Summary of international coronavirus-related telecoms and media news - week 15

Nieuws Algemeen Wereld 10 APR 2020
Summary of international coronavirus-related telecoms and media news - week 15

The impact of the coronovirus is growing by the day. Usage of telecom and media services is increasing, but that is only part of the story. We have summarised the news of the past week below, in order to provide an overview of the many ways the Covid-19 crisis is affecting the TMT sector.

The impact on telecom traffic is mostly (very) positive. In some cases, mobile operators are requesting the temporary use of additional spectrum, and some fibre and capacity projects are accelerated to meet the demand. In terms of applications, video conferencing, gaming and contact centre systems are among the chief beneficiaries of the current crisis.

Most telecom retail stores have been closed, but some shops are reopening, albeit under strict guidelines. This comes as telecom services are recognised as essential in several countries, allowing them to avoid some of the broader restrictions on business. 

We are also starting to see early profit warnings, as the crisis affects both hardware companies and service providers. In addition, fake news, especially reports of the virus linked to 5G, is unfortunately causing some damage.

Media consumption is up, as a result of more people being at home and seeking out information or distraction.

The rising demand for video content led several service providers to expand their portfolios and promotions.

More events are being cancelled, and only a few are able to provide a limited online alternative.

Increased video consumption is only part of the story for the media (and internet) sector. An almost complete lack of live events leads to job cuts, and advertising income is under pressure as the retail economy shuts down.

Metadata from telecoms and internet companies is much sought after, in an attempt to map the spread of Covid-19 and effectiveness of confinement measures. Naturally, privacy rules must prevail.

Telecoms companies have started to make a contribution to compensating the economic fall-out of the crisis. The initiatives range from avoiding job cuts to providing cash to those in need.

Media and internet companies have support plans of their own.
Finally, a small selection of the macro-economic news around the coronavirus.

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Algemeen

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AT&T,  KPN,  A1,  Sunrise,  TIM,  Vodafone,  Apple,  Euskaltel,  M6,  Telenet,  TF1,  UPC,  Microsoft,  Digi,  OTE

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