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News Roundup

A quick roundup of the news in Telecoms | Week #48

By Kamile Bigenyte December 1, 2023

Elliott Investment Management criticizes Crown Castle’s underperformance, pushing for an overhaul, including a new leadership team and board. Boldyn Networks activates a ‘small cell’ near King’s Cross, partnering with EE to boost coverage and speed in London. AWS expands Amazon Bedrock with new generative AI features, including leading models, customization options, and safeguards. Windstream’s Kinetic is launching a $32.5 million fiber project in Georgia, partnering with an electric cooperative, aiming to connect 17,000 homes and businesses in Colquitt County.

M&A

Stonepeak completes acquisition of 49% interest in Cellnex Nordics

By Kamile Bigenyte December 1, 2023

Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 49% interest in Cellnex Sweden and Cellnex Denmark (“Cellnex Nordics”), the Swedish and Danish operations of Cellnex Telecom (“Cellnex”), Europe’s largest independent operator of wireless telecommunications infrastructure, for a total value of c. EUR 730 million, of which EUR 558 million is recognized upfront.

M&A

Telstra’s Dense Air Acquisition: Benefits and Unspoken Implications

By Kamile Bigenyte November 15, 2023

In a strategic move to bolster its mobile network, Australia’s premier telecom firm, Telstra, acquires local operations of small cell provider Dense Air. Both financial details and timelines of the transaction remain veiled. This comes after the Australia Competition Tribunal blocked Telstra’s partnership with TPG, favoring competition and avoiding regional coverage setback. While rivals speculate, Dense Air’s retreat from Trans-Tasman markets coincides with Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners’ takeover. This deal provides Telstra’s network expansion plans with crucial additional spectrum capacity.

M&A

Cellnex Shifts Focus: Divesting Private Networks, Strengthening Core Operations

By Kamile Bigenyte November 13, 2023

In a surprising shift, Cellnex decides to offload its private networks niche to Boldyn Networks, refocusing its operations back to its base business of towers. This comes despite previously earmarking the private networks sector as critical for growth and the Superlative successes recorded by Edzcom, the Finnish-based firm that designs and runs 4G and 5G networks. This transition aims to trim the company’s debt. In contrast, Boldyn Networks is ready to capitalize on the promising growth in 5G private networks, projected to hit $109.4 billion by 2030.

5G

5G Fixed Wireless Access: Bridging the Gap or Costly Solution?

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 10, 2023

As 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) evolves with its next phase, 5G Advanced, worldwide research indicates growth and potential for higher speeds and reduced latency. The Middle East currently showcases impressive progress with over 1.6 million 5G FWA users. Yet, debates exist over its future, exploring whether 5G FWA will remain an affordable alternative to fixed broadband or tap into its speed for new applications. Moreover, cost is a concern for Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) devices, considered a current hurdle in advancing 5G FWA.

Broadband

Marlink’s Futuristic Hybrid Network Aboard a Luxury Icebreaker

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 8, 2023

Marlink has teamed up with Eutelsat OneWeb to bring satellite connectivity to the luxury icebreaker cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot. Their innovative hybrid network enhances both operationally and leisurely experiences, using layered, encrypted technology for robust security. Remarkably, it allows for separate crew and operational systems on one terminal and ensures unprecedented internet access in remote locations.

M&A

Unraveling One NZ’s Strategic Acquisition of Dense Air’s Spectrum

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 7, 2023

One New Zealand’s strategic acquisition of local operations from UK-small cell provider Dense Air aims to strengthen mid-band spectrum. Promising enhancements to fixed-wireless access services, this merge incorporates a significant 70 MHz of spectrum into One NZ’s 4G and 5G networks. This move aligns with the company’s efforts towards modernizing its network, hinting towards a customer-centric future with expanded 5G network and possible SpaceX collaboration.

Broadband

Navigating RAN Market Dynamics: Growth Forecast and Challenges Ahead

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 7, 2023

Dell’Oro Group’s RAN 2030 Advanced Research Report hints at long-term growth in the RAN market, suggesting investments could surpass $40 billion by 2030. Despite challenges like short-term boosts due to new technologies, infrastructural opportunities in Fixed Wireless Access and private networks might augment growth. The report also anticipates macro RAN deployments leading the 6G era. However, the analysis remains mindful of potential obstacles clouding this optimistic outlook.

Infrastructure

Exploring Virgin Media O2’s Cornerstone Sale and its Implication

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 6, 2023

Virgin Media O2’s decision to offload part of its Corneridge UK towers business to GLIL Infrastructure for £360 million marks a key shift in telecom infrastructure ownership. However, this move falls short of industry valuations, indicating price reductions in the investment market. Despite this, VMO2 retains operational and strategic control in this critical asset, striving to enhance 4G connectivity and intensify 5G rollout. This move aligns with the firm’s wider strategy, marking the start of a potentially transformative series of ambitious deals, lightening its footprint while driving growth.

Telco Buzz

Viasat Streamlines Workforce Post-Inmarsat Acquisition: An Economic Necessity or Risky Move?

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 6, 2023

After the whopping $6.2 billion acquisition by Inmarsat, Viasat is readying for a major reorganization, with a planned 10% workforce reduction. The move, affecting approximately 800 roles, aims for a substantial year-on-year cost-saving starting from 2025. Despite the promising financial outlook, the firm accepts the substantial costs linked with these transitions, yet considers them a vital investment for the future.