Kieran Smith
@kieranjsmith.bsky.social
Covering telecoms and tech for the Financial Times.
Contact: kieran.smith@ft.com
Contact: kieran.smith@ft.com
Scoop: Virgin Media O2 is in talks for what could be a £2bn takeover of broadband rival, Netomnia, in a potentially landmark deal for U.K. altnet consolidation.
Rival CityFibre are also in the bidding, but a deal with neither party has yet been agreed.
as.ft.com/r/a1d36eeb-a...
Rival CityFibre are also in the bidding, but a deal with neither party has yet been agreed.
as.ft.com/r/a1d36eeb-a...
Virgin Media O2 in talks for £2bn takeover of broadband rival
[FREE TO READ] Deal for Netomnia would signal start of consolidation in UK fibre broadband market
as.ft.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Scoop: Virgin Media O2 is in talks for what could be a £2bn takeover of broadband rival, Netomnia, in a potentially landmark deal for U.K. altnet consolidation.
Rival CityFibre are also in the bidding, but a deal with neither party has yet been agreed.
as.ft.com/r/a1d36eeb-a...
Rival CityFibre are also in the bidding, but a deal with neither party has yet been agreed.
as.ft.com/r/a1d36eeb-a...
EXC: ‘Cable cowboy’ John Malone is to step down from his media and telecoms empire today, in an era-ending step for the American pioneer.
Malone will step down as chair of both Liberty Global and Liberty Media.
With @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/430i2sn
Malone will step down as chair of both Liberty Global and Liberty Media.
With @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/430i2sn
‘Cable cowboy’ John Malone to step down from media and telecoms empire
[FREE TO READ] Tycoon is relinquishing board roles at Liberty Media and Liberty Global after buccaneering 50-year career
on.ft.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:22 PM
EXC: ‘Cable cowboy’ John Malone is to step down from his media and telecoms empire today, in an era-ending step for the American pioneer.
Malone will step down as chair of both Liberty Global and Liberty Media.
With @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/430i2sn
Malone will step down as chair of both Liberty Global and Liberty Media.
With @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/430i2sn
‘It’s a safe place for an American nutter’
Safe to say, JD Vance’s visit to the Cotswolds has evoked some emotions among the locals…
My dispatch from Chipping Norton here:
on.ft.com/47nYQHN
Safe to say, JD Vance’s visit to the Cotswolds has evoked some emotions among the locals…
My dispatch from Chipping Norton here:
on.ft.com/47nYQHN
Vance’s Cotswolds getaway disturbs rural idyll
[FREE TO READ] US vice-president’s holiday upends life in a quiet corner of Oxfordshire that is no stranger to famous visitors
on.ft.com
August 11, 2025 at 5:02 PM
‘It’s a safe place for an American nutter’
Safe to say, JD Vance’s visit to the Cotswolds has evoked some emotions among the locals…
My dispatch from Chipping Norton here:
on.ft.com/47nYQHN
Safe to say, JD Vance’s visit to the Cotswolds has evoked some emotions among the locals…
My dispatch from Chipping Norton here:
on.ft.com/47nYQHN
SCOOP: Liberty Global has offered voluntary redundancy to over a third of its direct employees and plans to sell one of its two private jets, in an escalation of long running restructuring efforts at the telecoms group built by “cable cowboy” John Malone.
on.ft.com/4ocM3hF
on.ft.com/4ocM3hF
Liberty Global to slash jobs and sell private jet in restructuring
[FREE TO READ] Telecoms group offers voluntary redundancy to 800 staff and plans to offload Dassault Falcon aircraft
on.ft.com
July 24, 2025 at 7:24 PM
SCOOP: Liberty Global has offered voluntary redundancy to over a third of its direct employees and plans to sell one of its two private jets, in an escalation of long running restructuring efforts at the telecoms group built by “cable cowboy” John Malone.
on.ft.com/4ocM3hF
on.ft.com/4ocM3hF
SCOOP: BT Group are set to appoint Virgin Media O2 Patricia Cobian to replace Simon Lowth as the company’s new CFO.
More in Financial Times Due Diligence newsletter tomorrow.
More in Financial Times Due Diligence newsletter tomorrow.
July 23, 2025 at 7:08 PM
SCOOP: BT Group are set to appoint Virgin Media O2 Patricia Cobian to replace Simon Lowth as the company’s new CFO.
