All Ofcom articles
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Suppliers & SCMUK tightens screws on telcos over Huawei
Government plans to tackle lack of diversity in upcoming new 5G strategy.
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Strategy & Change
Jansen floats potential for Openreach stake sale
“Open‑minded” Jansen may see an Openreach stake sale as a way to relieve pressure on investor demands for a quicker transformation. While CEO’s tone more positive on an asset sale, the challenges of extricating elements of the Group for a sell‑off may limit options.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Europe: Greece targets submarine business
Vodafone Greece eyes submarine; cashiers going virtual in Spain; Vodafone UK blocked from handset blocking.
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Financial & Performance
Openreach fibre thrives but volume deal prospects fade
A strong quarter and half-year for the access services business demonstrates building momentum for fibre services in the face of the pandemic. Anticipated long‑term volume deals may not materialise, but associated competitive pressure may help BT arguments on the need for a ‘fair bet’ from Ofcom.
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Financial & Performance
BT spend: opex coming down, capex still building to peak
Simplified systems are bringing efficiency but lower trading giving an unwanted helping hand. Capex rising, but a sharp decline is anticipated with copper switch‑off.
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Consumer (B2C)
Elsewhere in BT Consumer: BT TV loses Disney, BT Sport battles lockdown
BT Sport offers helping hand to closed Scottish pubs; Disney’s strategy shift makes impact for BT TV customers; Allera says Apple’s entrance to the 5G device market has huge potential.
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M&A
Fries 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 & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica's core markets: Ezentis bags Brazil contract; Atos in Spain
Ezentis and Tech Mahindra in key support roles, O2 UK introduces Bubl.
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Network & Infrastructure
Openreach misses out on NI’s Project Stratum deal — reports
Startup Fibrus reportedly wins contract for Project Stratum. Fibrus shaking up Northern Irish fibre scene with big plans and deep pockets.
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Network & Infrastructure
Ofcom plots 5G spectrum auction for early-2021
700MHz and 3.6GHz–3.8GHz frequencies slated to go under hammer in January 2021. Regulator makes some provision to address mid‑band fragmentation fears.
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Network & Infrastructure
Openreach NI pushes to keep pace in dynamic Gigabit contest
Openreach Northern Ireland accelerating full-fibre rollout as challengers expand their ambitions. Market has highest full-fibre coverage in UK, but urban–rural divide persists. Startup Fibrus takes on Openreach and Virgin Media. Long-awaited, £165m Project Stratum to be awarded soon.
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Network & Infrastructure
Ofcom plots 5G spectrum auction for early-2021
700MHz and 3.6GHz–3.8GHz frequencies slated to go under hammer in January 2021. Measures to address O2 UK fears of mid-band fragmentation. Regulator rejects pleas for “ administrative allocation ” of spectrum to lower capital outlays. Reserve price total just under £1.1bn.
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Network & Infrastructure
UK security industry braces for IP voice surge
Openreach looks set to take the plunge on all‑IP exchange migration in the coming months and BT’s retail divisions are making a push for IP‑based voice services. Industry body BSIA urging members to ensure electronic security estates are prepared for the impending analogue switch‑off.
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Public Affairs
Ofcom wholesale voice review rings in changes for BT
The call services market is changing and Ofcom proposals aim to keep up with the times.
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Network & Infrastructure
Ofcom go ahead for Openreach race to switch off copper
Ofcom provides a degree of clarity on Openreach’s obligations ahead of relaxation of regulation, once fibre covers an exchange. However, a wait‑and‑see approach on determining what will constitute a fully fibre‑enabled exchange means Openreach is stepping on the accelerator at its own risk.
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Network & Infrastructure
Openreach’s full-fibre exchange moves forward
Openreach announced the beginning of the end for copper‑based product sales, as its fibre rollout accelerates. PSTN switch‑off plans set to see BT Group significantly cut costs by handing back sites currently leased from Telereal Trillium.
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Public Affairs
EE could face longer wait for spectrum
Now-traditional inter-operator squabbling threatening to create months of delays to availability of new low- and mid-band spectrum for service delivery and development.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone could face long wait for spectrum
Rival O2 remains vexed by how Ofcom has structured mid‑band licence sell‑off.
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Network & Infrastructure
O2 signals legal move over 5G auction
Operating business remains vexed by how Ofcom has structured mid-band licence sell-off.
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Network & Infrastructure
Full-fibre report card shows some UK progress
Latest IDATE figures show UK as one of Europe’s fastest-growing FTTH/B markets by coverage. But only Austria and Serbia fare worse in terms of subscriber penetration.
