United Kingdom, 2005-Apr-28
Siemens Communications today announced that it has been selected as a preferred supplier by BT to provide equipment and system integration along with support services within the Metro element of BT’s innovative 21st Century Network (21CN) transformation programme.
BT has announced it expects to conclude contractual agreements with named preferred suppliers over the summer.
BT’s 21CN is a comprehensive re-development of BT's existing networks and related systems with a global IP infrastructure that carries voice, data and internet services on a single network. This will enable customers to have increased choice, control and accessibility to a wide range of feature-rich and cost-effective communications applications and services, while at the same time delivering the highest levels of flexibility, reliability and security.
Siemens Communications will assume responsibility for specific zones of the new architecture, including Carrier Ethernet products, IP routers, network technical support, initial conformance testing of multiple vendors’ equipment and its integration into BT’s new network.
Siemens Communications will also facilitate the interworking with other vendors’ equipment in other domains of the 21CN. Working together, BT and Siemens are laying foundations which will spark innovation of a new generation of communications services.
“The delivery of 21CN will position BT as the first incumbent operator in the world to move to an end-to-end IP network, and will mark a decisive shift from selling capacity, to selling fully converged value added ICT services,” explains Anton Schaaf, CTO and Member of the Group Board of Siemens Communications.
“We believe that BT and Siemens share a vision for the future of communications in all aspects of modern life – BT’s 21CN transformation programme and Siemens Communications’ LifeWorks@Com vision - to make life easier with trend-setting communication solutions - complement one another.
“We believe Siemens Communications was selected as it is recognised as providing both advanced system integration skills, along with leading edge proven, deployed technology and is a global player that embraces the new open standards world to which BT is committed.”
Welcoming the news, Graham Walker, Managing Director of Siemens Communications in the UK, said: “I am delighted that we have been chosen to be an integral part of BT’s IP revolution. We will use our unrivalled technical expertise, complementary development strategy and global reach to support BT’s business now and far into the future.
“21CN will not just place BT at the forefront of communications innovation, but the UK as a whole, enabling schools, homes and UK businesses to take advantage of the increased benefits that converged communications will bring.”
The selection as a preferred supplier to BT for the delivery of 21CN follows a series of recent wins for Siemens Communications, including: a home entertainment solution for Belgacom; Ethernet based broadband network and home entertainment solution for Advanced DataNetwork Communications (ADC) in Thailand; IP partner for KPN in the Netherlands; and VoIP solutions with Colt, Swisscom and Casema in Europe, as well as Cablevision in the US.
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 IT and networking 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 20m 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 IT and networking 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.
In the year ended 31 March 2004, BT Group’s turnover was £18,519 million with profit before goodwill amortisation, exceptional items and taxation of £2,013 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, click here.
Siemens Communications is one of the largest players in the global telecommunications industry. Siemens is the only provider in the market that offers its customers a full-range portfolio, from devices for end users to complex network infrastructures for enterprises and carriers as well as related services.
Siemens Communications is the world’s innovation leader in convergent technologies, products and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. It is the largest Group within Siemens and operates in more than 160 countries around the world.
In fiscal 2004 (year-end 30 September), its 60,000-strong workforce posted sales of approximately EUR 18 billion.
Mr. Neil Jessiman
Companycare Communications
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