All articles by Neal Doran – Page 17
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Public AffairsÁlvarez-Pallete warns of dangers of “digital slavery”
Telefónica Executive Chairman asserts that societal imbalance and data exploitation are risks that must be addressed as the world’s economies are digitised. Dire warnings of ‘slavery’ fit with Group commitments on creation of a digital rights framework that would see operators positioned as trusted partners.
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Public AffairsEricsson loses latest skirmish in Telefónica Avatar saga
Ericsson blocked from unilaterally changing working conditions for employees transferred from Telefónica in 2010 in conjunction with the AltamirA platform acquisition. A renewed deal linked to the platform removes Telefónica’s minimum spend commitment.
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Partnerships & AlliancesTelefonica targets health sector as digitalisation laggard
Healthcare sector viewed as an area with great digital potential, and slow take-up to date, with Telefónica focused on a collaborative approach. Across all sectors, innovation strategy remains focused on building not only networks, but platforms on top of them that will enable the Group to create new revenue ...
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M&ADefences up as Drahi increases BT stake
Patrick Drahi’s Altice UK stops short of a takeover bid, but increases holding to 18%. UK government issues warning that it “will not hesitate” to protect national interests amid concerns of foreign investment in critical infrastructure incumbent. Takeover not Drahi’s ‘intention’, but caveats are in place.
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Public AffairsBT slammed for lack of action on spoofing
IP altnet pokes incumbent over limited success in rooting out fraudulent use of caller ID. BT focused on industry collaboration to address fraud challenge. Migration to all-IP by 2025 portrayed as critical to effective remedies for the problem.
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M&ASpain shields Telefónica as KKR’s TI bid makes waves
Spanish government reinforcing restrictions that would halt hostile bids for Telefónica until 2023. Europe’s telco sector awash with bid speculation as KKR pursues TI, and Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries is linked to a BT bid.
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PremiumH1 FY21–22: Jansen trusts BT Global plan, despite setbacks
CEO focuses on the strategy, rather than current performance, to paint a picture of a viable future for the MNC-focused digital solutions unit. NPS remains a bright spot for Global, highlighting material gains from the BT transformation plan. Declining margins suggest work still to be done on recovery.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT’s McRae fights corner for Nordic giants, as peers swing for Eur-O-RAN
BT Chief Architect highlights value of local major NEPs, as European peers promote greater supply chain diversification. Remarks follow McRae support for Ericsson foray into open RAN orchestration. BT committed to open RAN as part of opportunity to ‘network-ify’ applications and functions in new markets. Analysys Mason-backed report highlights ...
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PremiumTelefónica linked to Portugal return, as Drahi builds war chest
Portuguese market leader in fixed and mobile access available for sale as owner Drahi looks at Eutelsat and BT acquisitions. Telefónica may consider spreading its wings as debt worries die down. Lack of infrastructure ‘crown jewels’ may lessen appeal of any deal.
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Financial & PerformanceTelefónica prescribes digitalisation as Europe’s inflation antidote
Telefónica’s Argentinian inflation battle shows digitalisation value in markets facing cost challenges. Group management also seeks to ease qualms over rising energy costs and wage inflation in Europe through digitally driven efficiency drive.
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PeopleDunne moves upstairs as Brouillette takes lead at Verizon
Former O2 UK CEO steps aside as head of Verizon’s fixed-mobile consumer business. New role will see Dunne act as Strategic Advisor to Verizon Chairman. Change comes as new allegations linked to O2’s role in Phones 4u demise continue to emerge.
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Strategy & ChangeOpenreach off the table as BT drives fibre efficiency
Group ends talks on InfraCo JV as rising fibre demand and lower build costs dilute benefits of external funding. Virgin Media O2 firmly in BT sights as it aims to lock up wholesale market, and move fast on convergence. Future revenue growth anticipated, but greater efficiency and lower spending ...
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Network & InfraColloms: DCMS must “crack on” with reform to back fibre
Openreach MD of Corporate Affairs confident on business’s ability to meet government goals on fibre deployment, but commercial programme will need support to maintain momentum. Physical access to sites potentially a huge obstacle to the rollout in both urban and rural areas, but “common sense” updates to legislation could ...
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Strategy & ChangeTMF’s Willetts: maintaining vendor status quo “dangerous”
Speaking to TelcoTitans, Nik Willetts, CEO of industry body TM Forum, outlined his perceptions of the state of digital transformation in the telecoms sector. Procurement-led vendor management needs to evolve towards partnership for digital acceleration. Hyperscalers can remain more friend than foe as operators seek new ways to differentiate ...
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Strategy & ChangeBT picks advisors to patch takeover vulnerabilities
Robey Warshaw testing BT defences ahead of the end of restrictions on a full takeover bid from major shareholder Altice. Jansen’s ambitious strategy coupled with share price volatility may also be contributing to need for additional City counsellors.
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Strategy & ChangeJansen battle-ready as competition grows on two fronts
BT CEO returns to pre-pandemic promises of a more robust defence of BT’s market position, on price if necessary. Speculation on heightened wholesale competition comes as Openreach Equinox fibre pricing looks set to reinforce the Group’s strong position. Retail threats may be more pressing for the incumbent as Sky ...
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Strategy & ChangeDigital duo plan to be catalysts of change for BT
Incomers Harmeen Mehta and Rob Shuter are tag-teaming to bring their external perspectives to BT’s digital transformation plans. Enterprise unit set to become a route to market for emerging services, with a “fail fast” mindset. BT described as receptive to need for change, but Mehta calling for people to ...
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Strategy & ChangeJansen wants YOU: BT pitches for tech talent in reinvention drive
BT CEO uses TM Forum event to pitch BT as a destination employer for digital talent as he seeks to move faster on digitalisation. Fundamental importance of network core underlined, but BT’s staff expected to be open to reskilling to meet the needs of a software-driven business. Partnerships and ...
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Public AffairsTelefónica on edge as rambunctious Peru government beds in
Reports highlight fears that multinationals in Peru may face tougher opposition in trading and taxation disputes as the new Peruvian administration develops its strategy under a strongly left-leaning President. Risks the future of a local Telefónica InfraCo; could face complications in a challenging political climate.
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PremiumBT Pension Scheme completes Hermes exit
Federated Hermes actions call option to acquire BTPS’s residual shareholding in fund manager. BT on track with pension deficit recovery plan.