All articles by Sam Patterson
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PremiumSafaricom to debut 5G in 2022
Kenyan operator extending 5G trials to “additional towns”; commercial launch slated for 2022. Operator looking to further boost mobile data revenue. Rival Airtel on 5G scene too.
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Suppliers & SCMViavi dives into Vodafone Portugal’s network analytics
Portuguese OpCo’s automation drive key motivator for deployment of Viavi monitoring tech.
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Products & ServicesGovernment considering BT’s emergency comms proposal
UK Home Office in discussions with BT over introduction of 888 emergency comms and tracking system. 888/Walk Me Home working titles for platform that could act as “deterrent to criminals”. £50m public funding required. Christmas 2021 launch possible.
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PremiumBT engages virtual twin(s) on infrastructure resiliency
Group one of three national infrastructure owners to pledge resources to project using simulation tech to overcome impact of climate change on UK’s built environment. Tranche of UK universities and research institutes involved too. Yet another example of BT dipping toes into ‘digital twin’ realm.
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OperationsTelefónica turning Madrid HQ into digital skills factory
Group ups corporate social responsibility efforts by dedicating real estate to societal pursuit of digital adaption. Talent Hub aims to re-skill 100,000 people per year. Internal skills upgrade high on Group agenda.
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Innovation (R&D)T-Labs and TMUS scoping out immersive shopper tech
Group R&D arm and US NatCo open applications for T-Challenge 2022. Focus on retail vertical, with telco keen to enhance post-COVID experiences for those shopping at home and in-store. Scheme offering share of €600,000 prize pot.
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Products & ServicesVodafone commences Group wide roll out of ‘Eco-SIMs’
Group ups ante on waste reduction with launch of recycled SIM chips. ‘Eco-SIMs’ to be rolled out in 15 territories. Available in UK from spring next year.
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PremiumNokia and Vivo get together on mmWave tests
Brazilian OB chooses Finnish equipment vendor for high-frequency pilot, with FWA on agenda. Temporary 26GHz licence granted by Anatel, as regulator firms up date of long-awaited 5G-optimised spectrum auction. Vivo still free to use Huawei tech.
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PremiumMovistar Chile and Nokia link on university 5G campus
Chilean operating business inaugurates first 5G test campus outside country’s Metropolitan Region.
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Partnerships & AlliancesGreggs keeps good times rolling with VM O2 partnership
Virgin Media O2–Greggs alliance working “well for both brands”, as telco adds element of differentiation to customer loyalty programme.
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PremiumCiena, Infinera tapped for submarine capacity
Telxius expands on existing partnerships with vendor pair to launch 400Gbps Ethernet across its 100,000km of underwater cable. Higher bandwidth and speed potential showcased.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica reorgs retail division and pushes physical sales
Telefónica España’s distribution unit split into three departments, targets efficiency gains. Telyco stores to be given experience-focused facelift to maximise post-COVID high street surge.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra opens wallet for security startup Gabriel
£8.8m total funding raised in Series-A round. Startup eyeing growth opportunities in domestic market and beyond. Telefónica teaming up on the distribution of home security solutions in LatAm.
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Suppliers & SCMTDE's Yext engagement bears fruit
German NatCo flags digital customer support improvements. Yext says telco is a user of its Listings and Reviews products, among others.
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Suppliers & SCMTelefónica inks three (more) PPA deals
Spanish OpCo procuring just shy of 600GWh of electricity through fixed-priced PPAs. Acciona key player in Group-wide carbon-cutting push.
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M&ATelefónica mulling Spanish infra stake sale?
Rumours circulate that Group is discussing fibre monetisation in Spain. Between five and ten funding vehicles reportedly put hats in the ring, as Group sounds out market interest. Sale speculation comes despite Telefónica classing its Spanish fibre infrastructure as a “strategic asset”.
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Innovation (R&D)Vodafone seeks in-house ‘unicorns’ as part of platforms push
New startup innovation division established, with Group veteran Jorge Bento appointed Director.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone Spain sets sights on retail electricity market
Vodafone Spain enters electricity services space with new Vodafone Energía subsidiary. Unit targeting territories outside its footprint. Precedent set by rivals as telcos seek market differentiation.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra adds e-sports brains to portfolio with Wiper buy-in
Wayra Family unit makes co-investment in Spanish ed-tech platform developer Wiper Gaming. Investment likely to be in line with previously mooted “up-to-€2m” commitment.
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Strategy & ChangeBT establishes new digital health unit
Group recruiting for newly formed Digital Healthcare division. Unit to develop e-health startup ecosystem, with provision of path-to-market options. ‘BT Incubation’ revealed as working title for broader tech accelerator branch.