from Group, Tech, and external sources.