All articles by Richard Agnew – Page 40
-
Financial & PerformanceDT’s FY21 report: events intervene but an empowered Höttges talks tough on towers
Another strong year of growth for Group, led by USA. Unfortunate clash with Ukraine invasion dulls shareholder reaction. Executives stress openness and flexibility when it comes to a big TowerCo deal, but want full recognition of DT assets’ worth. Muddiness on future of BT holding. Inflationary pressures said to ...
-
Strategy & ChangeDT prepared to scale back Russian hub amid crisis
DT has thousands of employees in Russia. CEO indicates the Group could shift staff and operations away from St. Petersburg software development function, in response to Ukrainian crisis. Tasks could be shifted to other digital hubs in India or eastern Europe. Crisis brings centre’s expansion plans to an ...
-
M&ATelefónica preps new vehicle for digital M&A in Brazil
Local operating business Vivo indicates it may channel deals through a new platform as it seeks to build out its digital services ecosystem. Move would extend Vivo’s control over M&A and provide an alternative route to Telefónica’s central Wayra and Tech divisions.
-
OperationsVivo to begin sunsetting 2G this year
Brazilian operator says cogs starting to move in convoluted 2019 network-sharing tie-up with rival TIM. Switch to a single shared grid set to move beyond pilot phase, enabling operators to begin re-farming 2G frequencies.
-
Network & InfraBT wants more suppliers to support quantum leap
Operator wants to bring down tech costs to help commercialise new set of services being prepared with next-gen encryption. Comments come with telco weeks away from debuting its first quantum-enabled metro network. Telco prepping international quantum security services play.
-
B2BT-Mobile expands beyond US, goes transatlantic on IoT
DT and American NatCo pick a safe, greenfield side-line of cross-border IoT as first target for international B2B collaboration plan they flagged in 2021. Move comes with T-Mobile quietly beginning to look beyond USA for opportunities, raising strategic questions for DT and its own international B2B interests.
-
M&ANabiax mulling sale of ex-Telefónica data centre bundle
Business set up through Asterion–Telefónica partnership reported to be assessing demand for set of eleven data centres in Americas. Move appears to shift focus of Nabiax, and its commercial tie-up with Telefónica, towards Spain. Centres were picked up in 2019 and 2021, as part of Telefónica’s trimming of Hispam ...
-
MarketingBT recalibrates ad strategy with in-house reshuffle
Operator joining up ad capabilities across Consumer, Enterprise, and Global. Establishes new Media Centre of Excellence to share learnings.
-
Venturing & InvestmentsTelefónica partner Asterion fills infra fund number two
Investment manager with close links to Telefónica completes set up of a new €1.8bn pot. Five European markets in sights for energy and telecoms opportunities. Madrid-based business has various ex-Telefónica staffers on team and a history of deal-making with Group.
-
Content & TVTelefónica ally Atresmedia enters Movistar Plus+ fray
Spanish media group reportedly interested in buying part of Movistar Plus+. Move pits Atresmedia against Vivendi, which is also seeking to build up Spanish media assets. Telefónica taking advice as pressure mounts on pay-TV business in Spain.
-
Network & InfraDT lays siege to Vodafone Germany’s cable MOB redoubt
Vodafone just can’t catch a break, with even German stronghold tormented by reinvigorated DT in aggressive housing association fibre overbuild play. Double whammy as new laws tear open cushy supply agreements. Vodafone banks on client ennui to minimise imminent damage. DT dismissive, even derisive, of Vodafone’s defence.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesVivo gets ball rolling on Ânima learning JV
Brazilian operator’s Board clears path to creation of new company focused on digital courses. Vivo confirms 50:50 split with partner Ânima Educação. Some bureaucratic hurdles still to overcome.
-
OperationsNewgate St: BT has left the building
Facilities management partner completes “decommissioning” of the Group’s former HQ, ending long historical association with St. Pauls location.
-
Financial & PerformanceVodafone’s Q3 deciphered: glad-handing activists; German misfire; IoT, Africa fintech blossom
Management seeks to seize back agenda amid growing City pressure for urgency on asset sales. CEO Nick Read assures Group will be “proactive” in finding returns-focused deals. German user experience misstep takes gloss off solid set of numbers. Price rises planned across Europe, in response to rising costs.
-
PremiumTesla back at the wheel for HT Mostar
NatCo sticks to familiar script in choosing enabler for network management upgrade.
-
Financial & PerformanceVantage tweaks schedule after ‘annoying’ builder delays
TowerCo’s build-to-suit programme hit by labour and material supply crunch. Management responds with move to simplify supply and logistics. Execs assure headline operational and financial goals remain in reach.
-
Suppliers & SCMBT partner Versed AI on swerving supply chain strife
With volatility biting businesses, University of Cambridge spinout attracts investment from range of backers with interests in sourcing sustainability and transparency, including fund linked to eBay creator Pierre Omidyar.
-
Venturing & InvestmentsSafaricom energy ally Circle Gas lands big Japanese backer
Deal with conglomerate Marubeni Corporation comes with prepaid LPG startup planning to expand beyond Safaricom-supported deployment in Kenya and into new markets in Africa and Asia.
-
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.
-
OperationsT-Systems reboots India growth plan
DT’s enterprise division re-commits to plan to hire thousands of new tech staff. Local digital boss Anant Padmanabhan promoted to lead services unit T-Systems ICT India. India back in vogue for DT’s management as it seeks fresh talent for digital transformation.