UK – Page 62
-
-
PeopleOsborne to become Vodafone’s deal-making wingman
Ex-UK Chancellor likely to be involved in future Group acquisitions after agreeing to join M&A chaperone Robey Warshaw.
-
Innovation (R&D)5G Create: UK MNOs left with bit parts
Another nine projects added to the state-backed funding call. BT/EE, O2, and Three support AR, broadcasting, and logistics use-cases. Emerging players take lead roles.
-
Network & InfrastructureO2 UK battles for 5G leadership
O2 UK flags 5G coverage expansion, matching rivals by some metrics. Apparent rollout successes come ahead of further delayed UK spectrum auction, now pushed back to March. 5G Create partnership indicates continued innovation effort.
-
Premiumgiffgaff embraces AWS public cloud
Telefónica UK’s sub-brand MVNO goes “all-in on AWS”. Move accelerates product development. Years-long effort required changes in processes and skills.
-
PremiumTelefónica agrees to monetise Cornerstone
Telefónica UK and Vodafone UK give each other freedom to “commercialise” their 50% stakes in Cornerstone JV. Uncertain how Group’s top brass will proceed, but partial or full sale seems likely.
-
PremiumElsewhere in Telefónica’s Core Markets: O2 commits to roaming
Regulation relaxed in Spain. O2 commits to roaming. Vivo signs renewables deal.
-
M&AWholesale power under scrutiny as CMA reviews VM-O2
Proposed JV’s ability to tilt backhaul market in its favour and limit opportunities for MVNOs will be central to competition review. The impact of the deal on the development of providers offering fixed-mobile bundles will receive particular scrutiny. CMA wields new powers post-Brexit, but this is accompanied by greater ...
-
Network & InfrastructureVodafone readies AWS distributed edge launch in Q1
Vodafone Business updates commercial launch plan for AWS Wavelength distributed edge on 5G. First services available in UK in Q1, German launch “coming soon”. Edge Innovation Programme kicks off this week to stimulate MEC use cases.
-
Network & InfrastructureDCMS preps Gigabit UK as MPs growl and BT looks ahead
Government finally picking up on election promises of Gigabit connectivity and consulting on how best to spend a more limited budget. Age-old questions remain over how to connect the unconnected, however.
-
Financial & PerformanceGo-to-market stasis hits Talkmobile numbers
Vodafone UK’s in-house MVNO yet to report uplift from u-turn on customer acquisition and implementation of new platform.
-
PeopleCTO O’Reilly exits O2
Brendan O’Reilly appointed Global CTO at infrastructure provider BAI Communications, leaving a gap at the top of O2 UK ahead of its impending Virgin Media merger. BAI hoping to tap O’Reilly’s 5G and network sharing expertise.
-
Strategy & ChangeBT seeks to electrify procurement with Faraday subsidiary
Managers for strategic procurement categories being recruited, including network, connectivity, and marketing. Data science remains prominent. New subsidiary’s standalone status emphasised, evidencing detachment and perhaps also ambition.
-
Network & InfrastructureDCMS taking an ‘outside-in’ approach, but vouchers there for quick wins
Small targeted interventions and mid-size fill-ins expected to feature in first swathe of public–private contracts. Mega-deals not ruled out. Pragmatic use of Public Sector Hubs another option.
-
Network & InfrastructureDCMS helping England play catch up, or possibly leapfrog
Devolved nations at the back of the queue for new money. Fibre emphasised over cable.
-
Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: Spain flags Accenture deal
ho picks up pieces after data hack; One More Service sees partnerships in Spain (security) and Hungary (IoT).
-
Network & InfrastructureDCMS defends its record as PAC report sees trouble ahead
PAC scathing in review of previous funding plans. Watchdog critical of a lack of planning and joined-up thinking now. Rural sites seen as at risk of being overlooked in trimmed-down Gigabit programme.
-
Network & InfrastructureA lack of joined up governing
Red tape roadblocks remain in place. Business rates continue to stick in craw of infra players. Double-edged sword on state aid changes.
-
Network & InfrastructureBT and Openreach voices being heard
BT execs appear to be getting message across on need for support. Rivals remain keen to extract more concessions from Openreach on infra access.
-
Network & InfrastructureJansen just wants to get on with it
Jansen’s BT more focused on regulatory leeway on build than government handouts. CEO wants closer scrutiny of data and digital-based services.