All articles by Neal Doran – Page 16
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Network & InfrastructureO2 Germany launches 5G as Merkel looks to quash Huawei ban
Likening the launch to German reunification, O2 is delivering 5G in five cities from October on €40-per-month tariffs. NSA launch paving way for more ambitious plans. Media reports suggest Chancellor Angela Merkel will not ban O2 5G partner Huawei, although political resistance remains, and O2 is readying a back-up ...
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M&AFries and Álvarez-Pallete: two minds on UK JV
While Telefónica and Liberty said to be on same page on O2–Virgin Media integration, respective chiefs hinted at varying concerns and strategic priorities linked to the progress of the JV.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica simplifies structure of twin innovation engines
Telefónica is continuing with housekeeping to tidy up its web of subsidiaries, with startup investment the latest focus. As well as a backroom streamlining, Telefónica Innovation Ventures can be seen tightening a focus on Group strategic priorities including blockchain and cybersecurity. Chema Alonso playing an oversight role with Telefónica ...
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M&AVivo and co. secure stalking horse status on Oi
As the collective preferred buyer, Vivo, TIM, and Claro are confident they are in a position to outbid any rival interest in Oi’s mobile business. With a €2.6bn offer on the table, Vivo is highlighting the boost in investment in ultrafast networks that would be enabled by Oi’s windfall ...
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PeopleBT strips directorships from treasurer on murder charge
Quick changes made to company officers for major BT holding companies in the wake of Treasury Manager’s widely reported arrest. Review of Winnister’s responsibilities highlights complexity of BT’s many tiers of subsidiaries, and echoes of losses past still reverberating.
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Partnerships & AlliancesO2 Germany still waiting on cable delivery
VfD yet to follow through with commitments made to secure Unitymedia acquisition, while rivals maintain objections to the deal.
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PeopleFormer BT leaders split across UK-China divide
Ex-BT CEO Ian Livingston expected to foster support for challenger vendors as UK transitions from reliance on Huawei equipment. Predecessor Sir Peter Bonfield charged with smoothing relationships between government and Chinese-funded chipmaker Imagination Technologies. Ex-Chairman Rake has been under fire as Huawei-apologist.
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PeopleOcado delivers new opportunities for BT’s Sherman
Strategy chief’s non-exec position with a leading light in e-commerce platform development fits with his declared goal of reimagining BT’s operations.
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M&ANew Three boss snipes at O2–Virgin merger
Finnegan doubtful on merits of O2–Virgin Media deal, but bullish on leading further UK consolidation.
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M&ATelefónica jilted in LatAm again
América Móvil gave up on Movistar El Salvador acquisition. Telefónica once again sees sale of a Latin American asset derailed by actions of local competition and regulatory watchdogs.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica in front row seat as Spain unveils recovery plan
Left-leaning Spanish government to put digital transformation at the heart of plans to tackle pandemic challenges, playing to Telefónica strengths.
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Network & InfrastructureSymantec absent as BT picks key security partners
Slimmed-down list of partners expected to simplify the BT Security sales pitch while ensuring an effective and synchronised managed services wrap. Tenacious smaller vendors maintain a role in the ecosystem, but sector giant Check Point’s role modest, and well-established ally Symantec off the radar.
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M&ABT readies itself to ward off unwanted advances
With its share price deflated, dividend suspended, and a series of financial challenges on the horizon, BT Group is consulting on the best way to shore its defences against unsolicited bids. Boutique banker and trusted Vodafone advisor Robey Warshaw may be added to BT defence team. KKR emerges as ...
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MarketingEE influence sees BT switch multi-million ad account
AMV BBDO bows out from BT’s advertising after more than 20 years. EE’s main creative partner builds on its success in delivering Beyond Limits. Mobile marketers charged with supporting internal transformation as well as external image.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone puts over €1bn of projects in green basket
Group’s interest in chasing Green Bonds shows opportunities for suppliers and partners that can link their products and services to energy and emissions goals. Vodafone’s healthy pipeline of projects boosted by inclusion of older network upgrades, including single RAN deployment. Ongoing efficiency focus likely to ensure the Green Bond ...
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M&AOi can afford to be choosy as rival bids for assets emerge
Restructuring Brazilian operator Oi is weighing up escalating offers for its mobile assets as a consortium of local operators compete with private equity-funded infrastructure provider Highline. TIM Brasil may have most at stake in bidding, with speculation it would take the lion’s share of Oi assets.
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OperationsPandemic stalls Telefónica’s alarm JV launch
Pandemic lockdown said to have effectively wiped out the first quarter’s trading of Movistar Prosegur Alarmas, with crisis management the priority. Despite tough start, MPA customer base forecast to treble within a year.
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Strategy & ChangeBT steps up SME defence as it awaits insolvency tsunami
BT Enterprise’s Q1 FY20–21 performance shows a business briefly hollowed out, and anticipating further blows as it begins its recovery. Small Business Support Scheme is promoting ultrafast vouchers, bursaries and training in the hope of softening the impact of the pandemic recession. DCMS-backed scheme once again shows BT ready ...
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PeopleVeteran Vodafone fixer to take over at BT Enterprise
Gerry McQuade to retire from BT as Enterprise moves beyond integrating its diverse operations and looks to accelerate the shift from legacy services to new digital offerings. MTN’s Shuter to join in 2021, bringing a reputation for delivering growth and stability from a time of crisis.
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PremiumQ2 FY20 first take: Telefónica distracts as reality bites
Another social pact unveiled as COVID-19 and currency falls combine to wipe €1.5bn off reported revenue, and shred profitability. Cash generation a priority as strict — and seemingly permanent — spending and investment restrictions are put in place. Telefónica Infra ambition emerging as plans for new wholesale fibre networks ...