Telefónica Deutschland

Santiago Argelich Hesse criticizes the German market structure with four network operators as hostile to innovation and investment and proposes consolidation to three providers. He did not comment on speculation about a merger of O2 and 1&1; United Internet had earlier dismissed merger rumours. Telefonica Deutschland is suffering revenue declines, aims to turn things around by 2027, and is focusing on B2B growth, new partnership models and increased use of AI, which will also lead to personnel adjustments. O2 is to be positioned as a premium brand and the discount brand Blau will be more focused on AI; renegotiations with partners are planned for 2027 and the strategy should become visible in 2028. » More on n-tv.de

Telefónica Deutschland has started marketing O2 fiber connections in Berlin on the open-access network of MIH Net Berlin (formerly Eurofiber). The network offers up to 1 GBit/s and currently reaches 150,000 homes passed; MIH Net Berlin plans to expand coverage to more than 500,000 households and businesses. The fiber is largely laid through existing district heating tunnels, reducing excavation work; MIH acquired the network in June 2026. Telefónica operates around 1,000 mobile sites in Berlin and is now adding fixed-line connections via the open-access network. » More on golem.de

Telefónica Deutschland announced it will cut 1,100 jobs and close 60 of its own shops by the end of 2026, aiming for annual savings of around €180 million from 2028. Despite the measures, fundamental problems remain: declining revenue and profits after losing 1&1 customers and weaker new-customer business. Without its own fixed-line and TV offering, Telefónica can only offer bundles with lower margins, so the savings program alone will likely not achieve a turnaround. Further cuts, such as delays in 5G rollout or additional cost reductions, are not excluded. » More on wiwo.de