More in Financial Times Due Diligence newsletter tomorrow.
More in Financial Times Due Diligence newsletter tomorrow.
SCOOP: CityFibre is set to announce its long-awaited £2.3bn refinancing later today or Monday, in a crucial move for the UK's third largest broadband network.
More here free: on.ft.com/44qHWGT
More here free: on.ft.com/44qHWGT
CityFibre closes in on £2.3bn refinancing
[FREE TO READ] Altnet set to secure £500mn equity from shareholders including Goldman Sachs and almost £1.8bn fresh debt
on.ft.com
July 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
SCOOP: CityFibre is set to announce its long-awaited £2.3bn refinancing later today or Monday, in a crucial move for the UK's third largest broadband network.
More here free: on.ft.com/44qHWGT
More here free: on.ft.com/44qHWGT
NEW: The surprising success story of British fibre broadband — the FT takes a deep dive into how the U.K. went from laggard to leader in providing faster and more reliable internet services to millions of households.
W/ Alan Smith
Free here: on.ft.com/4kBX5tS
W/ Alan Smith
Free here: on.ft.com/4kBX5tS
The surprising success story of British fibre broadband
[FREE TO READ] Ofcom’s decision to boost competition in the sector is credited with driving the rollout of a faster, more reliable internet connection
on.ft.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:29 AM
NEW: The surprising success story of British fibre broadband — the FT takes a deep dive into how the U.K. went from laggard to leader in providing faster and more reliable internet services to millions of households.
W/ Alan Smith
Free here: on.ft.com/4kBX5tS
W/ Alan Smith
Free here: on.ft.com/4kBX5tS
🚨: DragonForce, the ransomware group linked to the recent cyber attacks M&S, Harrods and the Co-Op has begun a turf war with its rivals.
Experts say the move could trigger a battle within the industry that could bring more hacks and further fallout for corporate victims…
on.ft.com/4l7Cb6K ‘
Experts say the move could trigger a battle within the industry that could bring more hacks and further fallout for corporate victims…
on.ft.com/4l7Cb6K ‘
‘No honour among thieves’: M&S hacking group starts turf war
[FREE TO READ] A clash between rival criminal ransomware groups could result in corporate victims being extorted twice, cyber experts warn
on.ft.com
July 7, 2025 at 7:10 AM
🚨: DragonForce, the ransomware group linked to the recent cyber attacks M&S, Harrods and the Co-Op has begun a turf war with its rivals.
Experts say the move could trigger a battle within the industry that could bring more hacks and further fallout for corporate victims…
on.ft.com/4l7Cb6K ‘
Experts say the move could trigger a battle within the industry that could bring more hacks and further fallout for corporate victims…
on.ft.com/4l7Cb6K ‘
Reposted by Kieran Smith
NEW: Tony Blair's staff took part in a BCG project for the redevelopment of Gaza along the lines of the 'Trump Riviera' plan www.ft.com/content/0b1b...
Tony Blair’s staff took part in ‘Gaza Riviera’ project with BCG
Former UK prime minister’s institute participated in meetings on plan to turn shattered enclave into trading hub
www.ft.com
July 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
NEW: Tony Blair's staff took part in a BCG project for the redevelopment of Gaza along the lines of the 'Trump Riviera' plan www.ft.com/content/0b1b...
EXC: The CEO of dating app Bumble has criticised staff in London for "freaking out" after she cut 30% of jobs at the company.
Whitney Wolfe Herd said the "centre of gravity" was now the US, as that was "where the talent pool is right now."
w/ @costasmourselas.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4khBM0g
Whitney Wolfe Herd said the "centre of gravity" was now the US, as that was "where the talent pool is right now."
w/ @costasmourselas.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4khBM0g
Bumble chief criticises staff for ‘freaking out’ over London job cuts
[FREE TO READ] CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd warns ‘dating apps are feeling like a thing of the past’
on.ft.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:22 PM
EXC: The CEO of dating app Bumble has criticised staff in London for "freaking out" after she cut 30% of jobs at the company.
