Strategy
-
M&A
TDF sale speculation: American Tower and Ardian are latest names in frame
Bidders are said to be circling the French wireless infraco and a sale is estimated to be worth up to €10bn.
-
Network & Infra
UK AI council looks north as energy demand set to soar — but connectivity an afterthought
Initial meetings of the government’s AI Energy Council see predictions of surging energy demand and challenges in ensuring existing infrastructure is up to the job, but connectivity requirements appear sidelined with fibre operators asbent…
-
B2B
Zen enters ‘next phase’ of B2B with new leadership, evolving strategy
Ex-TalkTalk Business exec Jon Nowell steps in to lead Zen Business with a mission to disrupt, urges UK enterprises to reconsider status quo.
-
Network & Infra
UK takes step closer to D2D satellite services go-live
Regulator Ofcom to launch a framework that will permit direct-to-device satellite services next year, using BT, VodafoneThree, and Virgin Media O2 spectrum.
-
Network & Infra
Indus Towers eyes Airtel’s Africa markets in first move beyond India
Indian towerco’s Board of Directors gives the go-ahead to move into Africa, starting with three markets, with a helping hand from longstanding customer and controlling shareholder Bharti Airtel…
-
Strategy & Change
Kenyan gov adds infra to Safaricom separation talks — report
Government reportedly mulling a potential split of Safaricom into three separate businesses, including a dedicated infrastructure unit.
-
M&A
AXA still seen as likely partner in Telefónica, Vodafone Spain fibreco
Operator duo reportedly in advanced stages of discussions to offload stake in Fiberpass. Telefónica expected to retain a majority holding, as it seeks to take greater control over its European infra asset base…
-
Strategy & Change
Helios to refresh strategy in hunt for further organic growth
Wireless infra group to announce revamped five-year plan later this year, as it seeks to maintain growth momentum within its core towers business. Read more…
-
Network & Infra
KCOM bows to pressure, launches PIA to end Hull’s ‘Pole Wars’
Better later than never: Hull incumbent debuts Physical Infrastructure Access wholesale infra product fourteen years behind Openreach, giving rivals Connexin and MS3 long-coveted access to assets for fibre rollout…
-
Analyst Briefings
UK Infrawatch analyst briefing: altnet financing flows, DSIT ponders infra future, satcomms prioritised
Latest from the digital infra scene in the UK, including: new financing for Grain Connect and TalkTalk, UK government backs satcomms, Wight Fibre shares overbuild lessons; people moves, and plenty more…
-
Consumer (B2C)
WightFibre focuses on demographics and experience as local market matures
CEO John Irvine identifies key demographics where converged legacy players may still hold sway, although bonds are loosening…
-
Financial & Performance
Q1 FY25–26: Openreach fibre machine keeps rolling
Access services business keeping up its relentless build pace, while connections are soaring. UK fibre’s pre-eminent multi-tasker shows build can be accelerated alongside strong take-up, but broadband losses continue to mount in the meantime…
-
Financial & Performance
Grain snags £225m funding as Equitix recommits
Nearly half a billion pounds in total funding now unlocked to fuel one of the UK’s largest and most intriguing low-cost fibre builds, with Equitix re-upping investment alongside bigger funders…
-
Public Affairs
CNMC ruling ignites spat over Telefónica wholesale price hike
CNMC’s attempt to recalibrate duct access pricing under MARCo regulation has triggered outrage across Spain’s telecoms sector…
-
M&A
Vodacom’s Maziv JV clears hurdle to create $3.4bn South African fibre giant
Four years in the making, CIVH partnership looks back on track with new commitments securing regulatory approval. Deal will cement Maziv as South African retail and wholesale fibre leader…
-
Technology
EU brings quantum tech into AI Gigafactory fold
The EU expands its EuroHPC JU project to include “strategic provisions” for developing quantum technology, eyeing synergies with other high-performance computing infrastructure.
-
Analyst Briefings
UK Infrawatch Analyst Briefing: speed race hots up, gov gives and takes, PIA protested
Latest from the digital infra scene in the UK, including: Sky boost for CityFibre and consumer broadband speeds, government promises advanced connectivity investment, SRN goals scaled back; altnets lobby on PIA changes; people moves, and plenty more…
-
Interview
Fibrus founder decries PIA “margin squeeze”, calls out Ofcom to fix rural fibre build
Interview: Northern Ireland FibreCo hero says Openreach’s duct and pole sharing terms “just wrong”, undermining rural fibre investment. Outspoken chair Conal Henry proposes “fair bet” pricing overhaul, calls on Ofcom to fix its error in latest sector Review…
-
Strategy & Change
Boldyn restructures European biz in strategic rethink
International neutral host player shapes European subsidiary to manage operations in the continent, with the goal of “accelerating market momentum and unlocking new opportunities”. Read more…
-
Strategy & Change
Deutsche Funkturm gears up for tower expansion with restructure, new HQ
GD Towers’ German arm splits operations into four “closely interlinked” subsidiaries and shifts headquarters to new office in Leverkusen. DFMG Chairman Bruno Jacobfeuerborn said the move will “better support” Deutsche Telekom and other customers with mobile network expansion. Read more…