UK – Page 52
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone ponders risk of depopulated city centres
Operator flags potential threat from fewer people living and working in cities. Population changes affect network planning and investment returns. Analysts say Vodafone not alone in thinking about potential impact.
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PremiumEquinox takes off as legal challenge looms
Openreach touts better-than-expected FTTP offer take-up. Equinox aimed at accelerating full-fibre adoption, but altnets could spoil the party with legal action.
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PremiumElsewhere in Openreach: Ofcom lays down the law
Copper exchange stop-sell progress; Ofcom lays down USO law.
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OperationsJansen hopes to get BT on front foot with new HQ
BT’s new HQ opens after more than a year of delays. Jansen aims to remove “hierarchical” business format.
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PremiumOfcom seeks to protect BT public phone boxes
Regulator estimates that 6,000 BT kiosks have been converted under Adopt a Kiosk scheme. Stricter rules could protect about 5,000 phone boxes. Ofcom proposes other changes to USO including fax support and directories.
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PremiumBT wants to retain Huawei FTTP kit until 2030s
BT’s CTIO flags benefits of a converged core and legacy network closures.
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Network & InfrastructureBT preps for 2G cut-off
Operator confirms intent to follow 2023’s 3G services shutdown with retirement of 2G. Executives say preparations are in place to support customers and partners through transition. Move comes amid particular concern over how 2G sunset will impact rural, M2M, and elderly users.
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PremiumBT inches toward 100% coverage with OneWeb tie-up
State-backed satellite operator OneWeb snags distribution agreement with BT to launch satellite trials in 2022. Pair share 2028 target for 100% connectivity coverage.
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Venturing & InvestmentsTelefónica Innovation & Venturing Roundup: handful of Wayra investments flagged
Handful of investments flagged by regional Wayra hubs with interests in autonomous robotics, ed-tech, and fintech.
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PremiumH1 FY21–22 Spend: efficiencies found to give BT an edge
Improved cost points for BT’s fibre rollout front and centre, make for positive viewing. Operating expenditure down across the board, and capex up at CFUs.
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Innovation (R&D)UK telcos getting back to the labs, with 4.5%-R&D rise
UK telecoms players laid out more than £1bn on innovation during 2020, the first time they have done so since 2011. Ostensibly led by spend patterns at BT, sector has been regaining some of the significant ground it has lost after tightening budgets during downturn.
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PremiumTelefónica Q3 FY21 Headlines: recovery gathers steam but jitters persist
Group describes results as “significant step towards economic and social recovery”. OBs put in a solid quarter, with Vivo and Telefónica Deutschland reporting gathering commercial momentum. First quarter for refashioned UK business. Telefónica Tech’s expansion still being significantly driven by M&A, obscuring ‘organic’ progress. Centralisation of Hispam progressing, and ...
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Public AffairsAltnets gird for legal battle over Openreach FTTP pricing — report
CityFibre said to be heading up legal challenge to Ofcom’s Equinox decision. Rural fibre builder Gigaclear among altnets joining forces to fight back against Openreach’s lower FTTP pricing structure.
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Suppliers & SCMVM O2 puts Samsung in RAN frame
Longstanding suppliers Nokia, Ericsson put on alert as JV explores “vendor diversity”. VM O2 will put Samsung’s 4G and 5G RAN equipment through its paces. South Korean supplier maintains kit is open RAN-compliant (after some configuration changes).
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in the UK: Ofcom looking at scam calls
Ofcom and operators team on scam calls, within limits; VM O2 IPTV launch draws nearer.
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Financial & PerformanceOpenreach accelerates provisioning to leave rivals in starting blocks
CEO Clive Selley on fibre build: phase one is “done”; now onto “selling and populating” stage. Bullish Business Briefing shows Openreach determined to establish its ‘fibre franchise’ as a marketplace while rivals strive for scale. Build process moving towards cruise control with Openreach cornering the market in skills.
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Partnerships & AlliancesUK telcos face missing out on Horizon Europe funding
Political brinkmanship between London and Brussels threatens access to €95.5bn R&D pot. UK preps Discovery Fund as alternative, but unlikely to match largesse of Horizon Europe.
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Public AffairsPhones 4u saga continues with ‘burner’ phone allegation
Former Orange exec Benoit Scheen attempted to arrange untraceable call to collude with Vodafone, according to High Court claim. Illicit text messages uncovered as part of evidence discovery.
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Network & InfrastructureColloms: DCMS must “crack on” with reform to back fibre
Openreach MD of Corporate Affairs confident on business’s ability to meet government goals on fibre deployment, but commercial programme will need support to maintain momentum. Physical access to sites potentially a huge obstacle to the rollout in both urban and rural areas, but “common sense” updates to legislation could ...
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Financial & PerformanceTesco Mobile results: JV shines positive light on challenging period
Mixed bag for joint venture throughout UK lockdowns. “Highly competitive” twelve months sees operating profit rise 20%.