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Swedish operator Telia is planning to cut around 900 jobs by the end of the year as part of what it calls a "localization" drive targeting 1 billion Swedish kronor (US$100 million) in annual gross savings. If all goes to plan, most of the redundancies – approximately 280 – will occur at its Finland offices, though its employees in Sweden, Norway, Lithuania and Estonia will also be affected. As well as the job cuts, Telia also intends to transfer around 220 roles from the common Technology division to individual country units. The company expects the overhaul to incur restructuring charges of approximately SEK600 million ($60 million) in Q4 2026.
It's not Telia's first attempt at cutting costs through organizational restructuring – in December 2024 the company underwent a "change program" that saw the axing of 3,000 jobs and the introduction of a more decentralized way of working. (See Eurobites: Telia completes job-shedding 'change program'.)
Inwit shareholders consider buyout
The major shareholders in Inwit are preparing to launch a buyout of the Italian towers company, according to a Reuters report (paywall may apply) citing two people close to the matter. The report says that the two main shareholders, French private equity firm Ardian and investment vehicle Oak Holdings, are discussing a potential bid with banks. Abu Dhabi investment firm Mubadala is expected to take a stake in Inwit as part of the deal, the report added. Inwit has had a difficult year, with Telecom Italia and Fastweb+Vodafone both attempting to bail out of contracts with the towerco. (See Eurobites: Now it's TIM's turn to bail out of Inwit towers deal and Eurobites: Fastweb+Vodafone is done with Inwit.)
Colt invests to get ready for AI surge
Colt Technology Services has announced further investment in its global network to prepare it for the next wave of AI growth and extend its tentacles across North America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Network improvements include a new point of presence in Johannesburg, deeper reach into Dubai and Turkey, and a fiber upgrade for Colt's Marseille to Milan connection. (See Colt CEO on AI, acquisitions and industry firsts for subsea fiber.)
Nokia offers PON flexibility
Nokia has launched a multi-PON line card that it says allows operators to introduce higher speeds when they feel the time is right to do so as they look to meet the data demands of the all-devouring AI monster. The 16-port 50G/25G/10G/GPON line card is built on Nokia's in-house Quillion chip and optical PON modules.
Zain wins Forbes gong
Kuwait-based Zain has won the world's best telecom employer gong from Forbes for second year in a row. Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain's vice-chairman and group CEO, said that the award reflected the company's commitment to responsible business practices, talent development and an inclusive workplace culture.
About the Author
Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading
Paul is based on the Isle of Wight, a rocky outcrop off the English coast that is home only to a colony of technology journalists and several thousand puffins.
He has worked as a writer and copy editor since the age of William Caxton, covering the design industry, D-list celebs, tourism and much, much more.
During the noughties Paul took time out from his page proofs and marker pens to run a small hotel with his other half in the wilds of Exmoor. There he developed a range of skills including carrying cooked breakfasts, lying to unwanted guests and stopping leaks with old towels.
Now back, slightly befuddled, in the world of online journalism, Paul is thoroughly engaged with the modern world, regularly firing up his VHS video recorder and accidentally sending text messages to strangers using a chipped Nokia feature phone.