MTN Considers Axian Telecom Bid
MTN is considering a bid from Axian Telecom for its operating units in West Africa, specifically Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, and Liberia. The potential deal is aligned with MTN’s ongoing efforts to reshape its portfolio, and the three units collectively account for 6.1 million of MTN’s customers and contributed to 0.7% of EBITDA. MTN’s first quarter financial results reported an 8.6% EBITDA growth and revenues of ZAR52.8 billion ($2.8 billion), a 15.6% YoY increase. With discussions with Axian Telecom still at an early stage, any announcement on a final agreement might not be expected soon.
Deutsche Telekom Sees Q1 Success
Deutsche Telekom (DT) has raised its earnings guidance for 2023 to around €40.9bn, up from its previous forecast of €40.8bn. This follows strong Q1 results, with the group’s US business T-Mobile US a key driver behind the raised forecast, having recently raised its own earnings outlook. DT’s adjusted EBITDA AL increased by 0.9% to €10bn YoY, while group revenue remained unchanged at €27.8bn. The company’s Q1 results also showed consistent customer growth in its German fixed and mobile services. Additionally, the sale of the company’s tower assets led to a nearly fourfold increase in net profit to €15.4bn.
Vodafone Welcomes e& CEO to Board
Hatem Dowidar, CEO of e&, Vodafone’s largest stakeholder, is joining Vodafone’s board as a non-executive director. e& may also nominate a second non-executive director if their stake in Vodafone increases to 20%. This change in board composition comes after three of Vodafone’s non-executive directors did not seek re-election. e& has expressed interest in increasing its stake in Vodafone to between 20% and 25%, and the two companies plan to work more closely together on cross-border digital services, procurement, and technology development. Margherita Della Valle recently took over as Vodafone’s CEO, and Dowidar expressed confidence in her leadership.
Blustream launches its new IP300 video over IP platform
AV distribution innovator Blustream has unveiled its new IP300 video over IP platform. The platform includes the IP300UHD and Dante-enabled IP350UHD transmitters and receivers which are capable of transmitting 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDMI 2.0 with HDR at 18Gbps over a 1Gb network. The transmitters and receivers can be controlled with all leading automation brands using the new ACM210 control module. The platform allows for virtually latency-free (1 frame) distribution of HDMI 2.0 video over a 1Gb managed network, making it ideal for live sports where high quality is essential.
Granite Bags Spectrum Award
Granite Telecommunications has won the 2022 Spotlight Award from Spectrum Business, recognizing its top sales performance for the fifth consecutive year. The award reflects Granite’s commitment to providing reliable and cost-effective solutions for multilocation businesses and government agencies. Granite uses Spectrum Business’s advanced communications network to deliver robust connectivity and voice services to its customers. The annual Spectrum Business Spotlight Award celebrates the top Value Added Resellers (VARs) of Spectrum Business products and services. Granite is an industry leader serving two-thirds of Fortune 100 companies, managing 1.75 million voice and data lines for over 650,000 locations.
