Public affairs – Page 36
-
Network & Infrastructure“A serious tragedy”: Vodacom begins repairs following SA floods
KwaZulu-Natal flooding declared an emergency with more than 300 dead. Vodacom cites ‘social contract’ in ZAR 3m relief donation. Operators begin network restoration, with power outages a core issue after backup batteries washed out.
-
PremiumEU backlash over BT nod to manage TESTA
EU-headquartered telcos reportedly up in arms over Commission’s preference for BT to manage pan-European backbone network for exchange of sensitive data. EC suspends signature of £1bn TESTA framework contract pending review of concerns raised.
-
Public AffairsTMUS ‘lost $200,000’ attempting to buy back leaked data
Reports say it’s unclear whether or not the US NatCo was aware of payments made to cybercriminals. Last year’s data breach affected nearly 55 million users.
-
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.
-
M&ATelefónica’s Vilá welcomes merger of rivals in ‘fragmented’ Spanish market
Telefónica COO again questions whether Telefónica should now be seen as a dominant player. Vodafone said to be exploring options for its fixed assets in Spain.
-
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.
-
OperationsTPG cleared to separate wholesale and retail operations
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission greenlights ‘joint functional separation’ of the subsidiaries from 7 October 2022. Regulator believes the move will enhance competition in both segments. TPG is looking to create a new fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) wholesale business.
-
PremiumElsewhere in Telefónica Hispanoamérica: Eco Rating Scheme introduced across markets
Eco Rating system extended to Hispam; Chile preparing for 5G auction; FTTP rival Mundo acquired by DigitalBridge.
-
Public AffairsBT leads social tariff calls, hikes mobile prices
Cost of living crisis puts BT’s (and rivals’) mobile price increases in perspective, despite Group calls for more social tariffs. BT’s Home Essentials one of several on offer, but more to be done to support vulnerable customers. Time for rivals to pull their weight, says BT’s policy director. Mobile ...
-
Venturing & InvestmentsUK’s rebranded BII embarks on new impact investing
British International Investment (BII) embraces broader digital strategy.
-
Venturing & InvestmentsVodafone increases Vi stake
Group outlines commitment to struggling JV, upping its holding by 3.2%. Investment arrives via Vodafone subsidiary Prime Metals in a vital period for Vi. Further cash injections mooted amid government takeover.
-
PremiumNetWorkS! highlights border upgrade for refugees
NetWorkS! upgrades base stations to handle increased traffic from refugees. T-Mobile Poland–Orange Poland JV optimises “several hundred” stations near Polish–Ukrainian border. DT offering free SIM cards, international calls, and data to Ukrainian residents.
-
PeopleOfcom chair-elect “lacks knowledge” on digital issues
Lord Grade, set to take the chair at the UK’s media and telecoms regulator, lacks fundamental experience on key issues of social media and online platforms despite strength in broadcasting. Competitive and transparent telecoms industry among Grade’s priorities. Cronyism concerns after Grade’s appointment followed by Ian Cheshire’s move to ...
-
PremiumElsewhere in Telefónica Group: Álvarez-Pallete weighs in on ePrivacy
Group calls for privacy norms rethink; cryptocurrency payments option mooted; Telefónica lauded for sustainability credentials.
-
Public AffairsÁlvarez-Pallete: scrap ePrivacy, improve GDPR
Telefónica Executive Chairman José María Álvarez-Pallete calls on the European Commission to withdraw its proposed ePrivacy Regulation in favour of better enforcement of GDPR. ePrivacy ambitions of “harmonised” single market will not come to fruition, says the Spaniard. Calls for improved data legislation to compete with Asian and US ...
-
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.
-
Content & TVMovistar Plus+ signs €1.4bn DAZN deal for La Liga rights
Telefónica’s pay-TV platform to broadcast every Spanish top-flight match for five years from the 2022–23 season. DAZN retains production responsibilities, with Movistar Plus+ customers granted access to broadcasts. DAZN continues telco partnership strategy to ease rights costs.
-
Network & InfrastructureFrom castles to classrooms: Wales tests rural 5G case
Project explores 5G value for rural communities with focus on agriculture, education, tourism, and transportation. EE 5G network connects sites in Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire. 4G and 5G are considered key to closing rural broadband gaps in Wales, but policymakers can do more to encourage investment.
-
Public AffairsCNMC pledges post-merger review of Telefónica regulations
Proposed merger of Orange with MÁSMÓVIL would create largest player by subscribers. CNMC President will seek to balance obligations of telcos with those of digital platforms. Regulator reports on football rights contracts are being ignored.
-
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.