All United Kingdom (UK) articles – Page 66
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Operations
AST SpaceMobile sets up UK arm
High-profile US startup establishing tech team in Leicester space hub. Move eases collaboration with Vodafone ahead of joint launch in Africa.
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B2B
Sims to head up new BT SoHo unit
Enterprise launches new iteration of Halo for Business with added support for micro-businesses. One of first major moves by Enterprise division following entrance of new CEO Rob Shuter in February.
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Network & Infra
O2 deal with Vodafone to supplement spectrum gains
Ofcom closes assignment stage of UK spectrum auction with O2 trading blocks with Vodafone, while BT opts to buy preferable positions outright. O2–Vodafone trade ensures contiguous spectrum blocks in 5G-ready bands.
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Premium
Q1 FY21: final coronavirus quarter packs a punch
Spain and Germany OBs stabilise as first wave of coronavirus shocks works its way through results. Vivo displaying underlying strength, but currency fluctuations continue to turn positives to negative. With strong returns on falling revenue O2 UK bows out as a ‘core four’ market Hispam edges back into the ...
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Network & Infra
Openreach doubles rural fibre targets
Infrastructure business targets six million premises passed with full-fibre by 2025, aided by recruitment drive and enhanced investment. 4.8 million total premises passed so far, but no word on rural progress. Collaboration with government and fellow builders key to hitting goals.
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Innovation
Wayra widens scope of blockchain tech programme
Innovation unit’s Activation Programme blockchain stream now welcoming proposals from startups in “any sector”.
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People
Ex-Vodafone UK CEO talks up turnaround cred at Frontier
Nick Jeffery claims five-year stint as Vodafone UK CEO was unmitigated success. Top brass at Frontier Communications seem to agree and want Jeffery to work his magic at the US broadband service provider.
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Premium
O2 data centres cool off with fresh air
Data centre upgrade reduces carbon emissions. New fresh air cooling equipment, paired with software from EkkoSense, used to keep data centres cool. “Radical” system supports O2’s pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2025.
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M&A
VM-O2 sets sights on BT as merger gets final clearance
CMA’s final approval should see deal completed by 1 June. Owners trumpeting investment opportunities with fibre InfraCo potential coming to the fore.
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Partnerships & Alliances
BT heads to the quantum cloud with Arqit
Group backs QuantumCloud developed by UK startup, which purports to provide QKD security protection to end-point devices over the cloud. BT named exclusive reseller of Arqit’s products in the UK.
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Network & Infra
Cornerstone to pilot City of London 5G upgrade
“City-wide” open access network being explored. Joint venture’s 2017 contract now appears to include 5G. Deployment will depend on the outcome of trials.
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Public Affairs
BT re-enters union talks, with strike action looming large
BT gets “serious” in negotiations with CWU and is said to have halted redundancies — for now. Union looking to secure assurances on job security for “all” members. Proposed ballot to go ahead in early-June if talks come to nothing.
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Premium
Vodafone ties with O2 to tidy up mid-band spectrum
Ofcom closes assignment stage of UK spectrum auction with Vodafone trading blocks with O2, while BT opted to buy preferable positions outright. Vodafone–O2 swap ensures contiguous spectrum blocks in 5G-ready bands.
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Public Affairs
Sees.ai gets all-clear for BVLOS drone flights
VfUK drone partner achieves UK-first permission. Tests to be carried out at three nominated sites. OpCo flags separate drone trial collaboration with Ericsson and Lidar tech for remote cell site inspections.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Europe: Deegan questions Spain's 5G investment policy
5G- and VR-powered maintenance deal on Italy’s railways; call for network investment reform in Spain.
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Strategy & Change
Cornerstone exit could be early item on VM-O2 agenda
Indications made that prospective JV’s Cornerstone stake seen as non-strategic, and could be jettisoned in name of “national champion” Grand Plan. Sale would raise cash for higher strategic ambition of fibre expansion. Liberty “gearing up” for talks with partners to team up on Gigabit rollout. Fries showing willingness to ...
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Products & Services
Vena: BT launches “smart” broadcast network
BT Media & Broadcast division unveils Vena as end-to-end broadcast platform. Enabling remote production at core of new service, reflecting expedited industry-wide transition during pandemic. Two “major broadcasters” already on the books. Evolution pending in existing Media & Broadcast partnerships.
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Consumer (B2C)
Consumer moves up a gear on customer support
Bridget Lea keen to enhance engagement with customers, at home or in-store. New ‘door-to-door’ device repair service set for launch. Division attempting to ensure service resilience, with post-pandemic consumer habits under watchful eye.
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Partnerships & Alliances
BT edges towards virtual reality
Group engagement in multiple digital twin projects signals rising interest in services that exploit new AR, VR, and mixed reality technologies.
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Premium
Elsewhere in BT Enterprise: ESN-ready device pilots
East Anglian emergency service adopts EE-supported ESN tech; operator lends helping hand to property developer’s digital transformation.