Whitney Wolfe Herd said the "centre of gravity" was now the US, as that was "where the talent pool is right now."
w/ @costasmourselas.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4khBM0g
Whitney Wolfe Herd said the "centre of gravity" was now the US, as that was "where the talent pool is right now."
w/ @costasmourselas.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4khBM0g
🚨NEW: The boss of BT has said that advances in AI could mean more job cuts at the company beyond the 40k already announced, while opening the door to a possible future spin-off of Openreach.
FREE HERE: on.ft.com/4kBwf5G
FREE HERE: on.ft.com/4kBwf5G
BT chief eyes deeper job cuts as AI becomes more powerful
[FREE TO READ] Allison Kirkby says telecoms group could be ‘even smaller’ by 2030
on.ft.com
June 15, 2025 at 7:19 AM
🚨NEW: The boss of BT has said that advances in AI could mean more job cuts at the company beyond the 40k already announced, while opening the door to a possible future spin-off of Openreach.
FREE HERE: on.ft.com/4kBwf5G
FREE HERE: on.ft.com/4kBwf5G
The CEO of Liberty Global has claimed business secretary Jonathan Reynolds is “anxious” for large telecoms companies to buy the UK’s struggling “altnet” broadband providers over fears many could collapse and leave customers without internet…
More here:
on.ft.com/4jLfeVu
More here:
on.ft.com/4jLfeVu
UK government ‘anxious’ altnets could collapse, Liberty Global boss says
[FREE TO READ] Mike Fries claims business secretary Jonathan Reynolds wants big telecoms companies to rescue struggling altnets
on.ft.com
June 13, 2025 at 7:35 AM
The CEO of Liberty Global has claimed business secretary Jonathan Reynolds is “anxious” for large telecoms companies to buy the UK’s struggling “altnet” broadband providers over fears many could collapse and leave customers without internet…
More here:
on.ft.com/4jLfeVu
More here:
on.ft.com/4jLfeVu
EXC: BT’s Openreach has threatened to block new TalkTalk customers in an escalating dispute over unpaid bills.
The UK’s largest broadband provider issued the warning this week, which could derail the struggling telecoms operator’s turnaround efforts.
on.ft.com/445qYNV
The UK’s largest broadband provider issued the warning this week, which could derail the struggling telecoms operator’s turnaround efforts.
on.ft.com/445qYNV
BT’s Openreach threatens to block new TalkTalk customers over unpaid bills
[FREE TO READ] UK’s largest broadband network is turning the screw over the struggling telecoms provider’s failure to pay on time
on.ft.com
June 7, 2025 at 8:01 AM
EXC: BT’s Openreach has threatened to block new TalkTalk customers in an escalating dispute over unpaid bills.
The UK’s largest broadband provider issued the warning this week, which could derail the struggling telecoms operator’s turnaround efforts.
on.ft.com/445qYNV
The UK’s largest broadband provider issued the warning this week, which could derail the struggling telecoms operator’s turnaround efforts.
on.ft.com/445qYNV
NEW: TalkTalk has been late making payments worth millions of pounds to its suppliers, including Openreach and CityFibre, as the company struggles with cash flow issues.
This comes just months after sharesholders injected a further £235mn into the company.
on.ft.com/4jtor4z
This comes just months after sharesholders injected a further £235mn into the company.
on.ft.com/4jtor4z
TalkTalk late paying suppliers because of cash flow woes
[FREE TO READ] Broadband group misses several bill deadlines despite recent refinancing
on.ft.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:41 AM
NEW: TalkTalk has been late making payments worth millions of pounds to its suppliers, including Openreach and CityFibre, as the company struggles with cash flow issues.
This comes just months after sharesholders injected a further £235mn into the company.
on.ft.com/4jtor4z
This comes just months after sharesholders injected a further £235mn into the company.
on.ft.com/4jtor4z
NEW: Vodafone has pledged £1.5bn towards improving its UK mobile network this year upon the completion of the merger with Three.
However, the company's 2025 results were dampened by its German operation, which shed over 50% of its TV customers last year.
www.ft.com/content/ab9c...
However, the company's 2025 results were dampened by its German operation, which shed over 50% of its TV customers last year.
www.ft.com/content/ab9c...
Vodafone pledges £1.5bn UK network investment this year
Chief executive Margherita Della Valle details investment plans ahead of company’s merger with rival Three
www.ft.com
May 20, 2025 at 10:11 AM
NEW: Vodafone has pledged £1.5bn towards improving its UK mobile network this year upon the completion of the merger with Three.
