All articles by Richard Agnew – Page 45
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PremiumDT trades Dutch NatCo for a scoop of US, plus sprinkles
Former DT CEO Obermann steps in with buyout of T-Mobile Netherlands through Apax–Warburg Pincus consortium. Deal is culmination of turnaround effort launched in 2016 when last attempt to sell NatCo fell through. Exit opens the lid on a box of intriguing strategic options for DT. DT directs some of ...
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PeoplewatchSafaricom taps Guinness exec as Ethiopian CFO
Top finance and people hires confirmed as Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia plots build out. Startup operator aiming for 1,000-strong headcount to support 2022 launch.
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Network & InfraLopsided Scottish 4G project shows MNO divergence
After slow start, S4GI scheme now a third of the way towards meeting 2023 site rollout target. But EE remains dominant player, with site activation pipeline more than seven times as large as that of its three rivals. Signs SRN could be shunting S4GI down other MNOs’ priority lists. ...
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Strategy & ChangeBT reviewing Indian tech ops, may insource from partners
Taking a relook at level of work outsourced to third-party providers such as Tata Consultancy Services and Tech Mahindra. Insourcing would “strengthen” role of BT’s Bangalore-based services operation, increase self-reliance.
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Network & InfraTelefónica Argentina and Sion buddy up on provincial fibre
Argentinian OB to lean on third-party infrastructure to extend connectivity to harder-to-reach communities. Movistar looking at expanding reach of its city-centric FTTP footprint.
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Network & InfraVodacom starts TowerCo separation sequence
Operator looking to install managing executive, and then fuller leadership team, to drive tower separation plans outlined in May. Plan to explore stake sale reiterated. Initial focus on biggest market South Africa.
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Venturing & InvestmentsAfrican energy startup borrows $100m for scale-out plan
Safaricom partner Circle Gas secures nine-figure loan to drive expansion in African (and potentially Asian) markets. Targets include Nigeria and neighbouring markets of Kenya and Tanzania, where startup is already present. Capital needed for investment-heavy distribution platform.
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InterviewInterview: New HQ beckons for Jansen’s “better BT”
As BT prepares to move into a new-era head office in Aldgate, Technology HR boss Mark Murphy speaks to TelcoTitans about the Group’s physical and virtual makeover. Technology reorganisation, facilities facelift, and move to ‘smart working’ viewed as key to refreshing how BT does business. Organic and inclusive approach ...
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone NZ goes lean as it splits from Group “mothership”
Former Vodafone OpCo’s new managers say unravelling of legacy IT snarl-up remains a work in progress and “fairly challenging”. “High-performance” business reset expected to deliver big earnings lift in current FY and beyond.
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M&ATPG puts feelers out for TowerCo deal
Australian JV conducting “preliminary market assessment” ahead of possible spin-off. Scope of monetisation would be limited by operator’s low level of site ownership. Competitors have already made moves.
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Suppliers & SCMSmart shopping: Vodafone now using bots for buying
Vodafone Procurement Company says new autonomous platform switched on in June. Focus on extended reach and efficiency in long-tail buying. System could ultimately handle end-to-end sourcing for quarter of spend, unit suggests. Pega and _VOIS on enabler team.
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Suppliers & SCMJob cuts coming as ISS works to solve DT deal losses
Manager of Group’s German facilities working through “long list” of restructuring measures, with aim to reach breakeven on flagship deal. Stage one complete as key IT milestone hit. Staff and subcontractor cutbacks coming as ISS seeks to squeeze out more costs.
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Partnerships & AlliancesTelecom Egypt to hold Vodafone to “strict” dividend deal
Executives of Vodafone’s Egyptian partner suggest new deal gives watertight dividend flow from their joint mobile business. Agreement creates path for Vodafone to do an internal switch of its Egyptian OpCo, following failed Saudi Telecom deal.
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M&AHöttges “ready” for Drahi tête-à-tête after BT raid
DT confirms Altice’s secretive acquisition of a large BT holding went unflagged. Group “open” to discussions and sees prospect of “exciting” developments towards end of 2021. DT accentuates lack of pressure to sell up, should Altice target its holding.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT wants a billion pounds “minimum” from Microsoft deal
Microsoft beefs up its position within BT’s enterprise ecosystem with formation of an updated strategic partnership. BT aiming for a nine-figure revenue target from “complicated”, “big” deal. Software giant separately acquires BT spend-tracking partner Suplari.
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PeoplewatchVodafone Carrier Services’ boss moves into key UK role
Vodafone Business lieutenant Nick Gliddon sent in to perform key UK enterprise mission. Move fills vacancy opened up by Anne Sheehan’s exit to Microsoft Ireland.
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M&AVantage back in shop window as Vodafone builds revival
M&A remains a lever to help Vodafone revive growth, says CEO Read. New Chairman van Boxmeer lighting a fire under Group strategy and ambition. Another chunk of Vantage could be sold off to “like-minded” partner. Hint made of some UK deal-making in pipeline. Egyptian and Spanish assets remain in ...
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone shuffles international partnership team
Oversight of Partner Markets federation shifts to Vinod Kumar’s Vodafone Business division. Move comes with Vodafone seeking platforms for margin-friendly B2B growth, to improve cash flow.
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Strategy & ChangeGroup Technology toes line on “new-gen” plan
Top-down flavour to Tech 2025 initiatives as Group Finance (again) steals a lot of the Group Technology thunder, keeping ambitions in check with fiscal targets. Programme kept closely in line with Group leadership’s medium-term, twin-track ambition to refuel its commercial engine while keeping a tight rein on investment. Headline ...
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Suppliers & SCMEricsson targets African gains on back of Vodafone reorg
Swedish vendor has been punching below weight within Vodafone’s African operations. Tech 2025 organisational changes and geopolitical flux could create openings to grow regional account.