M&A
CMA flags substantial competition concerns as nexfibre/Netomnia dealt major blow
In-depth: The UK’s Competition & Markets Authority has delivered a significant setback to nexfibre’s proposed acquisition of Netomnia owner Substantial Group, arguing the deal would materially weaken competition in wholesale broadband markets.
Peoplewatch
Orange Belgium’s consumer chief departs to head up state broadcaster
Orange Belgium confirms departure of Chief Consumer Officer Christophe Dujardin, who is shifting to lead Belgian state broadcaster RTBF. AI, convergence, and customer experience are among key focus areas for his successor, in what is becoming an increasingly competitive telecoms market…
B2B
UK fibrecos gasping for air as Openreach discounts ‘take oxygen out of the system’
In-depth: Openreach’s wholesale discounting strategy has become the latest battleground in the UK fibre wars, with altnet leaders urging Ofcom to intervene more aggressively while the incumbent insists it is simply competing on price.
M&A
UK: industry braced as nexfibre–Netomnia deal becomes referendum for fibre’s future
In-depth: £2bn deal dominated the keynote stage at Connected Britain, with rival executives abandoning diplomatic language and openly clashing ahead of a competition ruling that could determine shape of UK fibre’s next phase.
M&A
VodafoneZiggo secures tower sale ahead of spin-off
Dutch towers offloaded to private investors as Liberty Global closes in on Benelux spin off, while DigitalBridge eyes creation of “new, independent” Benelux platform.
Telefónicawatch Analyst Report #205 – July 2026
Key stories include: Group’s Telxius stake in play (again) | Wayra takes new path, explores AI | Telefónica Tech trim-down continues | Germany is next target for job cuts | VM O2 lands with big anti-churn fine | and much more…
Telefónicawatch Analyst Report #204 – June-July 2026
Key stories include: Group-led Gigafactory bid is a go | Vivo does a tidy-up on fibre | O2 hands star role to Jarvis AI | Spain beefs up telco backup | VM O2 changes cloud course | and much more…
Telefónicawatch Analyst Report #203 – June 2026
Key stories include: Q1: Leadership prunes to promote new growth | Microwave upgrade for home market | Group lends Google some sovereign cred | Vivo secures another IoT mega‑deal | D2D trials: O2 teams with OQ | and much more…