More on EMEA Telco Leaders – Page 244
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Network & InfrastructureBT, Stirling to launch Scottish Living Laboratory
BT named technology partner for University-led climate monitoring project. EE’s 5G network put to work.
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OperationsBT–EE meld: more execs become part of the mothership
BT’s de-duplication effort accelerates with more than two thirds of EE’s operations staff being swallowed up by its parent Group since April 2019.
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Network & InfrastructureDeutsche Telekom’s bumpy journey to software telco: Part I
Choi highlights importance of end-to-end service orchestration and automation… but accuses some open-source industry bodies of work duplication and low ambition. Resistance to disaggregation from established vendors still a problem… but promise of new business models, lower TCO, and faster time-to-market convince DT that software journey is necessary.
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M&AVodafone decries Italian broadband plan
Italy’s plan to create a single national broadband network moves closer, but deal still has some hurdles to overcome and Vodafone CEO Read signals he is opposed. Beyond broadband network, project might include 5G, edge computing, cloud and data centres, creating further strategic complexity for Vodafone’s Italian interests.
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica adds data centre capacity for edge services
Ten sites are to be opened in the next two years, focused on enabling edge services across Spain. Telefonica’s data centre partners may be waiting in wings to fuel further investment.
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PeopleOcado delivers new opportunities for BT’s Sherman
Strategy chief’s non-exec position with a leading light in e-commerce platform development fits with his declared goal of reimagining BT’s operations.
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PeopleTelefónica moves: cyber security remains a focus
Cybersecurity spin-off ElevenPaths brings in H2020 lead Granadino for investment roadmap. O2 UK’s Suvo Datta gets called up to WM5G, leading the growing regional hub’s finance strategy.
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M&ANew Three boss snipes at O2–Virgin merger
Finnegan doubtful on merits of O2–Virgin Media deal, but bullish on leading further UK consolidation.
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M&ATelefónica targets partners for M&A add ons in security
Group reaching into partner base for acquisitions to support expansion plans of new Telefónica Cybersecurity Tech division. Wayra investments maturing as two minority stakes upgraded to whole ownership. Reorganisation of assets for security expansion may be a template for revamp in cloud and IoT target markets.
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PeopleBuyIn rejig: Pyrtek out, Felder in
Procurement alliance rotates CEO. Orange takes helm from DT. Felder earns Pyrtek vote of confidence. BuyIn targeting growth — with digitisation, automation in the crosshairs.
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Innovation (R&D)BT’s Adastral Park testing use-cases for EU’s 5G-VINNI project
Project tests 5G for agile media production in broadcasting. BT’s Adastral Park is a main test facility for EU-funded 5G-VINNI project.
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Network & InfrastructureMerc’s 5G-equipped future factory begins production
O2 hands over the keys to the campus network it built at the automaker’s Factory 56: seen as a “flagship” for 5G in manufacturing. Production green light marks the start of Mercedes’ all-digital production overhaul.
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Venturing & Investmentshubraum’s Mixed Reality Programme goes live
First six startups inducted as hubraum continues hunt for commercial MR market. Technologists Nreal and Qualcomm partnered. Mix of late-stage and greenfield startups in a “diverse” line-up. Enterprise customers an apparent target for most.
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PremiumBT takes charge of 5G factory floor
BT collaborates with Worcestershire 5G (W5G) testbed and Ericsson to install ‘live’ 5G factory. Runs and manages private 5G network for Worcester Bosch. Takes technology lead at W5G to accelerate UK adoption of smart-manufacturing.
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Strategy & Change
Green sees ‘correction’ in TV sports rights prices
BT is attempting to turn down the heat on expectations for broadcast sport auctions in a market that has already seen signs of cooling.
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PremiumNumbers: no sport and shut businesses take their toll
While whole Group faces headwinds, Consumer and Enterprise take the brunt of COVID-19 impact. The “usual” working capital payments on top of slumping earnings result in negative cash flow for the quarter.
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PremiumSpending: capex surge still around the corner
Lockdown slows network rollout, but capex remains on track to ramp up from next year. Existing cost cutting to be coupled with pandemic-driven spending reviews for additional sustainable savings. New Huawei rules said not to add to BT’s swap-out burden.
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PremiumGuidance: what’s the worst that can happen?
Outlook on revenue and EBITDA implies little good news for rest of FY20–21. Earnings growth anticipated in FY21–22, as regulatory headwinds fade and efficiency gains come into play.
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PremiumDivisional highlights: the value of fibre
Management ready to look at ways to bring out the value of BT’s emerging fibre infrastructure. Beyond the current crisis and recession fears, BT Global advancing down the path to recovery. Sudden freeze of live events underlines the importance of BT Sport to Consumer division financial performance.
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PremiumBT continues to mull post-COVID-19 working options
Jansen seeks a return to normality. Changes to practices are afoot, however: Work Your Way flexible working initiative launched; distributed working pros and cons explored.