Openreach – Page 7
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Network & InfrastructureScottish gov working with Openreach to accelerate R100
R100 project, backed by devolved Scottish government, connects only tiny fraction of targeted premises with superfast broadband. Subsea infrastructure on track to hit rollout deadline, but wider R100 programme facing delays. Scottish government “actively engaging” with Openreach to accelerate rollout; acknowledges (again) that R100 is “hugely challenging”.
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PremiumElsewhere in Openreach: Arson takes out 7,400 connections
Arson attack in Kent knocks out 7,400 connections; Openreach set to launch Advanced Install pilot for complex jobs.
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Public Affairseir takes BT to court for NI public sector bid
Irish incumbent seeks compensation for long-running dispute regarding NI PSSN contract. Public sector IT services deal, won by BT in 2018, said to be worth up to £400m.
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Public AffairsIndustrial action inbound as union rejects biggest BT pay rise in 20 years
Communication Workers Union rebuffs improved offer of a £1,500 flat rise for 58,000 employees. Union states it will take BT’s management “to a place they’ve never been before” as it prepares for a statutory industrial action ballot. BT believes its rates “compare well” against competitors.
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Public Affairs“Insulting” pay bump rejected as BT faces fresh union battle
Communication Workers Union refuses £1,200 flat rise, demanding a 10% increase. States BT has a “clear choice” between prioritising shareholders or workers. Union threatens to begin statutory industrial action ballot.
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Network & InfrastructureBT’s Allera: “we got it wrong” on digital switch-over
BT Consumer CEO Marc Allera hits pause on Digital Voice rollout amid public backlash about impact on elderly and vulnerable customers. Analogue-to-digital migration set to continue for those that want it, while BT deploys safeguards to assure concerned customers.
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PremiumOpenreach to create 4,000 jobs, aims for more diversity
Industry steps up efforts to attract more people in tight labour market and keep fibre rolling. “Unprecedented” demand gives candidates upper hand. BT and Openreach, as well as Virgin Media O2, tout apprenticeship plans. Signs of progress on gender diversity and hiring more women in traditionally male-dominated roles.
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PremiumElsewhere in Openreach: Viavi signed up to test fibre network
Openreach partners Viavi to provide end users with “speedometer” for full-fibre speeds; joins Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.
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CorporateOpenreach’s Selley in the dark about Drahi’s aims
Openreach CEO has met the Altice UK owner several times over the years. Selley sees BT as a “very good owner” that has the UK government’s ear.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: BT in VM O2’s sights
VM O2 issues veiled threat to BT incumbency; legal proceedings continue in alleged overcharging case.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach hits pause on community fibre programme
Fibre Community Partnership initiative now closed to new registrations as demand soars. Books will reopen once the backlog is cleared. Openreach claims “extreme” popularity as FCP reached 2,050 communities.
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Network & Infrastructure“Huge volume of work ahead”: Openreach details storm recovery efforts
Eunice and Franklin repairs ongoing, but still almost 20,000 Openreach customers unable to access broadband. “Vast majority” down to power outages. About 100 Openreach poles damaged alongside 300 green roadside cabinets.
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Network & InfrastructureTelcos turn to youth to help UK fibre buildout
Industry steps up efforts to attract more people in tight labour market and keep fibre rolling. “Unprecedented” demand gives candidates the upper hand. Signs of progress on gender diversity and hiring more women in traditionally male-dominated roles. BT, Openreach, and Virgin Media O2 tout apprenticeship plans.
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PremiumBT people moves: BT Federal fills out
Mike Barthlow appointed CEO at BT’s US public sector division, with senior reports changed in parallel. BT’s healthcare focus tightened with a new HealthTech Incubator under Harmeen Mehta’s Digital domain and strategic health programme lead named at Enterprise. Openreach Service Delivery changes as Olly Kunc ships out.
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Suppliers & SCMChipset shortages delay Openreach provisioning
Ongoing chipset shortages lead to Ethernet product delays at Openreach, adding to problems flagged last year. Semiconductor supply and demand imbalance set to last at least another twelve months. Supply chain problems a recurring theme at BT, too.
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PremiumElsewhere in Openreach: £20,000 reward for cable theft information
What next for Openreach under Drahi?; apprentice hiring spree targets diversity; Plusnet readies for FTTP entrance.
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PremiumFormer BT Fleet folded into rebranded Rivus
Rivus Fleet Solutions and Pullman Fleet Solutions to be combined. Graeme Lumley is new BT account director.
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PremiumBT Q3 FY21–22 Headlines: Openreach surging; CFUs in surgery
Corporate weakness postpones recovery, with BT Global recuperating and BT Enterprise still hurting. Openreach charges on, hitting new records for FTTP connections and (low) costs. City analysts focus on ‘mathematical’ minutiae of inflation response and impact on customers, costs, and payroll. Drahi and other predators ignored.
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PremiumBT Q3 FY21–22: king of a still-wobbly castle
Rational rivals embraced, but warned of “Armageddon scenario”, with Sky current BFF. Mixed results force management to cling to customer satisfaction and market share security blankets. Inflation a bonus for Consumer’s linked pricing. ‘Jam tomorrow’ outlook reiterated.
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OperationsBT considers use of AI to expose vendor malpractice
Operator considering application of video analytics software from partner Vyntelligence to identify “incorrect behaviours” in supplier plants. Idea reflective of operators’ concerns over hidden ESG and security nasties in their vast international supply chains.