All TelcoTitans.com articles in Telefónicawatch #186
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Digital Reports
Telefónicawatch Report #186 - October 2024
Key stories include: Group banks on Perplexity’s AI | Álvarez-Pallete comfy in GSMA chair | Vivo closes out IPNET buy | O2 bags Lyca wholesale contract | Telecall preps challenge to Colombia’s telco quartet
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Weekly Briefings
Telefónicawatch Weekly: Group seeks R&D boost, CEO comfy in GSMA chair, fresh startup investment
Telefónica goes to market with new AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and quantum computing services. Meanwhile, German telcos lend each other a hand to get Gigabit 5G services on the rails.
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People
Telefónica names new brand boss to lead German marketing ramp-up
Steve Plesker permanently fills Brand & Marketing Director position at O2, taking responsibility of branding from CCO Andreas Laukenmann. Appointment comes as O2 seeks to push even harder on commercial front…
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Public Affairs
Phones 4u: Antitrust “enforcer” CMA to weigh in on UK MNO collusion claims
For the first time ever, the Competition and Markets Authority is to intervene in an antitrust Court of Appeal hearing, homing in on alleged collusion between O2 UK and EE CEOs at 2012’s infamous Landmark Hotel meeting. It does not appear to be dwelling on 4G collusion or poor record-keeping smoking guns. Read more from TelcoTitans’ in-depth ongoing coverage…
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People
Telefónica CEO to stay in GSMA chair for two more years
Álvarez-Pallete extends contract to serve in GSMA top spot until end of 2026. Appointment comes alongside overhaul of GSMA’s Board of Directors, which now includes representatives from BT, Liberty Global, and more…
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica Tech adds China’s NSFOCUS to growing digital defence ecosystem
Digital B2B services unit Telefónica Tech works with cloud-based cybersecurity provider to launch DDoS prevention solution in Brazil.
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Partnerships & Alliances
German telcos team up on 5G ‘Gigabit train line’
Country’s four mobile network operators put heads together to bring Gigabit speeds to Hamburg–Berlin line, as they seek to navigate economic and technical challenges associated with improving railway connectivity…
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Innovation (R&D)
Telefónica hits R&D accelerator with TU expansion
All next-gen bases covered: Chema Alonso presents bounty of fresh AI, blockchain, crypto and quantum services housed under TU digital innovation brand.
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Weekly Briefings
Telefónicawatch Weekly: Group has new AI friend, Colombia pressure rises, API JV needs reach
Operator backs Perplexity’s AI engine with funding, a trade deal, and fresh TV services. Group also joins calls for more players to get on board with Ericsson API joint venture. Read more…
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica, Orange call for more telcos to back API venture
Telcos seeking to onboard new collaborators for API joint venture with Ericsson, while affirming partnerships beyond telecoms sphere are essential to success.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Perplexity wins another telco fan with Telefónica funding and sales tie-up
Group becomes next telco to partner with and invest in GenAI-powered search engine. Fresh, TV-focused services harnessing Perplexity’s platform now live, as operator seeks to advance strategic objectives. Read more…
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Products & Services
Telefónica Argentina goes live with first multi-Gig fibre offering
Operating business now offering symmetrical speeds of up to 2Gbps for first time, with Wi-Fi 6 router and optional TV bundling available. Service goes live in select regions as operator continues to expand fibre access across Argentina…
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Strategy & Change
Brazil’s Telecall preps to take on Colombia’s ‘big four’ — report
New entrant tipped to launch 5G SA services by June 2025, despite co-founder Bruno Ajuz sharing major players’ perspective of a challenging market environment. Read more…
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Weekly Briefings
Telefónicawatch Weekly: Group fleshes out B2B portfolio
Group seeks to further capitalise on perceived B2B growth opportunity with new automation, cybersecurity, and device-as-a-service products. Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 gets a wrist-slap from UK advertising regulator. Read more…
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica gives TU platform a quantum security upgrade
Group adds post-quantum cryptography solution to expanding array of security offerings, partnering with Halotech Digital Services to showcase potential to improve worker safety. Read more…
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Public Affairs
UK telcos under regulatory fire for ‘misleading’ ads
BT, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media O2 asked to remove ads following ASA investigation into claims that they could mislead consumers about mid-contract price hikes.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica’s Bluevía bags fresh Vera wholesale contract
Rural-focused fibre duo sign fixed wholesale deal, focused on opening up “development opportunities” in remote areas of Catalonia. Move sees Bluevía add to growing list of key wholesale clients…
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M&A
Spanish M&A rolls on as Inveready said to reach Avatel deal
Asset management group reportedly reaches deal with Avatel co-founder to jointly acquire the business, continuing wave of consolidation in Spanish telecoms market. Read more…
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M&A
Brazil’s Vivo eyes more B2B M&A after closing out IPNET buy
Up-to-BRL 230m acquisition of cloud services player finalised following greenlight from national regulatory bodies.
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Products & Services
O2 Germany expands in B2B with fresh automation, rental services
Operating business widens its enterprise offerings to include workflow automation and device-as-a-service, enabled by tie-ups with Apple Financial Services and Workato. Move sees Group continue B2B revenue push as part of wider strategy…