However, the company's 2025 results were dampened by its German operation, which shed over 50% of its TV customers last year.
www.ft.com/content/ab9c...
However, the company's 2025 results were dampened by its German operation, which shed over 50% of its TV customers last year.
www.ft.com/content/ab9c...
Reposted by Kieran Smith
carp-ing from the sidelines
May 19, 2025 at 8:04 AM
carp-ing from the sidelines
EXC: BT’s involvement in TNT Sports is set to be no more…
A deal to sell the company’s remaining 50% stake to Warner Bros is set to close as soon as next week, putting an end to the telecoms giant’s decade-long experiment in sports broadcasting.
W/ @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4mlkJws
A deal to sell the company’s remaining 50% stake to Warner Bros is set to close as soon as next week, putting an end to the telecoms giant’s decade-long experiment in sports broadcasting.
W/ @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4mlkJws
BT nears deal to sell TNT Sports stake to Warner Bros Discovery
[FREE TO READ] Deal could be announced as early as next week that would bring telecoms group’s involvement in sports rights to a close
on.ft.com
May 17, 2025 at 8:22 AM
EXC: BT’s involvement in TNT Sports is set to be no more…
A deal to sell the company’s remaining 50% stake to Warner Bros is set to close as soon as next week, putting an end to the telecoms giant’s decade-long experiment in sports broadcasting.
W/ @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4mlkJws
A deal to sell the company’s remaining 50% stake to Warner Bros is set to close as soon as next week, putting an end to the telecoms giant’s decade-long experiment in sports broadcasting.
W/ @danielthomasldn.bsky.social
on.ft.com/4mlkJws
NEW: BT to carve out new ‘international’ unit with over 8,000 staff as the company refocuses on it’s U.K. operations.
The company is open to a deal for its international wing, whether that be a sale or a tie-up with another operator.
on.ft.com/3GQnmGD
The company is open to a deal for its international wing, whether that be a sale or a tie-up with another operator.
on.ft.com/3GQnmGD
BT to carve out new ‘international’ unit as group refocuses on UK
[FREE TO READ] FTSE 100 telecoms company considers potential sale of non-UK operations
on.ft.com
May 15, 2025 at 1:36 PM
NEW: BT to carve out new ‘international’ unit with over 8,000 staff as the company refocuses on it’s U.K. operations.
The company is open to a deal for its international wing, whether that be a sale or a tie-up with another operator.
on.ft.com/3GQnmGD
The company is open to a deal for its international wing, whether that be a sale or a tie-up with another operator.
on.ft.com/3GQnmGD
Great to speak on the FT News Briefing about Doordash’s deal to buy UK food delivery company Deliveroo this morning.
Listen here!
t.co/KRlvvLDrQC
Listen here!
t.co/KRlvvLDrQC
https://on.ft.com/4k2fWhA
t.co
May 8, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Great to speak on the FT News Briefing about Doordash’s deal to buy UK food delivery company Deliveroo this morning.
Listen here!
t.co/KRlvvLDrQC
Listen here!
t.co/KRlvvLDrQC
EXC: TalkTalk shed over 400,000 customers last year as the heavily indebted company battled the rise of alternative broadband providers.
Story here: on.ft.com/4k5kgwC
Story here: on.ft.com/4k5kgwC
TalkTalk sheds customers as indebted telecoms group battles altnets
Sales and profits decline at UK broadband provider as it faces intensifying competition
www.ft.com
May 6, 2025 at 1:15 PM
EXC: TalkTalk shed over 400,000 customers last year as the heavily indebted company battled the rise of alternative broadband providers.
Story here: on.ft.com/4k5kgwC
Story here: on.ft.com/4k5kgwC
SCOOP: BT has agreed a deal to sell the remainder of its Italian business to local provider Retelit, as CEO Allison Kirkby continues to refocus the company on its UK operations.
Read free here: on.ft.com/4jnxJjz
Read free here: on.ft.com/4jnxJjz
BT agrees deal to sell remainder of its Italian business
[FREE TO READ] UK telecoms group enters preliminary agreement to sell stake in BT Italia to Retelit
on.ft.com
April 23, 2025 at 10:08 AM
SCOOP: BT has agreed a deal to sell the remainder of its Italian business to local provider Retelit, as CEO Allison Kirkby continues to refocus the company on its UK operations.
