Public affairs – Page 43
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Network & Infrastructure
T-Mobile locks horns with Dish on CDMA, 12GHz
NatCo begrudgingly extends 3G CDMA network shutdown by three months. Fires criticism at Dish for not taking “responsibility” for migrating customers. Decision comes amid growing tension with satellite TV provider over 12GHz spectrum.
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Strategy & Change
Jansen battle-ready as competition grows on two fronts
BT CEO returns to pre-pandemic promises of a more robust defence of BT’s market position, on price if necessary. Speculation on heightened wholesale competition comes as Openreach Equinox fibre pricing looks set to reinforce the Group’s strong position. Retail threats may be more pressing for the incumbent as Sky ...
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Public Affairs
BT escalates appeal in landline overcharging case
Competition Appeals Tribunal tells BT it has little prospect of success in a call to block US-style class action. Operator will take case to Court of Appeal as it seeks to swap opt-out procedure for an opt-in alternative. The latest update in an ongoing £589m saga amid allegations of ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone takes Ofcom to task over proposed 2100MHz fees
Vodafone warns that rise in licence fees risks being passed onto end users. New annual licence fees for 2100MHz set to come into force from January 2022. Group calculates significantly lower fee compared with Ofcom’s proposal.
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Public Affairs
T-Mobile Czech Republic, O2 seek end to antitrust case
Operators offer concessions to settle EC probe of mobile network-sharing arrangements and avoid fines. The national regulator plans to step in and set mobile wholesale prices. Separately, TMCZ fights the regulator’s order to lower its wholesale prices.
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M&A
Hrvatski Telekom’s Optima offload expected within “days”
Change in Electronic Media Act paves way for transaction with United Group. Regulatory chief “very satisfied” at the prospect of a “third major player” in the fixed market.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Core Markets: Prosegur JV ties with Santander
AMC Networks files arbitration claim against Telefónica in Spain; security JV Movistar Prosegur Alarmas ties with Santander.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodacom’s Super App cushioned if “politics” plays up
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says operator’s VodaPay Super App smarts are protected if political changes affect Alipay. Alipay technology underpins Vodacom’s financial services growth plans. Super App set for commercial launch in South Africa this month.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Hispanoamérica: regulatory headaches in Argentina & Peru
Regulatory decisions go against Telefónica in Argentina and Peru.
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Public Affairs
Openreach gets Ofcom green light for new FTTP pricing
Cheaper “Equinox” wholesale pricing offer to start on 1 October. Ofcom confirms no action needed on Openreach offer. Fibre altnets strongly opposed and considering next steps.
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Operations
Openreach’s Selley slams “shambles” of UK EV charging market
UK’s second-biggest van owner buying electric vehicles from Spain because of lack of domestic commercial electric van manufacturing. Openreach CEO bemoans thin and unreliable charging network; says UK “behind game”. Just 600 of Openreach’s 28,000 commercial vans currently electric. CEO regards hydrogen as likely candidate for heavy vehicles.
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Public Affairs
Telekom Deutschland’s regional fibre JV rocked by court ruling
Düsseldorf court backs claims by Vodafone and rival altnet that Deutsche Glasfaser is “hindering competition” in FTTP space. 2019 regulatory clearance overturned. Operations progressing as normal, however.
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Network & Infrastructure
Portugal’s auction pain continues as Spain shines on digital
Sale process now at 178 days and counting. Nick Read continues to sing praises of Spain’s example on digitisation. The CEO again warns that Europe is lagging on 5G and digital infrastructure.
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Public Affairs
Vodafone Germany takes action over sales partner fraud
Media report suggests German OpCo could incur fines over data privacy violations. Whistleblower said to have demanded €900,000 in exchange for non-publication of data. German case follows privacy incidents involving third-party agencies in Italy and Spain.
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Network & Infrastructure
Nokia resumes O-RAN Alliance activity
Group revises procedures to alleviate concerns over US export rules. Deutsche Telekom is “fully committed” to the Alliance. USA considering clarifications for standards organisations.
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Public Affairs
Telefónica on edge as rambunctious Peru government beds in
Reports highlight fears that multinationals in Peru may face tougher opposition in trading and taxation disputes as the new Peruvian administration develops its strategy under a strongly left-leaning President. Risks the future of a local Telefónica InfraCo; could face complications in a challenging political climate.
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Products & Services
Govertis added to Telefónica’s Peru line-up
Cyber consultancy and Telefónica acquisition bolsters Telefónica Tech Peru portfolio. Movistar Empresas to offer compliance and risk services.
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Premium
Altnets object to Openreach FTTP price proposal
Regulatory spat over wholesale FTTP pricing spills out into the open. Openreach says new prices offer certainty and encourage FTTP take-up. Fibre rivals claim the cheaper wholesale pricing scheme will reduce infrastructure competition and deter investment. Ofcom provisionally says no action needed, but final decision is expected by the ...
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Group: BT Sourced launches
BT and friends enter electric vehicle endeavour; BT Sourced opens its doors.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in T-Mobile US: identity verification solution on trial for call scamming
TMUS’s B2B push moves forward with Lumen and Volkswagen tie-ups; NatCo stamps down on call scamming; AstrumU ramps up military vet recruitment drive.