All Strategy & Change articles – Page 99
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: O2-VM gets provisional nod
BT remains neutral as CMA clears Virgin Media–O2 deal.
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Strategy & ChangeSelley “driving two trains” as fibre provisioning speeds up
Increasing Openreach resources are being funnelled towards ensuring customers are connected to full fibre — and revenue keeps coming in — while the rollout builds momentum. No firm date set to reach 20 million homes target, but annual goals to be flagged. As competition builds among fibre altnets, Openreach ...
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Public AffairsVodafone Germany braces for cable rule changes
New law could end bundling cable TV with housing association rental fees. VfD could lose two million subscribers, estimates Jefferies.
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PeopleÁlvarez-Pallete hails Spanish leadership in digital revolution
Telefónica Executive Chairman says Spain is in a “leadership position” in digitisation, but requires a new “framework” to take full advantage. Data underlined as paramount, with a ‘social contract’ needed to ensure privacy and fair valuation.
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom: deadline for Ethiopia entry bid pushed back (again)
ECA grants Kenyan operator and other interested parties more time to consider ins and outs of Ethiopian expansion. Deadline revised for the second time in as many months. Laws blocking Safaricom from operating fintech service in country remain in place (for now).
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InterviewVishal Dixit: MVNOs are vital to Vodafone UK growth
Conversations with potential UK MVNO partners are “in the double digits”. Asda Mobile and Virgin Media deals exemplify OpCo’s new approach to MVNO partnerships. OpCo moving away from a ‘computer says no’ approach to MVNOs.
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Products & ServicesJoosub hints at pan-African ambitions for Vodacom’s Super App
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says Alipay-backed “Super App” could “transform the continent”. Super App’s enterprise offering will build on current VodaTrade and VodaPay functionality, with Vodacom targeting SMEs in its expanding financial services goals.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone CFO: passion for digital drives transformation
Group CFO Margherita Della Valle plays leading role in transformation. Finance team is digital early adopter, leading Group by example. CFOs wield more influence over digital strategy.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone’s hardball negotiator displays softer side
VPC’s Wilson says hard-wired, monolithic vendor deals stifling telcos and moving towards collaborative partnerships. Spend mix change seen as in post. Accenture held up as key strategic ally and early adopter of new model. Reality-check acknowledged: old school procurement seen as problem rather solution.
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Enterprise (B2B)Telefónica Tech opens portal to quantum realm
Next-gen services arm bulks-up portfolio with EaaS add. Multi-purpose potential of quantum encryption tech highlighted. Quiet engagement with Spanish startup bears fruit in new commercial partnership.
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M&ABids expected for Telxius subsea cables
Telefónica debt reduction strategy set to extend to submarine infrastructure as buyers are sought for 100,000km cable network. Reports indicate that an agreement is wanted by mid-2021, with rough valuations standing around the €2bn mark.
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M&AVodafone’s Icelandic affiliate divests Hey
Sýn sells minority stake in Faroese sister company. Icelandic operator seeking cost efficiencies (in more ways than one). Partner Market relationship remains active in service and tech development.
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Strategy & ChangeDeutsche Telekom targets Sweden and UK in IoT sales push
Two new sales roles to support European growth ambition. DT’s B2B overhaul bears fruit as DT IoT and DTBS work together to expand IoT business. IoT Hub takes longer than expected to launch commercial offerings.
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PeopleSchüler coronated as VM-O2 CEO
Lutz Schüler, dynamic Virgin Media chief, with a track record at O2 Germany, is to lead the new VM-O2 joint venture, subject to competition clearance. O2 CFO and experienced merger overseer Patricia Cobian to take on the JV finance role. No room for O2 CEO Mark Evans.
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Network & InfrastructureT-Mobile Netherlands bulks up on fibre via new KKR venture
Dutch NatCo builds on Primevest investments as first anchor tenant of Open Dutch Fiber. New fibre venture taps former CEO and CCO of Vodafone Germany partner Deutsche Glasfaser. Move raises further questions over Group plans for its Dutch business.
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Suppliers & SCMBT Sourced embarks on buyside disruption
Low-key launch for BT’s “standalone” procurement company. Time will tell if greater reliance on digital tools will turn BT Sourced into “procurement disruptors and trailblazers”.
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OperationsBT’s revamped Newcastle office set for re-opening
Operator to inaugurate opening of “one of first” upgraded offices under Better Workplace scheme. “First phase” of site redevelopment completed, with hybrid working practices helping maintain operations in meantime. Gosforth to prioritise employee welfare as a means to boost customer service.
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PeopleDT’s long-running search for new chair continues
A replacement for Deutsche Telekom’s outgoing Supervisory Board Chairman Lehner continues after tight-lipped incumbent gave nothing away at Group AGM. External candidates considered. Disappointment of scuppered Harald Krüger appointment not yet rectified.
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Enterprise (B2B)BT Enterprise eyes 2023 for 5G lift-off
Spencer says better performing 5G standalone networks needed to kick-start market. Operator inexperience in provisioning spectrum for private networks another brake on enterprise adoption. University Hospitals Birmingham and Belfast Harbour again hailed as BT’s main B2B 5G success stories.
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PremiumColao proposes 1Gbps for all Italians by 2026
Minister for Innovation and Digital Transition Vittorio Colao outlines his ambitions for Italy’s economic recovery. Rapid roll out of gigabit broadband is essential to the plan. But the stalled national broadband network plan must be resolved soon.