Telefónica Group – Page 57
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Innovation (R&D)Open Future Call I: Telefónica eyes ‘revolutionary’ tech
Open Future hubs across Spain prep for first 2021 intake. Group seeks to highlight role in job creation amid present challenges.
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Network & InfrastructureMovistar Chile secures 3.5GHz spectrum
Movistar makes highest bid for 5G-friendly 3.5GHz spectrum amid uncertainty over its future within the Telefónica Group.
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M&ATelefónica to swap more data centres for Nabiax stake
Four data centres are said to be on the table, with a 20%-stake in Asterion subsidiary Nabiax the price. Nabiax-Telefónica JV reportedly in the pipeline to manage the estate.
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Network & InfrastructureBNetzA reviewing O2’s 4G catch up claim
OB says it made good on main part of 2020 network expansion promise. But BNetzA yet to verify coverage claims. Difficulties hitting coverage targets along transport routes remain.
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Venturing & InvestmentsYBVR earns extra Wayra investment for XR platform
Extended reality startup raises $1.5m in Pre-Series-A round, with Wayra increasing its initial investment. YBVR’s Verizon partnership bolstered. Wayra continues to bet on AR/VR/XR.
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Products & ServicesTelefónica’s Chema Alonso ‘to drive Spanish press Netflix’
Telefónica Chief Digital Consumer Officer will reportedly lead the project, dubbed the “Netflix of the press”. EU reconstruction funding said to be on the cards.
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Network & InfrastructureVirgin Media preps Lightning for post-JV world
Liberty Global confident of JV clearance, and anticipates Telefónica talks on ambitious and aggressive fixed-line rollout. Liberty’s Sky relationship appears key, with prospects for collaboration heightened by a friendly face at the helm. Meanwhile, Virgin Media appears to be finally embracing PIA from Openreach for cheaper fibre rollout.
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Network & InfrastructureTelefónica fires starting gun on Drillisch 5G
Spanish giant’s German operations finally agrees national roaming deal with country’s would-be fourth MNO. Paves way for 5G rollout by Drillisch. TowerCos circle market entrant for new business.
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Enterprise (B2B)Telefónica drone-security platform takes flight
Operator comes out of trial phase with creation of new international platform. Number of clients said to already be in pipeline, with UK-based drone control specialist one active user. Speciality in security-oriented use-cases emphasised.
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PremiumTelefónica raises €1bn through sustainable bond issue
Sustainability financing includes social impact and environmental targets. Proceeds to fund fibre networks and connectivity in unserved areas.
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PremiumTelefónica people moves: Garcia ascends to TIP directors board
Juan Carlos Garcia becomes the face of Telefónica’s collaborative innovation endeavour by succeeding David del Val at 5TONIC and Telecom Infra Project. Michael Falkensteiner takes on German brand leadership. Another former O2 exec joins Deutsche Glasfaser management.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica Global Solutions looks to trim headcount
Recently bundled wholesale services unit will offer incentivised early retirement to its over-53s, as part of ongoing contract suspension scheme.
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Partnerships & AlliancesSpain’s big three ponder JV to leverage EU recovery funds
Spain’s major operators said to be in talks on a joint proposal for delivering universal superfast coverage, building on European Reconstruction Fund financing opportunities.
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Innovation (R&D)Shaadow steps out of Telefónica’s innovation doorway
Startup lands cash-injection after internal incubation process. Spinoff equipped with ElevenPaths patented tech. Group execs keeping close-eye on operations.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica closer to firming up commercial reset
New model seen as necessary for digital services era, encompassing changes around skills, incentives, and flexibility. ‘Commercial careers’ agreement has been a long time coming, but unions say more still needs to be done.
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Strategy & ChangeÁlvarez-Pallete gets political as challenges grow
Quiet support for a boardroom coup at Prisa indicates Telefónica’s political muscles as business priorities coincide with larger social challenges. Telefónica supporting government recovery goals, but lobbying for a more favourable investment environment as 5G auction looms. Group emphasising its Europe role as Latin America retreat sees grumbling.
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Strategy & ChangeTelefónica warns autonomous networks will need kill switch
Humans needed to control misbehaving AIs in autonomous networks. ETSI tackles standards for securing AI. Telcos eager to expand autonomous ecosystem.
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PremiumTDE to boost Vodafone Gigabit range with new accord
Expanded wholesale deal encompasses TDE provision of wholesale fibre access. Deal ties in with Group goals of delivering an efficient accelerated fibre rollout in Germany.
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Venturing & InvestmentsElsewhere in Telefónica Venturing: Wayra buys into retail
Wayra doubles up on retail and fintech focus. Brazilian portfolio trimmed further with LinkApi exit.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Telefónica Group: on the IPv6 trail
Telefónica back on IPv6 development trail; Group lands substantial CAP pay-out; TIM in on Telefónica-backed open RAN alliance.