Read free here: on.ft.com/4jnxJjz
Read free here: on.ft.com/4jnxJjz
Reposted by Kieran Smith
European telecom groups line up deals in hope of looser merger rules.
One veteran telecoms M&A lawyer said that: “Once the commission green lights one major deal, we’ll see a wave of consolidation.”
With @kieranjsmith.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/0834...
One veteran telecoms M&A lawyer said that: “Once the commission green lights one major deal, we’ll see a wave of consolidation.”
With @kieranjsmith.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/0834...
European telecom groups line up deals in hope of looser merger rules
Executives believe new competition chief and bloc’s push for growth will lead to change
www.ft.com
April 22, 2025 at 6:44 AM
European telecom groups line up deals in hope of looser merger rules.
One veteran telecoms M&A lawyer said that: “Once the commission green lights one major deal, we’ll see a wave of consolidation.”
With @kieranjsmith.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/0834...
One veteran telecoms M&A lawyer said that: “Once the commission green lights one major deal, we’ll see a wave of consolidation.”
With @kieranjsmith.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/0834...
NEW: A top Trump official has told Europe its time to choose between US or Chinese communications tech.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr told those concerned about signing deals with Elon Musk’s Starlink to “wait for the CCP alternative, then you’ll be really worried.”
on.ft.com/42J1gOt
FCC Chair Brendan Carr told those concerned about signing deals with Elon Musk’s Starlink to “wait for the CCP alternative, then you’ll be really worried.”
on.ft.com/42J1gOt
April 15, 2025 at 5:53 AM
NEW: A top Trump official has told Europe its time to choose between US or Chinese communications tech.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr told those concerned about signing deals with Elon Musk’s Starlink to “wait for the CCP alternative, then you’ll be really worried.”
on.ft.com/42J1gOt
FCC Chair Brendan Carr told those concerned about signing deals with Elon Musk’s Starlink to “wait for the CCP alternative, then you’ll be really worried.”
on.ft.com/42J1gOt
NEW: UK start-ups are increasingly considering switching their headquarters to US in a search for growth as funding for British businesses falls to a post-pandemic low.
Experts warn the U.K. could lose its brightest talent if more isn’t done to encourage them to stay.
on.ft.com/3GiRh9S
Experts warn the U.K. could lose its brightest talent if more isn’t done to encourage them to stay.
on.ft.com/3GiRh9S
UK start-ups consider switch to US as funding falls to post-pandemic low
[FREE TO READ] Leading British tech groups explore moving headquarters in effort to tap deep-pocketed American investors
on.ft.com
April 13, 2025 at 9:44 AM
NEW: UK start-ups are increasingly considering switching their headquarters to US in a search for growth as funding for British businesses falls to a post-pandemic low.
Experts warn the U.K. could lose its brightest talent if more isn’t done to encourage them to stay.
on.ft.com/3GiRh9S
Experts warn the U.K. could lose its brightest talent if more isn’t done to encourage them to stay.
on.ft.com/3GiRh9S
EXC: Sky has reiterated its commitment to use CityFibre’s network for some of its 5.7 million broadband customers.
The broadcaster met CityFibre’s lenders last week as they sought reassurances over Sky’s plans before deciding whether to give the “altnet” £1.5bn in extra financing.
on.ft.com/3G9g1Bk
The broadcaster met CityFibre’s lenders last week as they sought reassurances over Sky’s plans before deciding whether to give the “altnet” £1.5bn in extra financing.
on.ft.com/3G9g1Bk
Sky reiterates commitment to CityFibre deal in boost to £1.5bn fundraising
[FREE TO READ] Lenders to the UK’s largest altnet seek reassurance over broadband partnership announced last year
on.ft.com
April 7, 2025 at 7:16 AM
EXC: Sky has reiterated its commitment to use CityFibre’s network for some of its 5.7 million broadband customers.
The broadcaster met CityFibre’s lenders last week as they sought reassurances over Sky’s plans before deciding whether to give the “altnet” £1.5bn in extra financing.
on.ft.com/3G9g1Bk
The broadcaster met CityFibre’s lenders last week as they sought reassurances over Sky’s plans before deciding whether to give the “altnet” £1.5bn in extra financing.
on.ft.com/3G9g1Bk