Transforming our networks

Our strategy is to build innovative, software-driven global networks that provide platforms for the rapid delivery of flexible and resilient new services that transform the customer experience and enable us to operate more cost effectively. Our global 21CN (twenty-first century network) is helping to define communications networks for the future and we are investing in a flexible systems infrastructure throughout BT. At 31 March 2008, 40% of the core 21CN infrastructure had been built.

At the heart of a networked Britain
BT has the most comprehensive fixed-line communications network in the UK, with around 5,600 exchanges, 670 local and 120 trunk processor units, more than 125 million kilometres of copper wire and over 10.8 million kilometres of optical fibre, and an extensive IP backbone network.

Our global footprint
We have one of the most extensive IP-enabled networks in the world, stretching from Europe to North and South America, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific region.
     In 2008, we focused on enhancing the quality of our flagship MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) network service which provides coverage and support in 172 countries from more than 800 BT managed PoPs (points of presence) and more than 2,500 PoPs in partnership. We installed an average of more than 3,100 new customer sites a month on our MPLS network during 2008. As a result, MPLS revenue for 2008 grew by 25% to £815 million.
     Global customer service is provided via service and network management centres around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In November 2007, BT won the World Communications Association award for ‘Best Customer Care’. Widely recognised as a leading global industry event, the scheme celebrates business excellence and outstanding service.

MPLS coverage and support at March 2008