Public affairs – Page 48
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Network & InfrastructureICASA digs heels in over spectrum auction rules
Regulator stands firm against legal action taken by MTN, Telkom. VdSA proves unlikely ally.
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Public AffairsRegulations hit Vodacom customer tally
Vodacom Tanzania indicates impact of regulator’s fraud reduction scheme. Another 1.1 million SIM cards due for disconnection imminently.
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Financial & PerformanceBudget 2021: BT benefits but won’t move investment dial
Chancellor Sunak eyes investment-backed build-back. Short term tax break to bolster BT infrastructure expansion. However, gains will be “offset in later years”, and no movement on BT’s number one priority — business rates relief.
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PeopleBT’s HR chief admits bumps in Better Workplace plan
Pandemic holds up plan to concertina down to 30 regional hubs, although some movement is expected in 2021. HR Director recognises the need to maintain hybrid working practices even after the pandemic has subsided.
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Network & InfrastructureHoward Watson eyes 2027 as open RAN opportunity
Huawei 5G kit replacement in line with 2027 deadline an opportunity for urban commercial open RAN deployment. BT expects to stick with dual key vendor policy, but hopes to see more choice. Huawei kit still being rolled out as BT juggles network plans with government demands.
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Network & InfrastructureObermann weighs in on sluggish Gaia-X cloud project
Is the European cloud project doomed before it gets going? Deutsche Telekom is strong supporter, says project has “long way to go”. Enterprises are wary and harbour memories of past failed efforts.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: BT Sourced gets hiring
New procurement team hiring; revamp of Plymouth office by 2022; BT hoping to go greener through PPAs.
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Network & InfrastructureDT moves goalposts on German infrastructure mega-projects
Headline FTTH and cell site expansion roadmaps reworked. COVID-19 disruption, regulatory barriers, and bad weather cited as contributors. First signs emerge of the Group’s new, pandemic-influenced medium-term planning, due to be laid out later in 2021.
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Public AffairsOpenreach strike action goes ahead
Strike underway in row over engineer pay grade restructuring. Industrial action described as a ‘wake-up call’ for the whole of BT amidst wider unrest.
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Network & InfrastructureBNetzA reviewing O2’s 4G catch up claim
OB says it made good on main part of 2020 network expansion promise. But BNetzA yet to verify coverage claims. Difficulties hitting coverage targets along transport routes remain.
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PeopleColao appointed digital minister in Italy’s new government
The former Vodafone CEO is set to play a key role in Italy’s digital transformation over the coming two years.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica Global Solutions looks to trim headcount
Recently bundled wholesale services unit will offer incentivised early retirement to its over-53s, as part of ongoing contract suspension scheme.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica closer to firming up commercial reset
New model seen as necessary for digital services era, encompassing changes around skills, incentives, and flexibility. ‘Commercial careers’ agreement has been a long time coming, but unions say more still needs to be done.
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Strategy & ChangeÁlvarez-Pallete gets political as challenges grow
Quiet support for a boardroom coup at Prisa indicates Telefónica’s political muscles as business priorities coincide with larger social challenges. Telefónica supporting government recovery goals, but lobbying for a more favourable investment environment as 5G auction looms. Group emphasising its Europe role as Latin America retreat sees grumbling.
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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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PremiumMagyar Telekom stumps up €124m to extend licences
MT secures 15-year extensions to 900MHz and 1800MHz concessions. Supreme Court rules NNMH acted “lawfully” in blocking Digi Communications from participating in 2020 multiband auction.
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M&AGermany mulls selling stake in Deutsche Telekom
Coalition government considers “scaling back” state holdings in various companies, including Deutsche Telekom. Pandemic-induced financial pressures taking their toll.
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PeopleOsborne to become Vodafone’s deal-making wingman
Ex-UK Chancellor likely to be involved in future Group acquisitions after agreeing to join M&A chaperone Robey Warshaw.
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M&AOi firms up mobile deal, Vivo reinforces its market lead
Oi finalises mobile asset sale to three-strong consortium of Claro, TIM Brasil, and Vivo. Oi CFO: regulatory approval expected within the year. Trifecta of assets now divested by in-administration Oi as it seeks route to recovery via fibre.
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