All articles by Neal Doran – Page 23
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M&AVestager: Brexit complicates O2-VM competitions ruling
European Competition Commissioner signals openness to allowing CMA to oversee the review of O2’s proposed merger with Virgin Media History, and the appeal of the EC being able to reassert its views on market consolidation, may still point to Europe asserting its prerogative however. O2 and Virgin Media see ...
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Vendor VoiceF5: telcos need allies for digital leap forward
In an interview with BTwatch, key figures from F5’s European operations discuss the application security service provider’s relationship with BT Group in the wake of securing a place on the telco’s streamlined list of 15 certified security partners. Richard Holben, the vendor’s BT Global Account Manager, and Ian Harris, ...
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica distils Global Solutions
Kearney-orchestrated streamlining in line with Group restructure plans, and provides the opportunity for Telefónica to leverage its network reach further up the value chain. TIWS’ Beamonte to lead new unit, reporting into Tech boss José Cerdán.
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Strategy & ChangeBT’s Jansen plays for time on transformation
Eighteen months into the job, the BT CEO is striving to prove the business is on the right track, with a lower-key transformation than many expected. Jansen urging staff to adopt a “lean-in” approach with faster decision-making to accompany systemic change.
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Partnerships & AlliancesTelefónica renews Deutsche Telekom deal as fibre plans accelerate
Renewed and expanded wholesale volume deal will remove the handbrake on Telefónica’s broadband products, and drive TDE investment. While DT network currently focused on urban areas, Telefónica’s plans for a €5bn rural fibre network are reportedly nearing completion.
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Strategy & ChangeOpenreach fine as is — Lowth
BT CFO maintains Openreach contribution to the Group is undervalued, but that greater clarity and continued messaging on the progress of the fibre rollout could change perceptions. With all physical network assets tied to the BT pension and Openreach now effectively a services business, any attempt to bring in ...
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M&ATelefónica ponders surrendering Telxius majority
CFO Abasolo reportedly open to the idea of letting go of direct Telxius control to enable faster growth as an independent business.
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Public AffairsRead rails against states flouting EU law
Group CEO used a sponsored posting on the Politico website to demand, once again, a level playing field for Europe’s telecoms players, while bemoaning steps taken by several EU governments to sidestep European competition legislation. Article does not suggest Read’s bid for a reset of regulatory relations in Europe ...
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Network & InfraBT’s Nokia pick points to renewed virtualisation drive
Nokia to become 5G infrastructure top dog as Huawei fades. Virtualisation opportunities abound as BT and Nokia commit to expanding open RAN ecosystem, and imminent developments on the network edge are anticipated.
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Network & InfraO2 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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PeoplewatchBT 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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PeoplewatchFormer 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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PeoplewatchOcado 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.