All TelcoTitans.com articles in Vodafonewatch #204
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Partnerships & AlliancesGenesys partnered for speech-based AI bot
TPG ties with Genesys and Google Cloud to launch an “upgrade” to its Vodafone TOBi chatbot. NLP integration set to improve voice channel triaging, with sales role touted in a future deployment.
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Venturing & InvestmentsSafaricom energy ally Circle Gas lands big Japanese backer
Deal with conglomerate Marubeni Corporation comes with prepaid LPG startup planning to expand beyond Safaricom-supported deployment in Kenya and into new markets in Africa and Asia.
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PeoplewatchColao in running to be Italy’s next PM
Former Vodafone CEO seen as potential replacement for Mario Draghi. Process to elect new Italian president reaches fourth round of voting.
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Content & TVVodafoneZiggo, KPN vie for F1 pole position
Vodafone JV wheels out four-month discount for Viaplay, a streaming platform with F1 broadcasting rights. Rival KPN lifts flag on free twelve-month deal to entice new customers. F1 and ‘Max Verstappen factor’ seen as big lure for Dutch pay-TV subscribers.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone in the market for London real estate
Reports indicate desire for more office space in London alongside Paddington HQ. Growing software engineering team seemingly looking for desks, with Future Ready hybrid-working model rolling out in parallel.
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Strategy & ChangeVodafone Germany strategic shift forces exec changes
Dimitrova handed Strategy & Transformation remit, with Velthuis brought in to lead Finance. Exiting CTO Mack will not be replaced as OpCo mirrors Group’s split-structure TechCo vision. CEO Ametsreiter seeks transformation focus with fresh-faced executive team.
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Network & InfraVantage eyes €1bn EU fund for 5G roads and railways
TowerCo gets its motor running to head out on the 5G highway. Pursues EU-funded 5G Corridor projects. European Commission targets 5G coverage on all transport routes by 2025 and allocates €1bn for cross-border network projects.
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Public AffairsSafaricom staff caught in police “trap” after data fraud
Court hearing details how two Safaricom employees were caught attempting to sell subscriber data. Operator commits to fraud reduction initiatives.
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Financial & PerformanceVantage tweaks schedule after ‘annoying’ builder delays
TowerCo’s build-to-suit programme hit by labour and material supply crunch. Management responds with move to simplify supply and logistics. Execs assure headline operational and financial goals remain in reach.
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Financial & PerformanceVodafone’s Q3 deciphered: glad-handing activists; German misfire; IoT, Africa fintech blossom
Management seeks to seize back agenda amid growing City pressure for urgency on asset sales. CEO Nick Read assures Group will be “proactive” in finding returns-focused deals. German user experience misstep takes gloss off solid set of numbers. Price rises planned across Europe, in response to rising costs.
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PeoplewatchEx-Vodafone exec to lead Etisalat International
Mikhail Gerchuk takes charge of Etisalat’s international division. Joins Hatem Dowidar, Etisalat Group CEO and fellow Vodafone alumnus.
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PeoplewatchVodacom payment specialist XLink appoints MD
Majority-owned secure payments processor XLink Communications appoints Thanusha Govender with a ‘stay-the-course’ mandate. Former Absa strategy lead replaces stalwart Marnewick.
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M&AIliad makes move on Vodafone Italy
France-based Iliad Group said to have tabled an offer to Vodafone board last week. Vodafone share price gets short-lived bounce. Read’s self-styled “proactive” approach to M&A under the spotlight (again).
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Public AffairsM-PESA cleared for Ethiopian launch
State Minister of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance anticipates wider Safaricom launch “sometime in April”. M-PESA app will be introduced to a new market of 116 million people. Question marks remain regarding third telecoms licence in the country.
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Network & InfraVodafone Portugal suffers “terrorist” cyberattack
Mário Vaz, Vodafone Portugal CEO, says recovering from “terrorist” incident will be a “lengthy” job. Data, SMS, voice, and TV services impacted, with emergency services forced onto contingency connectivity plans.
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OperationsLittle Cab arrives in Ethiopia
Safaricom-backed ride-hailing app attempting to rival Uber in Ethiopian capital. Expansion into the country has been delayed by COVID-19.
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Public AffairsVodafoneZiggo suspends employee over transgressive behaviour
Dutch JV “shocked” by revelations. Investigation launched amid multiple reports of unacceptable behaviour.
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PremiumVodafone people moves: eyes on public sector in enterprise swaps
New enterprise segment leads in Italy, Spain, the UK, and others, with public sector account growth among the primary targets. Scott Petty adds Vodafone weight to TM Forum initiative. Governance and regulatory spots filled across the operator’s footprint. Group loses quintet of IoT developers to rival BT as health-tech ...
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Network & InfraVodafone tests Juniper’s RIC in open RAN trial
Operator puts RAN Intelligent Controller through its paces in multivendor trial with Juniper Networks and Parallel Wireless.
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Public AffairsTelco inflation playbook: raise prices, cut costs, embrace digitalisation
Tough times ahead for telco customers, employees, and suppliers, as inflation drives price hikes, capex and opex control, and ongoing workforce reductions. Inflation-linked contracts to boost service revenue and outpace rising costs. Digital transformation efforts seen as key to cost savings.