Openreach – Page 15
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Public AffairsOpenreach strike ballot puts BT on notice
Statutory vote by small group of Openreach workers described as a ‘wake-up call’ for the whole of BT amidst wider unrest.
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PremiumBT Q3 FY20–21 results: gone today, (hopefully) here tomorrow
Nobody obviously interested in Q3, but shares down sharply. Calendar of optimism around pandemic bounce back and fresh starts. Jansen despairingly concedes transformation will take at least five years. BT doing best to railroad Ofcom on fibre-critical WFTMR.
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Network & InfraDCMS 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 & InfraDCMS 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.
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Network & InfraDCMS helping England play catch up, or possibly leapfrog
Devolved nations at the back of the queue for new money. Fibre emphasised over cable.
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Network & InfraDCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined-up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
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Network & InfraA lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
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Network & InfraBT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
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Network & InfraJansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital-based services.
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Suppliers & SCMOpenreach deploys EXFO technology for fibre rollout
Rollout speed gains stressed as key motivator for purchase.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Openreach: 2x usage for 2020
Openreach flexes on network strength after UK broadband usage hits new highs.
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Network & InfraOpenreach requests COVID vaccine relief
Direct talks between Openreach and government officials confirmed. COVID-19 surge halts operations. Openreach seeks to highlight public importance of connectivity.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT to head trials at Reading’s Arrow Drone Zone
Group targeting commercialisation of drone flights using country’s “first commercial drone corridor”. Funding delivered through four-year government initiative, but securing safety assurances for BVLOS flights first port of call. Potential benefits to healthcare vertical highlighted.
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Public Affairseir’s fury over BT’s NI PSSN contract award reignited
BT hit with substantial fine for misinformation that may have affected the outcome of a £40m government contract. Irish operator “considering our options” on prized PSSN contract, although Ofcom found no deliberate breaches.
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Strategy & ChangeBT builds up Data & AI Solutions biz
Data & AI Solutions business searches for revenue gold in BT Group’s data hills. BT researchers tap data for better customer experience, while Openreach data scientists reduce cost of fibre rollout.
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PremiumBT people moves: IT executives reshuffled
IT Managing Director Rachel Higham confirmed her departure, leaving a vacancy for the all-important IT transformation project. Changes to Group’s regional management, including the exit of BT’s England Director and a new Openreach Scotland chair. High-profile alumni take advisory spots at UK regulators.
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Network & InfraOfcom hints at ten-year “fair bet” timeframe for BT
Openreach to be unconstrained on full-fibre pricing until 2031 under proposed plans from the regulator. Jansen claims he would rather have a cap on returns, and more time. Fellow infrastructure builders happy with clarity, but Openreach customer TalkTalk unhappy with impact on wholesale. Regulatory clarity may kickstart discussions on ...
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Network & InfraBT calls for alternatives to fibre in rural Wales
Connecting the most challenging premises not viable under the USO. Openreach, backed by government infrastructure committees, wants to look beyond FTTP for gigabit access.