Partnerships & Alliances
Vivendi reignites Telefónica relationship with new stake
1% shareholding set to be just the start of a closer alliance and reflects the media group’s enthusiasm for strategic telco partnerships. Partnership opportunities exist across the Telefónica footprint, but Spain appears the main area of interest for Vivendi. The move reverses earlier Vivendi exit as a Telefónica investor, ...
People
Vivo CIO segues into FiBrasil top job
Telefónica’s new FibreCo JV names Vivo veteran as CEO. CIO vacancy opens up at Brazil OB.
Strategy & Change
Telefónica Tech extends cloud reach in Brazil
TC&CT division snags 49.99% stake in Vivo’s CloudCo Brasil. Deal builds on TC&CT’s earlier purchase of CyberCo Brasil. Working in parallel with local operating businesses becoming a Telefónica Tech trend.
Venturing & Investments
Telefónica ploughs second batch of funding into “critical” Nozomi
Group’s Tech Ventures vehicle adds to funding in industrial cybersecurity player Nozomi Networks. Telefónica Ventures MD Gawendo talks up the value of the tie‑up as Group seeks to beef up IoT security capabilities. Additional investment strengthens relationship between the commercial and strategic partners, started in 2020.
Strategy & Change
VM O2 preps for wholesale with code powers application
Concerns over securing acceptable commercial terms for key sites on VM O2 network behind request for additional tenancy rights. Code‑based flexibility will simplify the process of enabling wholesale access to sites, while supporting potential network expansion.
Network & InfrastructureFries floats full-fibre future for VM–O2 in Liberty‑led UK scene
A future upgrade of VM‑O2 fixed infrastructure could see coaxial cable edged out and fibre deployed throughout the operator’s footprint, according to JV’s Chairman. Pragmatic approach to fibre is being driven by the JV weighing its options on expanding into the wholesale market. Targeting the B2B sector seen as ...
- Products & Services
Movistar+ sets stage for aggregator play in Spain
New CEO Cristina Burzako restructures and refocuses strategy. Focus tightening on partnerships and customer experience, but original content and exclusive sport remain important differentiators. Amidst Movistar+ revamp, Telefónica faces big decisions and bigger bills for content rights.
- Network & Infrastructure
German MNOs face “Herculean” flood recovery projects
O2, Telekom Deutschland, and Vodafone make headway in respective network restoration efforts after flash floods take out networks. Portable base stations plugging gaps left by damaged fibre.
Telefónica people moves: Prautzsch takes helm at German FibreCo
Telefónica people moves: Group appoints Climate Change boss
Telefónica, Liberty lay out leadership for merged VM‑O2
Álvarez‑Pallete hails Spanish leadership in digital revolution
Telefónica people moves: senior strategic appointments at Hispam
Telefónicawatch Report #155 – June 2021
Key stories include: Telefónica Tech could sidestep UK JV | Union deal sees COVID work rethink | Vivo preps move to standalone 5G | Spanish rivals’ Canal+ case sinks | Prosegur relationship expands to LatAm
Telefónicawatch Report #154 – June 2021
Key stories include: VM‑O2 promises UK upgrade | Microsoft and Telefónica on edge | Acens adds Google Workplace | O2 turbocharges 5G SA | Nokia completes Fusión jigsaw
Telefónicawatch Report #153 – May 2021
Key stories include: O2 commercial roles for UK JV | ‘Symbolic’ new brand launched | Tech partners for blockchain IoT | Fusión drive prompts scepticism | BM leads open RAN trials.
