Neal Doran
Neal Doran is a Senior Analyst for TelcoTitans and Market Mettle. Neal's industry knowledge and experience as a telecoms analyst and writer spans three decades, and he has been a key part of Market Mettle's Editorial team since 2001.
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Financial & PerformanceBudget 2021: BT benefits but won’t move investment dial
Chancellor Sunak eyes investment‑backed build‑back. Short term tax break to bolster BT infrastructure expansion. However, gains will be “offset in later years”, and no movement on BT’s number one priority — business rates relief.
- Network & Infrastructure
Howard Watson eyes 2027 as open RAN opportunity
Huawei 5G kit replacement in line with 2027 deadline an opportunity for urban commercial open RAN deployment. BT expects to stick with dual key vendor policy, but hopes to see more choice. Huawei kit still being rolled out as BT juggles network plans with government demands.
- Financial & Performance
Telefónica wobbles over 2020 finish line, targets stability
Revenue and OIBDA down 11% as COVID‑19 and currency fluctuations hit. Guidance on cash flow just about achieved; stabilisation a focus for 2021. Dividend down 25% as COVID‑19 challenges continue and 5G auctions loom. Infra picking up minority stakes in Group infrastructure; Tech growth solid.
- Strategy & Change
As past nightmares recede, BT’s Jansen eyes health sector growth
Jansen optimistic on prospect of digital solutions reviving BT fortunes with the NHS. BT recruiting to support its NHS win back activity, as hundreds of millions of pounds are made available for health service IT upgrades, with increased focus on security.
- Network & Infrastructure
Virgin Media preps Lightning for post‑JV world
Liberty Global confident of JV clearance, and anticipates Telefónica talks on ambitious and aggressive fixed‑line rollout. Liberty’s Sky relationship appears key, with prospects for collaboration heightened by a friendly face at the helm. Meanwhile, Virgin Media appears to be finally embracing PIA from Openreach for cheaper fibre rollout.
- Partnerships & Alliances
Spain’s big three ponder JV to leverage EU recovery funds
Spain’s major operators said to be in talks on a joint proposal for delivering universal superfast coverage, building on European Reconstruction Fund financing opportunities.
- Strategy & Change
Álvarez‑Pallete gets political as challenges grow
Quiet support for a boardroom coup at Prisa indicates Telefónica’s political muscles as business priorities coincide with larger social challenges. Telefónica supporting government recovery goals, but lobbying for a more favourable investment environment as 5G auction looms. Group emphasising its Europe role as Latin America retreat sees grumbling.
- People
Serrahima on the up as Telefónica targets multi brand
As Telefónica aims to make customer experience a key differentiator in its domestic market, Pedro Serrahima, the executive behind O2’s Spanish launch takes charge of the drive. Marisa Urquía also promoted to oversee transformation projects as Executive Chairman Gayo slims down the executive committee.
- M&A
Wholesale power under scrutiny as CMA reviews VM‑O2
Proposed JV’s ability to tilt backhaul market in its favour and limit opportunities for MVNOs will be central to competition review. The impact of the deal on the development of providers offering fixed‑mobile bundles will receive particular scrutiny. CMA wields new powers post‑Brexit, but this is accompanied by greater ...
- Network & Infrastructure
DCMS preps Gigabit UK as MPs growl and BT looks ahead
Government finally picking up on election promises of Gigabit connectivity and consulting on how best to spend a more limited budget. Age-old questions remain over how to connect the unconnected, however.
- Network & Infrastructure
BT goes international with 5G fixed wireless launch
Delivering a proof of concept to an Australian retail client has sparked the creation of a new and developing 5G solution from the operator’s Global division.
- People
BT’s Jansen set to add Sharp Shuter to evolving dream team
BT Enterprise successor Rob Shuter to land at the start of February. Shuter and Chief Digital & Innovation Officer Harmeen Mehta fill out Jansen’s A‑Team, leading “furious” pursuit of transformation goals. New hires complement other Group rising stars, adding gusto to the Jansen manifesto.
- Products & Services
BT to launch Eagle‑i security as statement of intent
New cybersecurity platform to debut in coming months, as a flagbearer for Global’s re‑energised and evolving digital portfolio. Creation of internal digital, threat, and network units within Global enabling integration of new solutions across traditional and cloud‑based services. Workflow platform provider ServiceNow namechecked as a crucial partner.
- Network & Infrastructure
DCMS taking an ‘outside‑in’ approach, but vouchers there for quick wins
Small targeted interventions and mid‑size fill‑ins expected to feature in first swathe of public–private contracts. Mega‑deals not ruled out. Pragmatic use of Public Sector Hubs another option.
- Network & Infrastructure
DCMS helping England play catch up, or possibly leapfrog
Devolved nations at the back of the queue for new money. Fibre emphasised over cable.
- Network & Infrastructure
DCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined‑up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
- Network & Infrastructure
A lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
- Network & Infrastructure
BT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
- Network & Infrastructure
Jansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital‑based services.
- Strategy & Change
BT turns to disruptive AI veteran in pursuit of Ambition 2030
Airtel CIO Harmeen Mehta bringing even greater AI advocacy and a ‘big tech’ frame of mind to BT’s new Digital division. Philip Jansen looking at bigger picture beyond fibre rollout as he sees Group’s future in delivering a UK platform for software‑defined services.
