All TelcoTitans.com articles in Vodafonewatch #192
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone looks to unlock Spanish home security market
Vodafone Spain looks to mimic Telefónica success with entrance into connected-security market. Strategic agreement with market leader Securitas Direct picks up pieces of latter’s former relationship with incumbent rival. Deal announced after Telefónica and Prosegur’s JV highlights strong customer acquisition since launch earlier in 2020.
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PeoplewatchVi’s Vora joins Mavenir leadership
Former Vi CTO Vishant Vora appointed executive President at Mavenir. Helping open RAN pioneer build out 5G proposition. Troubled Vi left to fight its own fires.
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M&AForthnet share shuffle puts United Group in charge
Pending takeover ends will-they-won’t-they saga of possible Vodafone and Wind buyout. Forthnet MVNO supported by Vodafone Greece yet to be launched commercially, but reflects competitive threat for OpCo to ponder. Move for Wind rumoured as next step for United.
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Strategy & ChangeSafaricom still keen on Ethiopia entry
Safaricom blocked from operating fintech service in Ethiopia, potentially making case for entry shakier, but operator reaffirms Ethiopian commitment and intention to enter bidding war. ECA offers spectrum auction update, amid escalating regional conflict.
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Network & InfraVodafone hits open RAN trail in rural Ireland
Modest rollout of 30 sites planned initially, supporting 4G. Supplier partners include Comba Telecom, HP, Parallel Wireless, Supermicro, and VMware. Operator keen to include automation vendors in the open RAN ecosystem.
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M&AVi cashes in from Indus Towers–Infratel merger
Vodafone’s loss-making JV in India gets a much-needed cash boost from sale of Indus stake. Vi reportedly in talks with private equity investors to raise more funds.
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Network & InfraVodafone Germany prioritises HFC over FTTP in Gigabit push
OpCo reallocates FTTP budget to finance HFC upgrades and expansion. Cable seen as giving better return on investment. VfD commits to fulfilling existing pipeline of FTTP projects. DOCSIS 4.0 in the wings.
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Network & InfraHigh hopes: Vodafone plans African SpaceMobile debut
Territories such as Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo seen as low-hanging fruit for edgy new satellite venture. Vodafone working behind scenes to build beyond investment in SpaceMobile, and exploit platform for network gain.
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PremiumVodafone people moves: Group SCM “succession planning” underway
Tolga Tomruk takes SCM Networks Director role, leading relationships with established equipment vendors and the ‘open’ challenger set. Safaricom follows up consumer-centric shift with new CTIO. VodafoneZiggo taps rival KPN for mobile networks lead. Musical chairs on Vodacom Group’s Board of Directors.
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PremiumElsewhere in Vodafone's Associates and JVs: Vi joins techco targets
Vi toes the techco line; Zain not intent on gate-crashing Vodafone Egypt sale.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: 5G tested across the bloc
German rivals jump on campus bandwagon; physical and digital security launches; 5G use-cases explored in Netherlands, Spain, and UK.
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PremiumElsewhere in Africa: Vodacom's Joosub targets techco transition
Vodacom CEO defends Rain tie-up; Lesotho crisis continues; dominant Safaricom back in political spotlight; African OpCos keen on Huawei tech.
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PeoplewatchFormer Vodafone executives join ngena
SD-WAN enabler names a refreshed board, with Chris Burke and Maja Grätz taking C-Suite spots. Accenture and T-Systems influence still prominent.
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Network & InfraVodafone Italy CEO wants government help on 5G
Bisio claims country’s operators unfairly handicapped after heavy outlays on spectrum. 5G development projects completed in Milan. CEO voices caution again about Italy’s plan for a single broadband infrastructure company.
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Suppliers & SCMNETSCOUT flags Vodafone deal extension
Vendor maintains its position for what could be a further three to four years.
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Network & InfraVodafone Portugal grudgingly files 5G auction application
Portuguese OpCo indicates legal battle over auction rules is ongoing.
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PremiumElsewhere in Vodafone Group: Colao tipped for fast lane
Fast lane for Colao?; Vodafone draws IoT.nxt further into fold; Vodafone brand disappears from Malta.
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Network & InfraINWIT ties up loose ownership end
Telecom Italia sells remaining direct stake in TowerCo, co-controlled with Vodafone, to Canson Capital Partners.
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InnovationVodafone supports drone inspection trial led by Sees.ai
Multimillion-pound drone project ready for deployment, with VfUK a key enabler. Drones to work as surveillance system for construction sites — just one of its many potential use-cases, according to Group CTO. Another addition to Group’s expanding portfolio of drone tech collaborations.
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InnovationVodafone picks Greece for e-health R&D hub, post-COVID
Vodafone Greece’s IoT subsidiary to head e-health research and development centre. Two IoT solutions being prepared for launch as Vodafone Innovus pivots to new vertical.