All articles by Neal Doran – Page 18
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Public AffairsBT 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.
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PeopleO2 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 ...
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PeopleBT 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 ...
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Network & InfrastructureDT 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.
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PremiumVodafone bolsters fixed and mobile cover with tie-ups
Active network sharing with O2 to help fill 4G coverage gaps, and smooth regulatory clearance of a larger pact with Deutsche Telekom. Expanded fixed access wholesale deal with Deutsche Telekom encompasses provision of wholesale fibre access. New infrastructure project with Primevest will see VfD sell full fibre to the ...
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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.
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Network & InfrastructureHoward 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.
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Financial & PerformanceTelefónica 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 ...
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Strategy & ChangeAs 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.
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Network & InfrastructureVirgin 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.
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PremiumWipro and Tech-M back grand designs for O2 architecture
O2 aiming to halve product development times and shave a third off IT costs with a radical simplification of its IT architecture. Tech Mahindra and Wipro sharing responsibility as mass market and business systems separated. Salesforce also flagged as an example of the opportunity to adapt off-the-shelf solutions to ...
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Partnerships & AlliancesSpain’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.
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Strategy & ChangeÁlvarez-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.
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PeopleSerrahima 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.
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M&AWholesale 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 ...
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS 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.
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Network & InfrastructureBT 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.
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PeopleBT’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.
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Products & ServicesBT 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.
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Network & InfrastructureDCMS 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.