More Recent Insight – Page 348
-
PremiumHeadline numbers: weathering the storm, for now
Key numbers relatively solid, reflecting telecoms sector’s cushioning from worst of pandemic disruption. Cost-cutting props up earnings, offsetting top-line weakness. Results preceded latest coronavirus response measures, which will have exacerbated drag on roaming revenue. Government support measures and resumption of international travel cited as key to maintaining solidity.
-
PremiumGuidance: tightly-wound numbers obscure future
On a like-for-like basis, Vodafone Group is holding its own in the pandemic so far and leadership appears confident regarding short-term outlook. Longer-term prospects remain a question mark, however, especially as cost-cutting — rather than the top-line growth — is keeping the Group on a steady course. Asset sales ...
-
PremiumSpend: Della Valle dials it up on COVID cost-cutting
CFO flags acceleration of savings push during H1, and possibility of a further expansion of ambitions for the post-COVID era. Planned developments at Vodafone Procurement Company briefly mooted. Stark Retail and Shared Services cutbacks detailed.
-
PremiumEurope: Read stresses asset line-up is not settled
Vodafone leadership considering next phase of Group strategy, and indicates M&A moves could form part of new medium-term plan. Group open to solutions in markets not generating sufficient return on capital employed. Germany’s importance to Vodafone on display again; commitment to other markets less obvious.
-
PremiumAfrica: resilient SA helps Vodacom through crisis
Vodacom continues to perform well despite regulatory and macro pressures across its regional footprint. However, unfavourable currency trends remain fly in the ointment when Group’s results are translated to Vodafone’s P&L. No sign yet that Vodafone management is going cool on its commitment to Africa, despite weaknesses and willingness ...
-
M&ABT retreats in Italy as court date looms
TIM snaffles SME and public sector accounts business, but BT maintaining a presence for large enterprises as well as multinationals. Taint of accounting scandal lingers, with former Global executives set for trial in 2021.
-
Strategy & ChangeBT builds up Data & AI Solutions biz
Data & AI Solutions business searches for revenue gold in BT Group’s data hills. BT researchers tap data for better customer experience, while Openreach data scientists reduce cost of fibre rollout.
-
Strategy & ChangeT-Systems exits Malaysia
T-Systems sold its business in Malaysia to investors last month after major customer Shell moved IT operations to India, TelcoTitans has learned.
-
InterviewDroniq COO: BVLOS flight within sight
Ralph Schepp talks regulatory hurdles, market potential, and use-cases. DT-DFS JV sets high ambitions for traffic management platform. Partners brought in, with DT staying close.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesHoloportation in 2021: BT seeing DoubleMe
3D image processing specialist hints at telco deployments of HoloPort platform in 2021. Business-to-consumer service said to be in pipeline. DoubleMe–BT relationship growing out of Telecom Infra Project innovation hub.
-
InnovationMobius: malware tracker tackles new use-cases
Geospatial intelligence tool is being trialled to support security efforts across BT’s physical assets, moving beyond its CAV origins. Epidemiological methods used to model and monitor the spread of malware.
-
PremiumBT people moves: IT executives reshuffled
IT Managing Director Rachel Higham confirmed her departure, leaving a vacancy for the all-important IT transformation project. Changes to Group’s regional management, including the exit of BT’s England Director and a new Openreach Scotland chair. High-profile alumni take advisory spots at UK regulators.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone clicks with Amazon on 5G edge service
Vodafone Business’ year-long collaboration with AWS on distributed MEC close to bearing fruit. First commercial services in UK, Germany slated for spring 2021. Vodafone and AWS initiate Edge Innovation Programme to develop PoCs.
-
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”. ...
-
Public AffairsVodafone takes political heat over customer complaints
Ministers scold eir and Vodafone Ireland for poor customer service during pandemic. Following meetings, outage disrupts VfIr data services.
-
InnovationVodafone 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.
-
Strategy & ChangeCould Telefónica exit Uruguay next?
Telecom Argentina reportedly mulling play for the Group’s local unit. Telefónica executives stress they remain open to all options to reduce its exposure in the Hispanoamérica region. Group continuing to experience frustrations in snakes-and-ladder-esque regional divestment programme.
-
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.
-
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.
-
PeoplewatchIT 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.