More Recent Insight – Page 340
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone centralising national tech functions for Europe platform union
In-country tech leadership to be extracted and taken over by Group, as part of broader, homogenisation-focused regional reorg. Top Group execs in London hope move will address longstanding frustration with fragmentation and bring efficiencies and speed. Some in OpCos might continue to have other ideas…
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Venturing & InvestmentsPayflow banks Wayra backing
Salary-on-demand startup Payflow added €400,000 to its Seed round via a strategic investor trio including Wayra. Wayra family grows but with scaleups now in the crosshairs.
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M&AVodafone’s Read coy on Spanish M&A possibilities
“Pragmatic” Vodafone will “always examine opportunities to enhance and strengthen our business”, says Group Chief Executive.
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Consumer (B2C)Droniq goes B2C as new app takes flight
Deutsche Telekom JV looks to widen customer base with app for drone hobbyists. App provides a visual tool for drone flight validation. Early teething problems highlight the project’s complexity.
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PeoplewatchDeutsche Telekom movers: T-Systems NL CFO exits
Departures include T-Systems Netherlands CFO and Group TV platform development lead. Deutsche Telekom bolsters EU policy efforts. Former Telekom Deutschland boss joins board of telco IT player LotusFlare.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra backed LinkApi lands a buyer
Telefónica’s Brazilian scale-up hothouse exits LinkApi through Semantix acquisition. Wayra continues transition to later-stage startups with fourth exit in just over a year.
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PeoplewatchOsborne to become Vodafone’s deal-making wingman
Ex-UK Chancellor likely to be involved in future Group acquisitions after agreeing to join M&A chaperone Robey Warshaw.
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Strategy & ChangePlay axed from Telefónica Mexico’s content offering
OB opting to strengthen alliances with other OTT players instead of building out own video content platform. Movistar Play remains live in a host of other Latin American markets, but ambitious growth targets across LatAm far off realisation.
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Innovation5G Create: UK MNOs left with bit parts
Another nine projects added to the state-backed funding call. BT/EE, O2, and Three support AR, broadcasting, and logistics use-cases. Emerging players take lead roles.
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M&ARumours of Vodafone tie-up with MÁSMÓVIL resurface
But MÁSMÓVIL not necessarily the prey. Renewed media speculation that Spain’s fourth largest operator might acquire Vodafone Spain. Report from Banco Santander says MÁSMÓVIL, under new private equity owners, has the necessary financial clout to pull it off.
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M&AOi firms up mobile deal, Vivo reinforces its market lead
Oi finalises mobile asset sale to three-strong consortium of Claro, TIM Brasil, and Vivo. Oi CFO: regulatory approval expected within the year. Trifecta of assets now divested by in-administration Oi as it seeks route to recovery via fibre.
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Venturing & InvestmentsTwo Movistar Money ventures set for take-off
Consumer finance business green-lighted for launch in Colombia, enabling Group to extend partnership with stakeholder BBVA. Telco also heading trials of similar personal loan service in Mexico, with Banco Sabadell on the scene. Both moves continue recent refresh of Telefónica’s financial services partnerships.
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Venturing & InvestmentsTelefónica, Vodafone-backed Loon discontinued
Venture falls foul of harsh winds of reality, failing to reach commercial viability.
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Network & InfraO2 UK battles for 5G leadership
O2 UK flags 5G coverage expansion, matching rivals by some metrics. Apparent rollout successes come ahead of further delayed UK spectrum auction, now pushed back to March. 5G Create partnership indicates continued innovation effort.
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Premiumgiffgaff embraces AWS public cloud
Telefónica UK’s sub-brand MVNO goes “all-in on AWS”. Move accelerates product development. Years-long effort required changes in processes and skills.
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PremiumTelefónica agrees to monetise Cornerstone
Telefónica UK and Vodafone UK give each other freedom to “commercialise” their 50% stakes in Cornerstone JV. Uncertain how Group’s top brass will proceed, but partial or full sale seems likely.
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PremiumO2 and Sky test 5G broadcast in live sport event
5G smartphones capture handball Bundesliga action for Sky’s live broadcast.
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PremiumO2 gets in on “grey spot” action with DT and Vodafone
O2 boasts of bilateral site sharing agreements with its rivals that are expected to expand 4G coverage to hundreds of previously underserved rural locations. Agreement reached as German watchdog only approves existing DT and Vodafone grey spot partnership on condition that O2 is brought into the fold.
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PremiumCanonical and Netcracker flag new Vivo contracts
CIO Kriger reveals progress with key IT projects Fusión and Pandora as part of ongoing work to upgrade Telefónica|Vivo’s systems.