In the recently held Network X event, Orange’s Deputy CEO shed light on their significant fiber expansion and presented an intriguing outlook on 5G’s future, hinting at its potential in achieving the 2040 CSR objectives. Discussing 5G Standalone (SA), she highlighted it as a gamechanger for B2B interactions, fueling varied possibilities. Briefly discussing their triumph at the Barcelona port project, she humbly emphasized the responsibilities that come with connected factories.
The recent rebranding of Hyperoptic signals a transformative shift towards customer-centered service. Offering an enticing alternative to rivals grappling with unsatisfactory service, opaque pricing, and unreliable connectivity, Hyperoptic aims to shine in the realm of customer experience. Their radical expansion across the UK, encompassing over 1.4 million homes, while maintaining stellar service is an undeniably ambitious move. Yet, they strive to connect even more customers, emboldened by a substantial investment by KKR.
In a strategic overhaul, Singtel has sold its cybersecurity subsidiary, Trustwave, to MC2 Titanium in a $205 million transaction. The sale, which was on the lower end of predicted ranges, marks a significant loss on Singtel’s initial investment. This action is part of Singtel’s wider initiative to optimize resources and improve shareholder value by centring its focus on 5G and other digital services. This story brings a further glimpse into Singtel’s resculpting journey, with the effectiveness of this asset divestiture strategy awaiting a verdict in upcoming fiscal reports.
The Italian government’s decision to acquire a stake in TIM’s NetCo operation could smooth the path for its sale. Undoubtedly, this move will give the government a stronger voice in future strategic decisions. Despite initial concerns regarding the re-nationalization of certain telecom assets, the involvement of the state-owned Cassa Depositi e Prestiti in the process and the pending approval from the EU suggest that there is a potential for a favorable outcome for TIM. Yet, potential hurdles include the disagreement over asset valuation with the French firm Vivendi.
The South African telecom giant, Telkom, recently rejected an acquisition bid from a consortium led by its former Chief, Sipho Maseko. The bid, whose details remain undisclosed, sparked extensive board deliberations and was followed by a 7% fall in Telkom’s share price. CEO Serame Taukobong maintains, however, that offers for a takeover will remain on hold until viable proof of deliverability is presented.
Telefonica and Entel are poised to merge their fiber infrastructure in Peru, with KKR being the expected majority stakeholder, following Telefonica’s previous success in other Latin American markets. This move anticipates significant expansion of Peru’s high-speed connectivity by leveraging KKR’s successful fiber ventures in Chile and Colombia, amidst the industry’s race to a digitally-empowered future. Details of the deal remain discreet as it awaits regulatory approval.
Industry expert Jonny Parkinson illuminates the landscape of telecommunications mergers and acquisitions amidst economic shake-ups and global tensions. Despite a dip in deal-making activity, recent predictions suggest a strategic surge in the back half of 2023. Drawing upon the resilience of telecom firms in the face of change, Parkinson underscores the potential offered by technologies like AI and cloud computing to maintain competitiveness, even encouraging alternative structuring concepts and careful due diligence for prospective M&A targets.
TIM explores offers for its Enterprise business, valuing the unit at over €6 billion, while the board evaluates bids for network assets. With the company’s gross financial debt nearing €32 billion, maximizing value is crucial. KKR emerges as a frontrunner, as anticipation builds for exclusive discussions lasting until late August or early September.
Telefonica explores selling fiber assets in Peru, enlisting Deloitte Corporate Finance to evaluate options and potentially bring in external investors or partners. Following successful ventures in Chile and Colombia, Telefonica aims to expand its fiber-optic network while maintaining commitment to high-speed internet access in Peru.
Italy’s Ministry of Enterprise proposes €1.5 billion in support for the nation’s telecom sector, including tax breaks and funding for fiber upgrades, potentially revitalizing the struggling industry and fostering a competitive environment.
