InfoWorld 100 Awards Recognize BT's 21st Century Network

    NEW YORK, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- BT has been announced as a winner of
 IDG's InfoWorld 100 awards for 2005. BT was recognized for its 21st Century
 Network  (21CN), one of the most ambitious network transformation projects in
 the communications world today and one of the largest single procurement
 programs ever in the communications industry.  Through 21CN, BT will deliver
 its vision of a converged, multimedia world where customers can access any
 communications service from any device, anywhere, at broadband speed.
     The annual InfoWorld 100 awards honor the corporate IT projects that
 demonstrate the most creative use of cutting-edge technologies to further
 their business goals. To be considered, projects must stretch beyond the
 typical, off-the-shelf solution, using multiple technologies in innovative
 ways to serve well-defined business goals.
     "IT departments continue to learn hard lessons about business realities
 and realistic ROI," said Eric Knorr, executive editor-at-large. "The InfoWorld
 100 provides a forum for IT managers to get the recognition they deserve for
 smart projects from an audience of their peers."
     BT will invest up to 10 billion pound Sterling (USD $18 billion) over the
 next 5 years in 21CN, creating the enabling infrastructure for growth at BT
 underpinning the company's strategy to deliver information communications
 technology, mobility and broadband services.
     "BT is driving the future of innovation through the 21CN network
 transformation, which is unprecedented in both size and scope. By moving to an
 IP-based converged infrastructure globally, BT will reduce costs and
 complexity in the network and will be able to deliver a wide range of new
 converged communications to businesses, consumers and the wider telecoms
 industry.  21CN represents an exciting time for BT -- it will accelerate our
 transformation from a traditional telecoms company to the number one global
 networked IT services company" said Matt Bross, CTO, BT.
     InfoWorld's Special Report, announcing the 2005 winners is available at:
 http://www.infoworld.com/3573.
 
     For more information on BT's 21CN, go to:
 http://www.btwholesale.com/application?origin=children.jsp&event=bea.portal.fr
 amework.internal.refresh&pageid=wide_article_new&nodeId=navigation/node/data/o
 ur_business/hot_topics/21cn
 
     About BT
     BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions
 serving customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific.  Its principal
 activities include networked IT services, local, national and international
 telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products
 and services.
     BT consists principally of three lines of business:
 
     * BT Retail, providing a comprehensive range of communications and related
       services to more than 20 million UK consumers and businesses.
     * BT Wholesale, providing network services and solutions within the UK to
       more than 600 fixed and mobile operators and service providers including
       the provision of broadband and private circuits.
     * BT Global Services, providing networked IT services to meet the needs of
       multi-site organisations globally.  BT Global Services operates in more
       than 130 countries and also offers international carrier services.
 
     From January 2006, there will be a fourth business called Openreach.  This
 business will be responsible for the nationwide local BT network which covers
 the "first mile" of wires that connects homes and businesses across the UK to
 their service providers.  Openreach will provide communications providers with
 services and products associated with that network.
     In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group's turnover was 18,623 million
 pounds with profit before taxation of 2,354 million pounds.
 
     BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. British
 Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and
 encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.
     For more information, visit http://www.bt.com/aboutbt
     A wide selection of BT images are available for download via the image
 library at http://www.vismedia.co.uk.
 
     About InfoWorld Media Group
     InfoWorld Media Group helps senior technologists connect technology and
 business strategy for maximum impact at their organizations. Through
 integrated channels including online, events, demand generation and a weekly
 print magazine, InfoWorld reaches the most influential senior-level
 information technologists -- those who drive their enterprises' strategies and
 technology purchases. Powered by a continued investment in an independent Test
 Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide both hands-on analysis and
 evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging
 technologies and products. Visit InfoWorld at http://www.infoworld.com.
 
     About International Data Group (IDG)
     International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media,
 research, and event company. A privately-held company, IDG publishes more than
 300 magazines and newspapers including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld,
 GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. The company
 features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites with more than
 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170
 computer-related events worldwide including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo(R),
 Macworld Conference & Expo(R), DEMO(R), and IDC Directions. IDC provides
 global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company
 information is available at http://www.idg.com.
 
 

SOURCE  BT Group plc