Vodafonewatch News – Page 87
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Partnerships & AlliancesVodafone Portugal strikes network-sharing deal with NOS
Two agree on mixture of passive and ‘active’ sharing of mobile networks, but not spectrum. Both parties insist they can reduce costs without surrendering autonomous, strategic decision-making.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Vodacom in SA and Tanzanian trouble
Vodacom reportedly tangled in murder scandal in South Africa, and taking political fire over Tanzanian election.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: Greece targets submarine business
Vodafone Greece eyes submarine; cashiers going virtual in Spain; Vodafone UK blocked from handset blocking.
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Network & InfrastructureVodacom pins 5G hopes on Nokia
South African Group reiterates multi-vendor strategy even as it extends Nokia alliance. Long-awaited 4G and 5G spectrum auction process now underway.
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Venturing & InvestmentsGeoSpock takes up residence in Vodafone’s Tomorrow Street
Luxembourg venture makes second addition in a month, with one more expected to follow.
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PeopleVodafone moves: M-PESA readies for growth; Vi’s Vora departs
Vi CTO Vishant Vora steps down leaving a vacancy. Several changes in Germany across departments. M-PESA gets a CTO to aid expansion. Former VGE CEO gets board position; Cheang named Huawei security lead.
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Products & ServicesVodafone’s fleet management goes green
Green mobility ambition sparks change in Vodafone Business’ fleet management platform. Pro+ version now includes EV/PHEV data tracking. Base models apparently remain traditional.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone brings open RAN trials to the Netherlands
NEC boosts its position as a Vodafone open RAN frontrunner, while Altiostar muscles in.
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Network & InfrastructureVodafone Portugal threatens to boycott 5G auction
Objections to auction terms favouring new entrant. Complaints escalated to Brussels, and R&D centre plans reconsidered. Other European auction processes continue to be clouded by traditional operator–regulator machinations, with COVID–19 and trade tensions adding to mix.
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Network & InfrastructureTelkom calls for Rain-check on Vodacom spectrum tie-up
Complaint to South African Competition Tribunal calls time on spectrum-sharing agreement. Claims competition is at risk, ahead of upcoming spectrum auctions. Vodacom adamant that deals are “pro-competitive”.
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PremiumElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Safaricom shareholder base sees changes
Big boys making their presence felt in Safaricom’s owner family; Loon nearing Mozambique launch.
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PremiumElsewhere in Vodafone Europe: sustainability gets a platform
Czech Republic, Spain 5G trial; Vodafone Germany takes sustainability on board.
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Products & ServicesAsda Mobile returns to Vodafone UK network
Past flame rekindled as Vodafone regains love for MVNO partners.
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Innovation (R&D)Vodafone opens up on OpenRAN trial in Turkey
OpenRAN playbook provides insight into deployment challenges. Local skills and resources are critical for successful rollouts. Acceptable performance achieved for rural environments. More work needed on management, operations, security, and deployment models. Vodafone brings open RAN trials to the Netherlands. NEC boosts its position as a Vodafone open RAN ...
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M&AVodafone UK’s partner puzzle remains unsolved
Could O2 + Virgin Media = Three for Vodafone UK? Fixed–mobile convergence is a riddle to be solved.
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Products & ServicesVodafone ready to kick off 5G real time stadium app
5G AR app is ready to launch as football fans return to stadiums. VfD to roll out 5G to more Bundesliga stadiums. Stadium tech in spotlight as Germany gears up to host Euro 2024. AR sports app takeup depends on device availability.
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PremiumElsewhere in Vodafone’s Associates & JVs: Telenet-VodafoneZiggo merger raises concerns
New Greek towers JV cleared; VodafoneZiggo future remains in spotlight.
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PremiumIndus Towers–Infratel merger finally moves forward
Rejigged agreement offers a safety net for TowerCo amid ongoing questions over Vi’s future.
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M&AVodafone gets India tax break from The Hague
International arbitration court rules against India in long-running tax dispute surrounding 2007 Hutchison Essar acquisition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government reportedly mulling an appeal, pending legal advice. In separate tax news, India’s Supreme Court calls for ten-year payback period on outstanding AGR dues.
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PremiumVodafone emerging as TIP’s most valuable player
Leads way in sourcing ‘open’ radio hardware suppliers. Targets DU/CU disaggregation and white-box base stations. Involved in raft of new TIP initiatives, including Solution Groups, OpenBNG, and MUST. Tenorio insists commercial deployments to date are “tip of the iceberg”.