Related UK News – Page 42
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: Unitymedia nearly integrated
German Unitymedia integration near completion; VfUK continues to target SME market with cybersecurity and data packages.
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M&ABT’s uninvited new co-pilot: what’s Drahi’s mission?
Altice buys minority stake but claims no intention of full-fledged takeover. Seeks to support BT’s strategic fibre, for which Drahi has genuine zeal. BTwatch explores industrial logic and financial machinations behind move.
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ProfileWhich Drahi has BT got itself entangled with?
Altice empire expands into UK. Drahi: a fibre visionary or ruthless financer? Does BT investment represent change of tack by rapacious wheeler-dealer?
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OperationsAST SpaceMobile sets up UK arm
High-profile US startup establishing tech team in Leicester space hub. Move eases collaboration with Vodafone ahead of joint launch in Africa.
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Enterprise (B2B)Sims to head up new BT SoHo unit
Enterprise launches new iteration of Halo for Business with added support for micro-businesses. One of first major moves by Enterprise division following entrance of new CEO Rob Shuter in February.
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Network & InfrastructureO2 deal with Vodafone to supplement spectrum gains
Ofcom closes assignment stage of UK spectrum auction with O2 trading blocks with Vodafone, while BT opts to buy preferable positions outright. O2–Vodafone trade ensures contiguous spectrum blocks in 5G-ready bands.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach doubles rural fibre targets
Infrastructure business targets six million premises passed with full-fibre by 2025, aided by recruitment drive and enhanced investment. 4.8 million total premises passed so far, but no word on rural progress. Collaboration with government and fellow builders key to hitting goals.
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Innovation (R&D)Wayra widens scope of blockchain tech programme
Innovation unit’s Activation Programme blockchain stream now welcoming proposals from startups in “any sector”.
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PeopleEx-Vodafone UK CEO talks up turnaround cred at Frontier
Nick Jeffery claims five-year stint as Vodafone UK CEO was unmitigated success. Top brass at Frontier Communications seem to agree and want Jeffery to work his magic at the US broadband service provider.
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Network & InfrastructureCornerstone to pilot City of London 5G upgrade
“City-wide” open access network being explored. Joint venture’s 2017 contract now appears to include 5G. Deployment will depend on the outcome of trials.
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Public AffairsBT re-enters union talks, with strike action looming large
BT gets “serious” in negotiations with CWU and is said to have halted redundancies — for now. Union looking to secure assurances on job security for “all” members. Proposed ballot to go ahead in early-June if talks come to nothing.
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PremiumVodafone ties with O2 to tidy up mid-band spectrum
Ofcom closes assignment stage of UK spectrum auction with Vodafone trading blocks with O2, while BT opted to buy preferable positions outright. Vodafone–O2 swap ensures contiguous spectrum blocks in 5G-ready bands.
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Public AffairsSees.ai gets all-clear for BVLOS drone flights
VfUK drone partner achieves UK-first permission. Tests to be carried out at three nominated sites. OpCo flags separate drone trial collaboration with Ericsson and Lidar tech for remote cell site inspections.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: Deegan questions Spain's 5G investment policy
5G- and VR-powered maintenance deal on Italy’s railways; call for network investment reform in Spain.
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Products & ServicesVena: BT launches “smart” broadcast network
BT Media & Broadcast division unveils Vena as end-to-end broadcast platform. Enabling remote production at core of new service, reflecting expedited industry-wide transition during pandemic. Two “major broadcasters” already on the books. Evolution pending in existing Media & Broadcast partnerships.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT edges towards virtual reality
Group engagement in multiple digital twin projects signals rising interest in services that exploit new AR, VR, and mixed reality technologies.
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Consumer (B2C)Consumer moves up a gear on customer support
Bridget Lea keen to enhance engagement with customers, at home or in-store. New ‘door-to-door’ device repair service set for launch. Division attempting to ensure service resilience, with post-pandemic consumer habits under watchful eye.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Enterprise: ESN-ready device pilots
East Anglian emergency service adopts EE-supported ESN tech; operator lends helping hand to property developer’s digital transformation.
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Strategy & ChangeBT in talks to sell BT Sport stake
Early discussions with potential investors underway, as BT seeks strategic partners to “strengthen our sports business”. Volatile sports rights costs, and minimal benefits to ownership within emerging Consumer business model likely prompting talks. BT Sport rumours reignite Openreach sale speculation, underlining the Group’s need to find financial headroom for ...
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Suppliers & SCMRicoh flags widening Vodafone role
Longstanding IT services partner expects to have more opportunities in areas such as digital workplaces, data and analytics, and cloud infrastructure.