AI & Automation

All the latest insight, news and analysis around Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and automation technology involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.

2021-06-16T13:10:00+01:00By Joseph Purnell

Customer communications platform player takes $200m in funding, with Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners on the ticket. Medium‑term IPO a potential exit route for Group investment arm. Martech continuing to pique interest for DTCP.

Vendor Voice

Celfocus: Agile mindset and precision key to digitalisation

2021-06-14T10:34:00+01:00By Telefónicawatch

In an interview with Telefónicawatch, Paulo Trigo, CEO of European telco SI Celfocus, outlines a belief that operators must think more nimbly as they engage in strategic transformation programmes. IT implementation needs greater influence to enable digital transformation. Agile is more than a buzzword and must to be part ...

Vendor Voice

Blue Planet urges operators to take the digital leap

2021-06-14T10:15:00+01:00By Telefónicawatch

In interviews with Telefónicawatch, senior figures at Blue Planet discussed learnings from the vendor’s journey towards the digitalisation of services by carriers. Standards provide vital safety net as industry digitalises incrementally and telcos must act collectively to establish a vision. Old thinking on customer relationships and procurement cause friction. ...

Venturing & Investments

Shopper tracking startup earns Wayra investment and O2 deal

2021-06-11T09:03:00+01:00By Sam Patterson

Wayra UK dials up London-based startup’s already substantial financing. Investment sets the stage for a “multi-million-pound” retail partnership with the Group’s UK operator.

Suppliers & SCM

NPS revival makes for happy shopping at Vodafone’s VPC

2021-06-08T08:29:00+01:00By Michelle Donegan

Digital transformation at Vodafone’s procurement unit said to have driven positive Net Promoter Scores for user experience. VPC says it is now faster, more efficient, and has “happy” purchase orders. Process mining and machine learning driving further efficiencies.

Partnerships & Alliances

O2 adopts ‘conversational’ AI-based platform

2021-06-01T00:00:00+01:00By Sam Patterson

Operator purchases three-year licence, with AI tech set to support long-term aim of becoming CX “champion”.

Network & Infrastructure

SAP CEO sees more ‘European’ industry clouds ahead

2021-05-19T07:58:00+01:00By Michelle Donegan

Catena-X Automotive Network appears just the start for European data spaces supported by Gaia‑X. SAP is working on industry clouds for other sectors. Catena-X seen as proof point for Europe’s sovereign data and cloud initiative.

Interview

Openreach Tech team powers UK fibre build

2021-05-17T10:41:00+01:00By Michelle Donegan

CTIO Colin Lees shares impact of tech overhaul on network build. More effort on provisioning and repair in three-year transformation project. Openreach owns IT and Network strategy decisions; BT Digital and BT Networks are key suppliers. Three-supplier strategy for FTTP advances with Adtran, Huawei and Nokia.

Suppliers & SCM

The Nucleus Option: Vodafone bets big on Google

2021-05-17T10:03:00+01:00By Vodafonewatch

Vodafone promises data-driven business revolution by shifting to cloud-native data management and analytics platforms. Group sees “hundreds” of opportunities for business improvement in both commercial and operations spheres. Deal will come with Hotel California concerns surrounding Google hookup. Roadmap unclear for huge undertaking. Questions yet to be answered over ...

Partnerships & Alliances

Vodafone tools up for data‑driven future

2021-05-12T09:26:00+01:00By Anne Morris

Group is deploying tools from Mehrwerk and Qlik to help implement its ‘digital first’ strategy. VodafoneZiggo is using Qlik Sense to turn its workforce into ‘data‑driven employees’.