BTwatch News – Page 51
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Network & InfrastructureBT puzzles over end-to-end quantum security
Optical expert optimistic about upcoming commercial availability of QKD and “global” satellite distribution of crypto keys. How to protect the terrestrial “bit in the middle” against quantum-computing hacks still uncertain. Due diligence needed on Arqit’s QuantumCloud. Lord confident UK can tap into EU funding, despite Brexit.
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PeopleFairhead added to BT Chair candidate list — report
Former International Trade Minister and HSBC Chair Rona Fairhead has emerged as a contender to replace the outgoing Jan du Plessis. Shortlist-creation reportedly still in its early stages.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach doubles rural fibre targets
Infrastructure business targets six million premises passed with full-fibre by 2025, aided by recruitment drive and enhanced investment. 4.8 million total premises passed so far, but no word on rural progress. Collaboration with government and fellow builders key to hitting goals.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT taps into Salesforce on enterprise CX
BT’s Amit Sharma provides insights into the Group’s collaboration with Salesforce on the implementation of Open APIs. Aim is to create a more automated, digitally-led customer experience for enterprises. Project sees adoption of iterative approach, with less ‘big bang’.
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PremiumBT people moves: new Director of Healthcare to lead NHS drive
Sultan Mahmud brought in to lead on NHS partnership and estate digitalisation, drawing on experience as innovation guru in NHS Trusts. Strategy & Transformation team appointments at Consumer. Ex-Vodafone exec appointed Group Treasury Director.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT heads to the quantum cloud with Arqit
Group backs QuantumCloud developed by UK startup, which purports to provide QKD security protection to end-point devices over the cloud. BT named exclusive reseller of Arqit’s products in the UK.
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InterviewOpenreach Tech team powers UK fibre build
CTIO Colin Lees shares impact of tech overhaul on network build. More effort on provisioning and repair in three-year transformation project. Openreach owns IT and Network strategy decisions; BT Digital and BT Networks are key suppliers. Three-supplier strategy for FTTP advances with Adtran, Huawei and Nokia.
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PremiumDestination: new BT; ETA 2026
Jansen again evangelising glorious digital future: five-year timescale reiterated, with promises of peak fibre investment passing and financial nirvana arriving. Stability predicted for FY21–22. Investors more interested in gruel on today’s menu rather than jam promised tomorrow. The court of public opinion may ultimately rule on five-year tax dodge. ...
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Public AffairsBT re-enters union talks, with strike action looming large
BT gets “serious” in negotiations with CWU and is said to have halted redundancies — for now. Union looking to secure assurances on job security for “all” members. Proposed ballot to go ahead in early-June if talks come to nothing.
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PeopleInglis out as BT continues Board refresh
Another Board change as Mike Inglis, six-year Non-Executive Director, readies for his departure later this year. Sara Weller to (partly) fill his shoes on committees.
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Suppliers & SCMBT buys into blockchain-based vendor monitoring group
Tech-led transformation of telco’s procurement operations continues via adoption of IBM-backed Trust Your Supplier system. Group joins Vodafone, DT, and Verizon in backing new scheme. Move support category-aligned setup of standalone ProcureCo in Dublin.
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Network & InfrastructureBT warns “Quantum Apocalypse” might happen in 2024
Optical research expert says quantum computers could crack current public-key cryptosystems within a few years. Ubiquitous fibre connectivity particularly vulnerable to attack. BT sees QKD — “fighting quantum with quantum” — as key in safeguarding national critical infrastructure.
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Products & ServicesVena: BT launches “smart” broadcast network
BT Media & Broadcast division unveils Vena as end-to-end broadcast platform. Enabling remote production at core of new service, reflecting expedited industry-wide transition during pandemic. Two “major broadcasters” already on the books. Evolution pending in existing Media & Broadcast partnerships.
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Network & InfrastructureOpenreach offers a hand in all-IP migration
InfraCo launches Call Waiting List as part of analogue shutdown educational campaign. Customers encouraged to sign up for guidance and advice on digital migration, in bid to hang up analogue lines by the end of 2025.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT edges towards virtual reality
Group engagement in multiple digital twin projects signals rising interest in services that exploit new AR, VR, and mixed reality technologies.
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Products & ServicesPlusnet set to join FTTP party
BT-owned service provider to roll out FTTP-based broadband offering later in 2021, with “new” wireless router on the way too.
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Consumer (B2C)Consumer moves up a gear on customer support
Bridget Lea keen to enhance engagement with customers, at home or in-store. New ‘door-to-door’ device repair service set for launch. Division attempting to ensure service resilience, with post-pandemic consumer habits under watchful eye.
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Partnerships & AlliancesBT Wholesale opens Partner Plus programme
New programme launched with myriad growth opportunities attached. Much in-demand brand-association rights promised for those deemed “eligible”. Long-time partner Spitfire named as Wholesale’s first “Elite” partner.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Group: Better Workplace updates
4-3-3 update; Belfast office set for refurbishment; and Ofcom chair position remains open.
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PremiumElsewhere in BT Consumer: planning law change welcomed
Pricing revelations bring negative publicity; EE way down in customer satisfaction survey; UK government works to facilitate network expansion.