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Telco

Telcos must make critical assessments to remain profitable

A review of the full-year KPIs of 23 of the world’s largest telcos makes for sombre reading as revenues continue to decline, finds Ovum. Telcos will have to make a critical assessment of their assets and operations if they are to remain profitable, warns the global independent analyst firm. New research from Ovum examining the […]

July 24, 2013

Claro and DISH bundle services in Puerto Rico

Claro and DISH Puerto Rico, the Island’s largest telco and pay-TV providers respectively, have entered into a partnership to offer customers bundled services including DISH’s pay-TV and Claro’s Internet, wireless and telephone services, conveniently on a single bill. Bundled services will be sold at select Claro and DISH retail locations in the Island beginning in […]

July 24, 2013

Spanish telcos lose EC tax battle

Spanish telcos have lost their fight against the government-imposed 0.9 per cent annual tax on their revenues to finance public broadcaster RTVE following the EC’s decision to withdraw its appeal before the Luxembourg Court, shortly after the latter ruled that the similar tax legislation in France is compatible with European regulations. The European Court is […]

July 19, 2013From David Del Valle in Madrid

Telecoms regulation reform could deliver growth and jobs

With significant reform of the current patchwork system of regulations governing telecommunications in the European Union there could be up to €750 billion in GDP growth and 5.5 million jobs by 2020, according to a study by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association (ETNO). The study details how a […]

July 19, 2013

Liberty Media eyes Airtel stake

Bharti Airtel is in talks with US telco giant Liberty Media to sell a stake in its unlisted DTH business, as compulsory digitisation and higher foreign ownership limit drive firms to seek capital and market reach. According to reports, Bharti has informed three private equity firms that it was keen on selling a larger stake […]

July 12, 2013

Kroes outlines telecoms single market reform

Speaking at the EU parliament in Brussels, EU digital commissioner Neelie Kroes has claimed that having a competitive single EU telecoms market could boost the region’s economy by €110 billion a year. “Quality communications for business could be worth €800 billion over 15 years,” she commented. “Broadband could create two million jobs. This is investing […]

July 10, 2013

Ovum: Telcos must compete less and collaborate more

Innovation is critical to telco survival, finds Ovum. Yet many operators miss the big picture, exaggerate the threat from OTT players, and misunderstand the broader benefits of innovation. New research from the analyst firm examined more than 3,500 new service launches since 2009, finding that telcos must compete less and collaborate more. When comparing telcos’ […]

July 9, 2013

London media and comms sector worth £125bn a year

A report from Deloitte reveals that the London technology, media and telecoms (TMT) sector generates an overall economic contribution of £125 billion (€147bn) a year to London and the rest of the UK. This accounts for 8 per cent of UK GDP. To ensure London remains a global TMT hub, the government and financial services […]

July 8, 2013

India allows 100% FDI in telcos

India has changed its rules regarding the percentage of foreign ownership allowed in its giant telcos. At present local ownership must limits foreign ownership to 74 per cent. Once ratified the new rules permit 100 per cent, however a non-Indian company will be limited to a 49 per cent stake. The balance no longer need […]

July 5, 2013By Chris Forrester

Vodafone Italia, Mediaset TV Everywhere

Italian pay-TV provider Mediaset Premium has teamed up with MSO Vodafone Italia to launch a joint TV Everywhere solution. Premium Everywhere costs from €39.90 per month and offers a selection of TV content and Italian league football from Mediaset Premium, which can be received on the TV set at home or on tablets, thanks to […]

July 3, 2013From Branislav Pekic in Rome