United Kingdom, 2005-Dec-22
Siemens Communications today announced that it has signed a contract to help build metro node capability for BT’s next generation 21st Century Network (21CN). 21CN will provide market leading functionality enabling BT’s customers to take advantage of a wide range of advanced feature-rich communication services.
The contract enables BT to deploy a range of Siemens-IP-products such as its Surpass hiG media gateways and carrier-class Surpass hiD Ethernet switches. It also includes the supply and integration of the full range of Juniper Networks’ routing platforms.
BT’s 21CN involves a comprehensive transformation of existing networks and related systems, to an IP infrastructure that carries voice, data and video services on a single network. The £10 billion programme over 5 years by BT is critical to the advancement of the global communications industry, and will put the UK at the forefront of technological innovation.
Graham Walker, managing director of Siemens Communications in the UK, said: “The signing of this groundbreaking contract marks a significant step towards the successful delivery of BT’s 21CN, and is the result of close collaboration between BT, Siemens and our partners.
"We believe Siemens’ LifeWorks@Com vision to make life easier with trend-setting communication solutions and BT’s 21CN vision complement one another. BT’s 21st Century Network is an example of how that combined vision can become a reality though the use of open standards which allow the seamless delivery of voice, data and video over a unified network.
“21CN keeps BT at the leading edge of communications innovation, and will also allow the UK as a whole to benefit, by enabling schools, homes and UK businesses to take advantage of the service-rich applications that converged communications bring.
“As a strategic partner, Siemens is excited at the prospect of working with BT to build what will be the world’s first truly converged network.”
About Siemens Communications
The Siemens Communications Group is one of the largest players in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers a full-line portfolio of innovative solutions for voice and data communication. Its comprehensive offerings range from devices right through to complex network infrastructures and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. It is the largest Group within the Siemens organisation and operates in more than 160 countries around the world. In fiscal 2005 (September 30), its 54,500-strong workforce posted sales of over 13 billion euros.
More about Siemens Communications at http://www.siemens.com/communications
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 with profit before taxation of £2,354 million.
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 www.bt.com/aboutbt
About Siemens in the UK
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 162 years ago. The company employs 21,122 people in the UK, including about 5,000 in the manufacturing sector. With annual revenues of £3 billion, including exports of almost £500 million, Siemens provides innovative, high-quality services and solutions to customers in a diverse range of industry sectors comprising: power, automation and control, information and communication, medical, transportation, lighting, and household.
Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany.
Ms. Sally Harrison
PR Manager, Siemens Communications
Further information
Tel: 01908 855383