Technology – Page 177
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica links with Allianz on FTTP infrastructure
50:50 wholesale JV targets rural and semi-rural areas with fibre rollout. Majority of $5bn investment to be raised by bank loans. “Non-consolidated structure” reduces Group exposure.
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Suppliers & SCMMovistar taps Nokia for automation-led OSS upgrade
Operator implements near-zero touch automation to increase operational efficiency.
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PremiumSpending: cost controls “here to stay”
Current crisis said to have engendered long-term change for the Group, with claims that costs are being permanently cut, and not just deferred. Further confirmation provided that the peak of capex is behind the Group.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Hispanoamérica: spectrum plans firm up
Novator challenge builds; Telcel Mexican dominance resisted; Peruvian fines upheld.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone hits open RAN trail in rural Ireland
Modest rollout of 30 sites planned initially, supporting 4G. Supplier partners include Comba Telecom, HP, Parallel Wireless, Supermicro, and VMware. Operator keen to include automation vendors in the open RAN ecosystem.
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Partnerships & AlliancesDrillisch soldiers on with roaming talks
Prospective MNO confirms it is seeking one national roaming agreement. DT’s Höttges questions whether potential rival is serious about building its own 5G network. Talks with Telefónica described as ‘constructive’.
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Strategy & ChangeJansen floats potential for Openreach stake sale
“Open-minded” Jansen may see an Openreach stake sale as a way to relieve pressure on investor demands for a quicker transformation. While CEO’s tone more positive on an asset sale, the challenges of extricating elements of the Group for a sell-off may limit options.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica's core markets: Oi sights rescue party; O2 hits 4G targets
Path for Oi acquisition clears; German 4G catch-up continues; O2 UK picks up EE spectrum.
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PeopleVi’s Vora joins Mavenir leadership
Former Vi CTO Vishant Vora appointed executive President at Mavenir. Helping open RAN pioneer build out 5G proposition. Troubled Vi left to fight its own fires.
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Venturing & InvestmentsNew Wayra investment targeting AI at self-checkout snags
Longstanding Group partner leads investment round in AI-powered checkout solution player Proppos. Food tech-focused startup has designs on international expansion.
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Network & InfrastructureOrange CEO open to pan-European TowerCo idea
Stéphane Richard sees “interesting opportunity” in possible tie-up with Deutsche Telekom or Vodafone. CEO wants to do “something smarter” with tower assets than selling masts to accumulator Cellnex.
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Innovation (R&D)Telefónica-backed vehicle-testing lab flags new intake
V2X lab being put to use, with startups testing LiDAR, AI, and blockchain-based solutions in the hope of accelerating path to market. Telco affiliation part of five-strong cohort.
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Public AffairsDeutsche Telekom exec blames regulators for “miserable state” of European market
VP of European Affairs launches no-holds-barred attack; wants regulation to be “enabling” rather than “value-destructing”. Exec calls for rethink on spectrum auctions, wholesale roaming, and mobile termination rates.
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Network & InfrastructureDeutsche Telekom takes rain-check on full-fibre target
Rethink on mix of German next-gen deployment will see Group need a year more than expected to get up to full roll out speed.
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Products & ServicesT-Systems re-morphs movement data analytics biz
Deutsche Telekom shuttered subsidiary Motionlogic in May, and has now added Motion Data products and services to IoT portfolio.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: Cisco partnered for Galician 5G
ElevenPaths ups game in Galician region; Telefónica flags renewed connected-car focus.
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Suppliers & SCMBT procurement relocating to Dublin
Group CPO Pourrat energising procurement transformation with a new standalone business. Move to Dublin officially linked to city’s Big Tech hub, but Brexit bridge may also prove useful. White-collar union Prospect “dismayed” by the plans.
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PremiumUK 5G innovation: the startups to watch
Five standout startups driving UK 5G innovation. UK government helping underwrite. Regional initiatives open floor to smaller operators (MNOs in the wings).
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone looks to unlock Spanish home security market
Vodafone Spain looks to mimic Telefónica success with entrance into connected-security market. Strategic agreement with market leader Securitas Direct picks up pieces of latter’s former relationship with incumbent rival. Deal announced after Telefónica and Prosegur’s JV highlights strong customer acquisition since launch earlier in 2020.
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Venturing & InvestmentsTomorrow Street opens door to Block Gemini
Vodafone Procurement Company hoping to reap rewards after Block Gemini’s incubation and initial pilot. Third startup added to the innovation hot-house in just over a month, joining Quantexa and GeoSpock.