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Openreach taps Google AI to speed fibre rollout, cut emissions
Reuters· 2026-03-25 00:03
Core Insights - Openreach has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to utilize artificial intelligence for accelerating fibre broadband construction and reducing emissions from its vehicle fleet [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Technology Utilization - The collaboration employs Google's data tools to analyze operational metrics such as routes, idling, and fault patterns across Openreach's fleet of 24,000 vans, which collectively cover nearly 200 million miles (322 million km) annually [2]. - Openreach's managing director, James Tappenden, highlighted that applying Google Cloud's technologies to real operational challenges has resulted in practical and measurable benefits [2]. Group 2: Environmental Impact and Efficiency - The AI system is already contributing to reduced unnecessary travel, leading to lower fuel consumption and facilitating a quicker transition to electric vehicles, which has resulted in the elimination of approximately 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually [3]. - Openreach is also leveraging Google's AI models to map 35 million homes and national transport corridors, enabling planners to identify locations for faster installation of full-fibre lines [3]. Group 3: Investment and Expansion Goals - Openreach is committing £15 billion ($20.1 billion) to expand its fibre network to reach 25 million premises by the end of 2026 [4].
BCE's Q1 Earnings Top Despite Lower Revenues, Stock Gains on PSP Deal
ZACKS· 2025-05-09 13:45
Core Viewpoint - BCE Inc. reported a strong adjusted EPS growth in Q1 2025, exceeding expectations, despite a decline in total operating revenues and challenges in certain segments [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was C$0.68, up from C$0.44 year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 44 cents [1]. - Total operating revenues decreased by 1.3% year-over-year to C$5,930 million ($4,131 million), falling short of the consensus estimate of $4,222 million [2]. - Bell CTS segment revenues declined by 2.4% to C$5,246 million, attributed to weak demand trends [4]. Segment Analysis - Service revenues in the Bell CTS segment fell by 1.5% to C$4,488 million, impacted by declines in legacy services and price competition, although growth in mobile and IPTV subscribers helped mitigate losses [5]. - Product revenues dropped by 7.4% to C$758 million, primarily due to reduced mobile device sales to government clients and store closures [6]. - Bell Media revenues increased by 6.9% to C$775 million, driven by higher advertising and subscriber revenues [9]. Subscriber Metrics - Postpaid mobile phone net subscriber losses were 9,598, with a decline in gross activations due to market softness [7]. - Prepaid customer base grew by 9,002, improving from a net loss in the prior-year quarter, with a slight increase in churn [8]. Cash Flow and EBITDA - Operating cash flow rose by 38.8% year-over-year to $1,571 million, while free cash flow increased significantly to $798 million from $85 million [12]. - Adjusted EBITDA remained flat at C$2,558 million, with a margin improvement to 43.1% from 42.7% year-over-year [11]. Strategic Developments - BCE announced a partnership with PSP Investments to accelerate fibre infrastructure development in underserved U.S. markets, with potential commitments exceeding $1.5 billion [3]. - The company reiterated its 2025 financial guidance, expecting revenue growth between -3% and 1% and adjusted EBITDA growth between -2% and 2% [13]. Dividend and Outlook - The annual dividend was adjusted to C$1.75 per share from C$3.99, aimed at reinforcing the balance sheet amid economic uncertainty [14]. - Adjusted EPS growth is projected to range between -13% and -8% for the year [14].