More on EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 229
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Strategy & ChangeLiberty likes idea of VodafoneZiggo listing
Vodafone partner’s CFO argues that an IPO would command “premium valuation” in comparison with incumbent KPN. Bracken casts Vodafone as “wonderful partner”, and that the JV has done a “great job” in cutting costs and increasing revenue. Talks enthusiastically about VodafoneZiggo as “national FMC champion”. ...
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Innovation (R&D)Vodafone picks Greece for e-health R&D hub, post-COVID
Vodafone Greece’s IoT subsidiary to head e-health research and development centre. Two IoT solutions being prepared for launch as Vodafone Innovus pivots to new vertical.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWeaveworks sews up Deutsche Telekom funding
Group taps Telekom Innovation Pool to join in on Series-C round with several big industry names. Weaveworks, creator of Kubernetes platform GitOps, takes total funding to $60m. TIP investment suggests Deutsche Telekom partnership could extend beyond mere fiscal support.
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Strategy & ChangeCzech operator tops up on O2
O2 Czech Republic extends right to use Telefónica’s European brand name beyond 2030. Group’s ties with operator’s majority stakeholder not totally severed.
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PeopleIT transformation lead Rachel Higham leaves BT
Higham, Managing Director of IT, leaves a vacancy currently plugged by key lieutenant Mark O’Flaherty. Exec appointed CIO at advertising giant WPP. Self-styled “Chief Sherpa” leaves with substantial transformation work still to be done, despite marked progress.
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Network & InfrastructureOfcom hints at ten-year “fair bet” timeframe for BT
Openreach to be unconstrained on full-fibre pricing until 2031 under proposed plans from the regulator. Jansen claims he would rather have a cap on returns, and more time. Fellow infrastructure builders happy with clarity, but Openreach customer TalkTalk unhappy with impact on wholesale. Regulatory clarity may kickstart discussions on ...
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Innovation (R&D)Vodafone supports drone inspection trial led by Sees.ai
Multimillion-pound drone project ready for deployment, with VfUK a key enabler. Drones to work as surveillance system for construction sites — just one of its many potential use-cases, according to Group CTO. Another addition to Group’s expanding portfolio of drone tech collaborations.
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Venturing & InvestmentsDeutsche Telekom reveals first Campus Network Program members
Robotics players first to win places in Deutsche Telekom’s Industry 4.0 innovation scheme. Solutions to emerge from hubraum programme could be integrated with Group products. DT’s partner ecosystem steadily growing.
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PeopleKatie Milligan takes Openreach chair in Scotland
Milligan, Openreach MD for Customer, Commercial & Propositions, to become Chairman of the Scotland Board in 2021. Scottish know-how tapped for unique regional challenges. 40-year veteran Brendan Dick to vacate the spot.
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Network & InfrastructureINWIT ties up loose ownership end
Telecom Italia sells remaining direct stake in TowerCo, co-controlled with Vodafone, to Canson Capital Partners.
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Partnerships & AlliancesTelefónica and BBVA tie on Movistar Money joint venture
Consumer finance business green-lighted for launch in Colombia. Group extends partnership with stakeholder BBVA. Move continues recent refresh of Telefónica’s financial services partnerships.
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Suppliers & SCMNETSCOUT flags Vodafone deal extension
Vendor maintains its position for what could be a further three to four years.
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Network & InfrastructureBT calls for alternatives to fibre in rural Wales
Connecting the most challenging premises not viable under the USO. Openreach, backed by government infrastructure committees, wants to look beyond FTTP for gigabit access.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Technology: Open Digital Architecture gets tested
BT backing digital architecture commoditisation; data traffic records tumble.
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OperationsBT picks Belfast for legal relaunch
Multi-million-pound investment goes towards revamp of Group’s legal presence. Another BT function chooses to switch activities across Irish Sea.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone Italy CEO wants government help on 5G
Bisio claims country’s operators unfairly handicapped after heavy outlays on spectrum. 5G development projects completed in Milan. CEO voices caution again about Italy’s plan for a single broadband infrastructure company.
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PeopleFormer Vodafone executives join ngena
SD-WAN enabler names a refreshed board, with Chris Burke and Maja Grätz taking C-Suite spots. Accenture and T-Systems influence still prominent.
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Public AffairsBT could face winter strike action
CWU ups the ante in the Count Me In campaign as employees back what could be the first national strike at BT in decades. New Birmingham office to be first regional hub in Better Workspace programme, but the pandemic is complicating other office searches.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: NTT renews wholesale deal
Transatel set to enable more EE features for UK MVNOs; Wholesale claims 5G rollout lead.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: Premiership Rugby not guaranteed
Rugby talks go to wire; BT Sport welcomes fans back, EE clearing not-spots.