Page 107 - SAMENA Trends - January-February 2023

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

EC Clears FibreCo JV Between Vodafone and Altice

The European Commission (EC) has announced that it has approved
the establishment of a new German fibre-optic joint venture (JV),
dubbed ‘FibreCo’, by Vodafone Group and Altice. The JV, which was
first announced in October last year, which will be tasked with the
deployment of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks to up to seven
million German homes over a six-year period. After examination,
the EC has concluded that the proposed concentration would
not raise competition concerns and falls within the scope of the
Merger Regulation. It has therefore decided not to oppose the
creation of the JV and to declare it compatible with the internal
market and with the EEA Agreement. FibreCo will be owned 50% by
Vodafone Germany and 50% by Luxembourg-based Altice. FibreCo
will construct and operate a FTTH broadband network available to
up to seven million homes, 80% of which will be focused around
large housing associations in Vodafone’s existing HFC network neighboring homes. FibreCo will also offer wholesale access to
footprint which are interested in FTTH upgrades. The remaining other service providers and has contracted Geodesia (a subsidiary
20% will be outside of Vodafone’s current footprint, focusing on of Altice) for the majority of rollout construction and maintenance.

Vodafone Ghana Sale Completed

Vodafone Group has completed the transfer of its 70% stake in received conditional approval from the National Communications
Vodafone Ghana to Telecel Group for an undisclosed sum, after Authority (NCA) in January. Confirming the sale, Vodafone Group
obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals including the CEO Margherita Della Valle, said: ‘The sale of Vodafone Ghana to
agreement of the Ghanaian government, which remains the 30% Telecel Group is a further step in simplifying Vodafone’s African
minority shareholder. The operations of Vodafone Ghana and portfolio. Since entering the market in 2008, Vodafone has helped
its three subsidiaries – National Communications Backbone to develop Ghana’s critical network infrastructure supporting
Company (Vodafone Wholesale), Vodafone Mobile Financial customers, businesses and communities.’ Malek Atrissi, Telecel
Services (Vodafone Cash) and the Vodafone Ghana Foundation – Group COO, commented: ‘This acquisition is a testament to our
will ‘continue operations interrupted while embracing exciting new enthusiasm and positive outlook for the Ghanaian market, which
possibilities’, the operator said in a press release. The deal had we view as a vital market with unlimited potential for digitalization
and innovation in Africa. Telecel Group is eager to develop and
bring forward-thinking offerings to our subscribers, enterprises,
and communities in Ghana. We look forward to a transformation
journey of Vodafone Ghana with the contribution and growth of
its human capital.’ Vodafone entered Ghana in 2008 when it paid
the government USD900 million for 70% of national PTO Ghana
Telecommunications. Since then the company has struggled to
compete with dominant market leader MTN, claiming 18.3% of the
country’s mobile subscriptions at 30 September 2022, compared
with its rival’s 65.4%.

European Operators Sign New Ukraine Assistance Pact

Telecoms operators from across Europe have signed a new estimate, the measures will allow over four million refugees to
statement alongside their Ukrainian counterparts to prolong have affordable access to connectivity. The GSMA facilitated the
voluntary measures that have been allowing affordable or free calls involvement of its members in the initiative. Operators signing the
between the EU and Ukraine, reports mobile operator association pact included: Altice Portugal, Bouygues, Colt, Deutsche Telekom,
the GSMA. Under the updated Joint Statement, signatories have Iliad, KPN, Liberty Global, Masmovil, Orange, Play, Polkomtel,
renewed and extended the framework to continue to voluntarily Proximus, Telefonica, Telenor, 3 Group (CK Hutchison), TIM, United
and bilaterally lower wholesale roaming and international call Group and Vodafone Group.
termination charges. According to a European Commission
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