All TelcoTitans.com articles in Telefónicawatch #153
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Digital Reports
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
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People
Telefónica, Liberty lay out leadership for merged VM-O2
Telefónica and Virgin Media execs share the spoils 50:50 at the new venture, which is still pending regulatory approval. Jo Bertram and Gareth Turpin among the O2 names to get a seat, with Telefónica Argentina’s de Meo brought in as CIO. No room for O2’s HR guru Catherine Leaver, ...
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Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica Argentina taps IBM for open RAN trial
Proof of concept open RAN network led by IBM as systems integrator. Movistar test network adds to Group trials in Germany and the UK. IBM plants open RAN flag in Spain with new Centre of Excellence.
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Partnerships & Alliances
TrustOS adds Chinese expertise for IoT networks
Telefónica Tech blockchain platform TrustOS partnered China-based aitos.io and Fibocom for IoT device verification solution. TrustID module also integral to blockchain-based proof of concept.
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Suppliers & SCM
Telefónica Chile signs PPA with Acciona
Sustainable energy supplier offers renewables leg-up to Chilean OB, with significant cuts to CO2 expected. Existing Telefónica–Acciona relations expanded, with telco pursuing vendor engagement strategy. Telefónica Mexico quietly reaping rewards of PPA too.
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Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica leads TIP 5G private network trial
Telefónica leads latest Telecom Infra Project solution group, with private networks the focus. TIP Community Lab in Madrid to host tests before Málaga excursion.
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Products & Services
Handset leases lumped into Movistar Fusión 5G bundles
Three-year lease agreements attached to convergence bundles potentially undermining commitments to removing minimum terms. Price increase in “disguise”, says Spanish media. Telco attempts to drive uptake of 5G-enabled mobile devices, amid 5G rollout efforts.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica Argentina seeks enterprise gains with B2B reboot
Movistar Negocios merges with Telefónica Business Solutions in Hispam consolidation effort. Brand identity, simplification, and value creation underlined as key motivators.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Group: Wayra launches Munich lab
Innovation hothouse creates German 5G campus; Prisa reshuffle continues; MÁSMÓVIL deal hits Telefónica shares.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Hispanoamérica: Osiptel tightens rules
Osiptel cracks down on price hikes; Telefónica enters sale and leaseback deal for Peruvian HQ.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: e-health explored
E-health continues to expand as key Telefónica 5G vertical; SMEs targeted with Telefónica Tech cloud and security product additions.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Core Markets: E-Plus review closed
EC ends E-Plus review; German 5G rollout builds; UK taskforce plans for supplier diversity.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica draws new logo to reflect digital vision
New marque is the first corporate identity refresh this century for the operator. Executive Chairman Álvarez-Pallete outlined symbolism behind the change at Group AGM.
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Consumer (B2C)
Telefónica|Vivo adds in-app shopping to Vivo Play
Brazilian OB marketing new platform as “one-stop-shop” for digital products and services. Shopping app limited to browsing, with TV-based payment solution still under development. Similar to e-commerce platform developed by Movistar for ‘smart-home’ in Spain.
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Network & Infrastructure
O2 to expand small cell footprint beyond London
Long-running project in capital seen as having progressed to point where template can be expanded to other UK cities. Move sets up contest between O2’s site and tech enablers.
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Network & Infrastructure
Double-take as Telefónica forms Malaysian security tie-up no.2
Deal with TM ONE, Telekom Malaysia’s business-to-business unit, follows shortly after tie-up with rival Axiata. Telefónica Tech driving Group operator outreach programme with security at tip of spear.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vivo deploys private 5G at São Paulo uni campus
Brazilian OB inspects young entrepreneurial talent via open innovation engagement with FEI uni. Students tap into potential of 5G in Industry 4.0 environments. Hardware provided by long-standing partner Ericsson.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica, Vodafone linked with Telekom Srbija tie-up
Duo namechecked by Serbian operator’s CEO as potential partners, and enablers of service-based expansion strategy. Partner Markets and Partners Program offer route to outside markets.
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People
Álvarez-Pallete hails Spanish leadership in digital revolution
Telefónica Executive Chairman says Spain is in a “leadership position” in digitisation, but requires a new “framework” to take full advantage. Data underlined as paramount, with a ‘social contract’ needed to ensure privacy and fair valuation.
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M&A
CMA doubts bundle demand as it greenlights VM-O2
Provisional clearance of merger based on limited ability of the partners to manipulate wholesale pricing and services in their favour. Creation of a new fixed-mobile giant not expected to unleash a sudden surge towards single-contract multi-play bundles in the UK market.