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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Network & InfrastructureFries floats full-fibre future for VM–O2 in Liberty‑led UK scene
A future upgrade of VM‑O2 fixed infrastructure could see coaxial cable edged out and fibre deployed throughout the operator’s footprint, according to JV’s Chairman. Pragmatic approach to fibre is being driven by the JV weighing its options on expanding into the wholesale market. Targeting the B2B sector seen as ...
- Venturing & Investments
BT investment signals cybersecurity intent
BT named lead investor in $33m Safe Security funding round. SAFE cyber risk quantifier to be added to BT security offering, with the potential to target 30 million BT Consumer customers flagged by the partner. As well as exclusive securing UK rights, BT’s cash injection to fund accelerated innovation ...
- Partnerships & Alliances
BT targets Amazon as key commercial partner
As Consumer embraces a platform strategy and seeks new partners to help boost customer value and enhance its billing relationships, a concerted effort is being made to woo internet giant Amazon. Relationship building reflects determination to achieve a “best for partnerships” strategic objective.
- Network & Infrastructure
BT accelerates Huawei swap‑out and sets 2028 full 5G goal
By 2028 EE’s 5G network to reach 90% of landmass and the remainder “on‑demand”. Consumer and Network‑fronted event intended to stake BT’s claim for national network superiority, and development of a platform for growth. Exacting ESN connectivity demands pinned as a reason for open access caution, but accelerated Huawei ...
- Network & Infrastructure
Digging the UK fibre scene: competition hots up
Investment funds continue to flood fibre altnets, with emerging challengers collectively committing to passing more than 20 million homes in coming decade and many billions in investment promised.
- Network & Infrastructure
DT cash flows to Community Fibre amid altnet boom
Urban fibre outfitter backed by BT stakeholder Deutsche Telekom accelerates growth, as challenge to Openreach builds.
- Strategy & Change
‘Fearless’ Mehta out to power rapid change at BT
New CDIO committed to radical cultural change, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and a willingness to embrace the risk of failure. BT’s slow start on digital transformation an opportunity to leapfrog a generation of innovation. Group CEO Jansen’s persuasiveness key to convincing Mehta of BT’s potential as a TechCo.
- M&A
BT’s uninvited new co-pilot: what’s Drahi’s mission?
Altice buys minority stake but claims no intention of full-fledged takeover. Seeks to support BT’s strategic fibre, for which Drahi has genuine zeal. BTwatch explores industrial logic and financial machinations behind move.
- Profile
Which Drahi has BT got itself entangled with?
Altice empire expands into UK. Drahi: a fibre visionary or ruthless financer? Does BT investment represent change of tack by rapacious wheeler-dealer?
- M&A
In detail: Liberty and Telefónica’s VM-O2 pre-nup
Three-year wait expected before a potential IPO of new joint venture, while both parties expected to remain involved in the business for at least five years. Telefónica reserving its right to go it alone in UK on IoT, cloud, and cybersecurity services. Liberty to get a board presence at ...
- Financial & Performance
Q1 FY21: resilience building for slimmed down division
Telefónica upbeat on commercial performance in tough markets but contributions to Group coffers continue to shrink on weak currencies. Argentinian OB making a comeback. Mexican MVNO model yet to translate into improved financial performance. Chile and Colombia among the OBs seeing success with a pursuit of higher value customers. ...
- Financial & Performance
Q1 FY21: final coronavirus quarter packs a punch
Spain and Germany OBs stabilise as first wave of coronavirus shocks works its way through results. Vivo displaying underlying strength, but currency fluctuations continue to turn positives to negative. With strong returns on falling revenue O2 UK bows out as a ‘core four’ market Hispam edges back into the ...
- Network & Infrastructure
Frosty O2 and Drillisch finalise roaming deal
A new commercial arrangement with current MVNO landlord O2 Germany should enable the United Internet mobile player to forge ahead with plans for a 5G network. O2 aims to use the “significant proceeds” of the contract to accelerate its network expansion. Described neutrally as a reset of their relationship, ...
- M&A
VM-O2 sets sights on BT as merger gets final clearance
CMA’s final approval should see deal completed by 1 June. Owners trumpeting investment opportunities with fibre InfraCo potential coming to the fore.
- M&A
CADE makes Vivo wait for share of Oi’s mobile assets
Industry watchdog still inspecting ins and outs of Oi divestment. Closure now expected in early-2022. Consortium partners still confident of being granted go-ahead.
- Financial & Performance
Mystery of Telefónica’s vanishing digital revenue as Tech takes off
Hard‑fought progress at the start to the year looks set to provide a base to hit guidance, with management seeming open to improving outlook as the year progresses. Group keeping its options open on monetising Hispanoamérica interests and its fibre infrastructure in Europe. Telefónica Tech is open for business ...
- Suppliers & SCM
Atento targets ‘reshaped’ Telefónica relationship
Contact centre operator Atento claims largest share of Telefónica CX spend. As Atento‑Telefónica MSA expiration nears, the priority is to “earn” business from the operator going forward. Telefónica eyes CX digitalisation in ongoing operational efficiency drive.
- Strategy & Change
Telefónica 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.
