EU-funded consortium hoping to accelerate commercialisation of quantum‑enabled clocks. Further expansion to the Group’s ecosystem of quantum partners.

BT turns to disruptive AI veteran in pursuit of Ambition 2030

Airtel CIO Harmeen Mehta bringing even greater AI advocacy and a ‘big tech’ frame of mind to BT’s new Digital division. Philip Jansen looking at bigger picture beyond fibre rollout as he sees Group’s future in delivering a UK platform for software‑defined services.

Innovation (R&D)

BT explores edge to “level up” latency for UK gamers

As BT’s edge strategy evolves, gaming emerges as potential use-case. BT’s Neil McRae shares latest thinking about edge business cases. Consumer edge applications more advanced than enterprise services.

M&A

BT Cornwall quietly put into liquidation

Business blighted by falling-out between BT and its local public sector partners to be wound up. Another marker of troubled public-private partnership approach to council contracts confined to past.

Network & Infrastructure

Openreach requests COVID vaccine relief

Direct talks between Openreach and government officials confirmed. COVID‑19 surge halts operations. Openreach seeks to highlight public importance of connectivity.

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BT Group

Innovation (R&D)
BT’s Pelipod stashes smart-locker growth
2016 logistics acquisition reports strong top-line increase but remains loss-making. Investment continuing to focus on development of its IoT-enabled boxes. Report follows mid‑2020 takeover by BT’s Procurement department.
Partnerships & Alliances
BT to head trials at Reading’s Arrow Drone Zone
Group targeting commercialisation of drone flights using country’s “first commercial drone corridor”. Funding delivered through four-year government initiative, but securing safety assurances for BVLOS flights first port of call. Potential benefits to healthcare vertical highlighted.
Public Affairs
eir’s fury over BT’s NI PSSN contract award reignited
BT hit with substantial fine for misinformation that may have affected the outcome of a £40m government contract. Irish operator “considering our options” on prized PSSN contract, although Ofcom found no deliberate breaches.