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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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica draws new logo to reflect digital vision
New marque is the first corporate identity refresh this century for the operator. Executive Chairman Álvarez‑Pallete outlined symbolism behind the change at Group AGM.
- Strategy & Change
Selley “driving two trains” as fibre provisioning speeds up
Increasing Openreach resources are being funnelled towards ensuring customers are connected to full fibre — and revenue keeps coming in — while the rollout builds momentum. No firm date set to reach 20 million homes target, but annual goals to be flagged. As competition builds among fibre altnets, Openreach ...
- M&A
CMA doubts bundle demand as it greenlights VM‑O2
Provisional clearance of merger based on limited ability of the partners to manipulate wholesale pricing and services in their favour. Creation of a new fixed‑mobile giant not expected to unleash a sudden surge towards single‑contract multi‑play bundles in the UK market.
- People
Schüler coronated as VM‑O2 CEO
Lutz Schüler, dynamic Virgin Media chief, with a track record at O2 Germany, is to lead the new VM‑O2 joint venture, subject to competition clearance. O2 CFO and experienced merger overseer Patricia Cobian to take on the JV finance role. No room for O2 CEO Mark Evans.
- Strategy & Change
Networks joins Digital division to replace BT Technology
BT Technology was shuttered and replaced by two new divisions: BT Digital and BT Networks. Harmeen Mehta and Howard Watson at the respective helms as BT seeks transformation and modernisation. Fotis Karonis replacement named at BT Enterprise.
- People
Cheshire puts hat in the ring for BT chair job
Current BT non‑exec seeking to buck the trend and encourage Group to look internally for du Plessis replacement. Cheshire brings considerable experience and strong political links, but may lack the skills needed for future battles.
- People
BT Regulatory Affairs lead Cathryn Ross sets sail
Regulatory Affairs Director and Executive Committee member Ross’s departure announced a week after Ofcom market review job‑done. Set to take newly‑created Strategy & Regulatory Affairs role at Thames Water.
- Vendor Voice
Teradata: telco leaders must step up to seize data opportunity
Breaking down silos to seamlessly orchestrate data can deliver a virtuous circle of customer improvement and operational efficiency, presenting a springboard for a strategic reboot. In adopting tech sector business models, telcos have yet to fully grasp the value of their data assets, with coordination acting as a powerful ...
- Strategy & Change
Openreach cites No 10 lack of clarity as key early COVID test
Initial uncertain status of Openreach workforce deemed biggest challenge when ensuring UK connectivity and worker safety through lockdown. Strong chains of command, coupled with responsiveness to staff concerns, said to frame management response. Fears on return to offices and on‑premises work may prove the biggest challenge.
- Public Affairs
Ofcom gives BT fibre pricing freedom, but adds burdens
Openreach not to face caps or controls on national ultrafast pricing until 2031, as long as it is “fair and reasonable”. Locally-targeted pricing from Openreach prohibited as Ofcom seeks to protect emerging altnets. BT Consumer may lose some edge from 90 day notice period for new propositions from Openreach. ...
- Public Affairs
BT braces as Ofcom fibre ruling looms
Ofcom to set out its fibre vision this week, and while BT may get pricing freedom, it may not get the longer‑term clarity it craves. Regulator’s steps to open up infrastructure competition may also disrupt the incumbent’s plans.
- People
O2 looks to Mexico for access network leadership
Telefónica Mexico CTIO has replaced O2’s exiting Brendan O’Reilly on CTIL board and is taking a broader network leadership role in the UK. Successfully piloting Movistar Mexico’s customer migration to the AT&T access network means incoming Calvo may be able to offer valuable support as Virgin Media/O2 tie-up draws ...
- People
BT denies right royal dust‑up at the top
Group moved to issue a denial of Jansen ultimatum as speculation swirls on du Plessis’ surprise departure decision. Two camps emerging, with some discontent at Jansen power moves, but CEO’s position appears safe for now. Beyond rumours and gossip, BT board looks starved of experience needed for Group transformation ...
- Network & Infrastructure
DT lends experience as Openreach preps for all‑IP surge
Openreach drawing on minority owner’s learnings as it corrals the UK’s CPs towards digital voice services. Migration closely linked to fibre rollout, but timing may be dependent on CP retail plans as market joins BT in favouring IP voice services.
- Financial & Performance
Budget 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 drop 11% as double‑whammy of COVID‑19 and currency fluctuations hit. Guidance on cash flow just about achieved, while FY21 focus will be on stabilisation. Dividend reduced by 25% as COVID‑19 challenges continue, and 5G auctions loom. Telefónica Infra picking up minority stakes in Group infrastructure as ...
- 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.
