Our UK network today

BT has the most comprehensive communications network in the UK, with 684 local and 135 trunk processor units, more than 121 million kilometres of copper wire and more than seven million kilometres of optical fibre, and we have the most extensive IP backbone network in the UK. The network services we provide include Frame Relay, ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) and IPVPN.

Our global reach

BT has one of the broadest IP-enabled networks in Europe and our network-based services extend to and across North and South America and the Asia Pacific region, and are delivered locally through interconnect and supply agreements with regional carriers.
     As at 31 March 2005, our flagship MPLS product provided coverage and support to 72 countries from over 1,000 points of presence. MPLS revenues grew by 48% during the 2005 financial year.
     Global customer service is provided via service and network management centres around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Transforming our networks, systems and services for the twenty-first century

Our 21CN programme will lead to the simplification of BT’s complex multiple networks, making it easier for us, and other operators who interconnect with BT’s network, to deliver compelling converged services.
     The 21CN programme has three broad goals:

	to enhance the service experience, flexibility and value we provide to all our customers;
	to accelerate the delivery of innovative new products and services to market; and
	to reduce costs radically.

     Technical trials began in the 2005 financial year. For example, we launched a voice transformation trial, moving voice traffic from the traditional PSTN (public switched telecommunications network) onto an IP network.
     We made significant progress towards completing the detailed technical and architectural designs to support the implementation of 21CN.
     In April 2005, we announced the preferred suppliers that we expect will help to build and implement the 21CN. This was the culmination of two years of discussions and negotiations with over 300 potential technology suppliers and is one of the largest procurement programmes ever undertaken in the communications industry. The eight preferred suppliers chosen are: Alcatel, Ciena, Cisco, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Huawei, Lucent and Siemens. We expect to conclude contractual discussions with these preferred suppliers in summer 2005.
     A programme of industry consultation – Consult21 – was launched in the 2005 financial year to promote a shared understanding with industry of the 21CN vision and the progress we are making, giving our wholesale customers an opportunity to input and influence its development.