More on EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 162
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Premium
Movistar refreshes ad agency line-up
Operator is seeking new go-to-market strategy for diversified portfolio.
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M&A
Discovery JV: BT Sport to be unbundled from BT
Another twist to the tale as BT and Discovery enter exclusive discussions. Jansen indicates agreement encompasses Eurosport UK and ‘Discovery app’, hinting at sports content tie-up; says deal has “no downsides”. The move could be a huge blow to DAZN, which appeared to have secured an $800m buyout.
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Premium
Telefónica renews Netflix deal
Extension maintains Netflix content on Movistar’s pay-TV platform in Spain.
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Network & Infrastructure
DT’s fibre JV cleared and gets into planning mode
EC approves proposed GlasfaserPlus JV with no conditions. GlasfaserPlus identifies first 57 communities to be targeted in 2022. DT partner EWE reassures over Glasfaser Nordwest, the Group’s other high-profile fibre JV, which has hit regulatory roadblocks.
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BT takes open RAN for a spin with Nokia
Hull trial puts Nokia’s near-real-time RIC and xApps through their paces. Goal is to optimise EE’s network performance. Open RAN Innovation Centre at Adastral Park facility slated for launch “later” in 2022.
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Mehta brings new talent to BT Digital
Vodafone Smart Tech creator Tom Guy to head Incubation unit. New team aligns with Mehta’s desire for “crazy people” to create disruptive services.
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Financial & Performance
BT Q3: king of a still-wobbly hill
Corporate weakness postpones recovery, with BT Global recuperating and BT Enterprise still in surgery. Rational rivals embraced, but warned of “Armageddon scenario”, with Sky current BFF. Discovery tie-up a win-win for BT Sport (but what about for BT itself?). Openreach charges on, hitting new records for FTTP connections and ...
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People
Ex-Vodafone exec to lead Etisalat International
Mikhail Gerchuk takes charge of Etisalat’s international division. Joins Hatem Dowidar, Etisalat Group CEO and fellow Vodafone alumnus.
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Elsewhere in BT Group: recruitment drive for apprentices and graduates
Recruitment campaign to fill Better Workplace offices; shareholder Altice drops Portuguese sale plans.
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O2 Germany starts small cell open RAN rollout
Two minicells activated in Munich; more to follow. Deployment intended as “model project” that can be replicated in other cities. Initial aim is to complement macro 4G network with extra capacity; 5G open RAN minicells in pipeline.
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Premium
Haas wants extension of spectrum usage rights
O2 Germany CEO says BNetZA must “promptly” extend duration of 800MHz, 1,800MHz, and 2.6GHz licence concession beyond 2025. Deems nationwide 5G coverage “achievable” by 2025 at the latest, but calls for less bureaucracy to speed up expansion.
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Premium
Former BT Fleet folded into rebranded Rivus
Rivus Fleet Solutions and Pullman Fleet Solutions to be combined. Graeme Lumley is new BT account director.
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Financial & Performance
Vodafone’s Q3 deciphered: glad-handing activists; German misfire; IoT, Africa fintech blossom
Management seeks to seize back agenda amid growing City pressure for urgency on asset sales. CEO Nick Read assures Group will be “proactive” in finding returns-focused deals. German user experience misstep takes gloss off solid set of numbers. Price rises planned across Europe, in response to rising costs.
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Premium
BT wary of Cellnex compromise on CKH tower merger
Spanish InfraCo willing to sell enough sites from existing estate to enable new UK tower player to emerge, overcoming CMA concerns on competition linked to planned CKH infrastructure acquisition. Four companies already stepped forward as potential buyers. BT remains concerned about impact on MBNL and 5G investment plans.
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Premium
BT Q3 FY21–22 Guidance: positives to come, but later than promised
Revenue down 2% for the year, but growth anticipated from Q1 FY22–23. All things point up, but large corporates at Enterprise and Global need turnaround to avoid continued struggles. Discovery tie-up a win–win for BT Sport (and maybe for Sky, but what about for BT itself?).
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Interview
OpenUK explores Gaia-X data model
Open technology advocacy group wants to keep UK engaged with Europe on developing federated data models.
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Public Affairs
OTE handed €9m fine for data protection failings
Greek operator deemed to have infringed on GDPR law in 2020 data leak. Fines handed to Cosmote mobile operator and OTE Group parent.
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People
Openreach’s McTighe ‘steps away’ from Ofcom chair search
Mike McTighe, Openreach Chairman, reportedly withdraws from the search for an Ofcom chair. Now nearly two years in the making, the process is yet to find a clear frontrunner despite a number of names floated. Ex-BBC supremo Michael Grade is the latest hat in the ring.
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Elsewhere in Systems Solutions: DT joins European Commission-led cloud alliance
European cloud alliance up and running; T-Sys eyes post-coronavirus opportunities as hospitals modernise; Cellnex peels back another layer in its relationship with DT.
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T-Systems targets public transport Goal
Goal Systems partnership aims to accelerate digitisation, initially in Central and Southern Europe.