All articles by Sam Patterson – Page 3
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PremiumVivo taps ADVA for network disaggregation
TIP-compliant software selected by Brazilian OB to support 5G rollout. Group extends IP Fusión network upgrade project to new market, with ADVA revealed as key enabler.
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Products & ServicesO2 targets SMEs with SD-WAN platform
Business division begins marketing new cloud-based network automation system. German OB lends helping hand to SMEs in digitalisation mode. No technology partners credited.
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Public AffairsSafaricom split proposal all but quashed
Overwhelming majority of MPs choose not to engage in debate over Kenyan operator’s future structure. Controversial proposal does little to revive ghosts of the past.
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Strategy & ChangeSpaceMobile targets satellite status quo
AST SpaceMobile’s satellite tech represents break from past, says CEO. US space venture posts first results update since going public, as high-profile, iconoclastic startup edges closer to commercial get-go. Vodafone lends helping hand in satellite-to-cell compatibility tests. FCC opens gateway to domestic market.
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M&ATelefónica said to be negotiating PangeaCo stake sale
Peruvian fibre business reportedly on the market, as Group’s Hispam monetising plans evolve further. PangeaCo to take form of Brazilian/Chilean equivalent, assuming part-sale goes through.
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Venturing & InvestmentsDT scopes out precise positioning partnerships
Nascent German business Angsa Robotics beats competition from ten other startups to win Deutsche Telekom backing. Startup gearing up for launch next year.
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M&ADT interest Community Fibre subsumes rival
FTTP altnet backed by BT shareholder absorbs assets of smaller fibre builder. Business now looking “beyond London” as it continues to accelerate growth. Community Fibre’s FTTP footprint stands at 300,000 premises. Acquisition not impacting commercial operations or leadership structure of “independent” merger partner.
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom looks closer to Ethiopian fintech expansion
Newly established Ethiopian OpCo reportedly given green-light to offer fintech service by market regulator. But incumbent rival already gifted year-long head start in m-money services realm.
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M&ATelefónica (finally) exits Costa Rica
Group finalises long-awaited divestment. Final transaction price is $538m, around $40m short of previously agreed deal. Movistar marque utilised by Liberty as it pursues multi-brand strategy in Costa Rica. Former Movistar Costa Rica exec to head operations.
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PeopleNew digs for Vodacom exec duo
Vodacom DRC sources from within for new MD appointment. Al Americani to head digital services push following Soussa’s transition to Ethiopia. Vodafone veteran Hendi swaps Tanzania for Spain.
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PeopleVivo CIO segues into FiBrasil top job
Telefónica’s new FibreCo JV names Vivo veteran as CEO. CIO vacancy opens up at Brazil OB.
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OperationsIndus Towers said to firm up IT systems rework
TowerCo CEO flags progress in pursuit of post-merger synergies. “Indus team” completes IT systems integration, meaning management of 180,000+ site portfolio falls under one roof.
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PeopleTrio exit Vodafone Spain’s upper hierarchy
Second-in-charge Vicente leaves vacancy, as do leading lights in regulatory and television departments. Changes follow soon after news of CTO Ismael Asenjo’s exit, amid internal Tech rejig.
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M&AVodafone Italy hands highways infra to INWIT JV
OpCo’s divestment bulks-up INWIT portfolio, as TowerCo continues spending spree. INWIT to equip portion of new assets with IoT capabilities in “smart road” drive. Acquisition expected to be green-lighted before end-2021.
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Venturing & InvestmentsWayra buys into sustainable energy startup Solum
Open Future-accelerated Solum adds Wayra cash to funding pot. Embryonic startup to initiate recruitment drive and go-to-market expansion strategy. Move builds on existing relationship with Telefónica.
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PeopleAhuja resigns Vodafone directorship
Telecom veteran departs Group Board, citing commitments elsewhere. High-profile resignation comes on eve of Vodafone AGM, with Olaf Swantee set to be sworn in.
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Strategy & ChangeBT Global shuts down Kuwait HQ
Division’s rationalisation of Middle Eastern footprint continues as Group confirms closure of Kuwaiti facilities. Residual presence in country — and region — maintained via new reseller alliance with Ooredoo.
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Partnerships & AlliancesMovistar gives fitness startup Volava distribution leg up
Wayra interest Volava taps into Spanish OB’s customer base, with flexible payment options for its hardware. Movistar raises possibility that early-stage link-up could be expanded upon, as startup pounces on COVID-19-spurred exercising-at-home trend.
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Strategy & ChangeNew Ethiopian OpCo sticks with Safaricom marque
New business formally named. ECA grants operator full operating licence, effective from 9 July. Ethiopia seen as early target for Vodafone’s satellite venture with AST.
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Strategy & ChangeTMNL extends 5G into the North Sea
T-Mobile Netherlands took home a 20MHz block of 700MHz spectrum to take its 5G network offshore.