Suppliers & SCM
Mitie set to cash in on Huawei ban after DAEL buy
FM group indicates it is picking up more business from BT and Vodafone. DAEL Ventures UK brings in ADC capabilities for cell towers.
Partnerships & Alliances
BT’s McRae fights corner for Nordic giants, as peers swing for Eur‑O‑RAN
BT Chief Architect highlights value of local major NEPs, as European peers promote greater supply chain diversification. Remarks follow McRae support for Ericsson foray into open RAN orchestration. BT committed to open RAN as part of opportunity to ‘network‑ify’ applications and functions in new markets. Analysys Mason‑backed report highlights ...
Network & Infrastructure
BT preps for 2G cut-off
Operator confirms intent to follow 2023’s 3G services shutdown with retirement of 2G. Executives say preparations are in place to support customers and partners through transition. Move comes amid particular concern over how 2G sunset will impact rural, M2M, and elderly users.
Innovation (R&D)
UK telcos getting back to the labs, with 4.5%‑R&D rise
UK telecoms players laid out more than £1bn on innovation during 2020, the first time they have done so since 2011. Ostensibly led by spend patterns at BT, sector has been regaining some of the significant ground it has lost after tightening budgets during downturn.
Public Affairs
Altnets gird for legal battle over Openreach FTTP pricing — report
CityFibre said to be heading up legal challenge to Ofcom’s Equinox decision. Rural fibre builder Gigaclear among altnets joining forces to fight back against Openreach’s lower FTTP pricing structure.
Strategy & ChangeDigital duo plan to be catalysts of change for BT
Incomers Harmeen Mehta and Rob Shuter are tag-teaming to bring their external perspectives to BT’s digital transformation plans. Enterprise unit set to become a route to market for emerging services, with a “fail fast” mindset. BT described as receptive to need for change, but Mehta calling for people to ...
- Strategy & Change
BT 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.
- M&A
CityFibre eyes fresh cash injection
Press reports suggest Openreach challenger will announce fresh funds through stake sale and bond issue.
