All articles by Neal Doran – Page 22
-
PremiumH1 FY21: Telefonica seeks rationality at its core
Core markets showing progress as the worst effects of the pandemic begin to recede. Steady move towards converged services across all markets reflects continued pursuit of a valuefocused strategy as digital services begin to proliferate. Spanish flagship leading the way on strategy, but still experiencing a tough competitive market. ...
-
PremiumQ2/H1 FY21: Abasolo hails revitalised Hispam
15-quarter streak of negative headline reported figures broken. Buoyant management considers new asset-light operating model can prove longterm value of the regional OBs to the Group. Contract mobility and fibre broadband positioned as central to commercial turnaround.
-
PremiumTelefónica claims inflection point as structure shifts
Despite changing perimeters and restatements making a clear view difficult, organic growth across the business offers promise. Guidance improved on positive first half for revenue and profit, but operating cash flow is retreating compared with FY22 goals. Net debt coming down after disposals and restructuring, and Latin American loans ...
-
PeoplewatchGroves comes up inside track to lead VM O2 marketing
Former Tesco Mobile CMO to lead on VM O2 brand and marketing as two prime candidates depart. Veteran Groves set to push for a more holistic approach to customer experience across the merged business.
-
PeoplewatchBT confirms Crozier as ‘turnaround’ chair
Former ITV CEO unanimously picked to replace Jan du Plessis, with BT highlighting his experience in changing the fortunes of struggling public and private businesses. Digital evolution and a return to growth highlighted as key priorities for Crozier-era BT.
-
PeoplewatchBT targets serial moderniser to back Jansen transformation
Strong media rumours emerged identifying former Royal Mail Chief Executive Adam Crozier as the likely Chairman-successor to du Plessis, reflecting continued pressure on BT to accelerate restructuring. Crozier would come with little direct digital background, but considerable experience of shaking up venerable institutions, and with recent experience linked to ...
-
Partnerships & AlliancesVivendi reignites Telefónica relationship with new stake
1% shareholding set to be just the start of a closer alliance and reflects the media group’s enthusiasm for strategic telco partnerships. Partnership opportunities exist across the Telefónica footprint, but Spain appears the main area of interest for Vivendi. The move reverses earlier Vivendi exit as a Telefónica investor, ...
-
Strategy & ChangeVM O2 preps for wholesale with code powers application
Concerns over securing acceptable commercial terms for key sites on VM O2 network behind request for additional tenancy rights. Code-based flexibility will simplify the process of enabling wholesale access to sites, while supporting potential network expansion.
-
PremiumVM O2 bites bullet and pledges fibre future
A future upgrade of VM O2 fixed infrastructure will see coaxial cable edged out and fibre deployed throughout the operator’s footprint. Switching to XGSPON instead of DOCSIS 4.0 pricy, but manageable within modest budgets and with multiple longer term benefits. Pragmatic approach to fibre is partly driven by the ...
-
Venturing & InvestmentsBT 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 & AlliancesBT 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.
-
NetworkBT 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 ...
-
PremiumDigging 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.
-
NetworkDT 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&ABT’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.
-
ProfileWhich 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&AIn 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 ...
-
PremiumQ1 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 ...
-
PremiumQ1 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. ...