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You are here: Home Page > News & events > News > 2008

UK firms feel in the dark over BT’s £10 billion network upgrade, 21CN

True network choice for UK business telecoms is clouded by poor communication over 21CN
Ownership of telecom infrastructure seen as critical by firms
ntl:Telewest Business urges BT to update businesses on its 21CN network rollout progress

9 April, 2008. UK businesses feel in the dark over the details of BT’s £10 billion Next Generation communications network project, 21CN, according to research conducted for ntl:Telewest Business, part of the Virgin Media group. While BT’s project, which will see its entire UK network replaced, is due for full completion in 2011, a poll of business communications buyers undertaken for ntl:Telewest Business showed that three in five firms are unaware of 21CN.

Many firms are confused about the networks that are available to carry their phone, data and internet traffic. With 77 per cent of telecoms managers questioned aware that BT, the former monopoly provider, runs a UK-wide network and 11 per cent citing ntl:Telewest Business as having a UK-wide network, the survey highlighted low awareness of who is actually responsible for the networks that provide telecoms services. Yet three in five said the telco’s ownership of its own network infrastructure was a critical factor for telecoms services.

This was mirrored by responses to questions about other deregulated UK markets. More than 80 per cent failed to identify that the National Grid is responsible for the UK’s gas and electricity infrastructure, while 62 per cent were unaware that Network Rail maintains the UK’s rail tracks.

“BT has been unclear over the details of 21CN and what it means to business. It has committed to creating a Next Generation UK-wide Network by 2011 but is being coy with the details, whereas we’ve already rolled out our Next Generation Network and it reaches business premises in cities and towns the length and breadth of the country,” said Stephen Beynon, MD of ntl:Telewest Business.“

Stephen Beynon

When quizzed about what BT was promising with its Next Generation Network, 61 per cent of network purchasers cited improved network speed. However, recognition of the improvements to existing technology services are hazier, just 35 per cent cited increased efficiencies, 27 per cent believed it would improve networked IT services, 18 per cent identified true convergence for voice and data services, and just two per cent believed it would enable a mobile workforce.

“21CN is a massive project akin to the engineering feat of digging the channel tunnel, but although BT may be fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities it is doing businesses a disservice by keeping them in the dark. Many firms do care about the sophistication and speed of the network that connects their doorsteps to the outside world because they’re so dependent on it. We have a three-year technological lead over BT with a network that brings Next Generation services directly to most business premises,” said Mr Beynon.

ntl:Telewest Business, offers the only alternative UK-wide fixed-line telecommunications network to BT, and has already upgraded it to Next Generation Network technology to deliver new levels of sophistication and speed. With more than 38,000 street cabinets covering more than 190 cities and towns, ntl:Telewest Business can connect most businesses in the UK directly to its network.

The importance of Next Generation Network infrastructure is getting through to businesses though. It was seen as an important purchasing consideration by 55 per cent of telecom and IT managers when evaluating their telecom contracts, which typically run for three years. Yet only 27 per cent believed that BT 21CN would be delivered by 2011, the deadline that BT has set itself.

Network and telecom managers were questioned over which technological enhancements their company would most benefit from by switching to a Next Generation Network. Enough bandwidth was ranked the number one benefit with 86 per cent. Availability of voice, data, video on any device at any time came in second place with 67 per cent. Sharing your contact directory across your work phone, personal phone, PDA and computer scored third place with 63 per cent. Moving seamlessly between the written and spoken word on a call scored 54 per cent.

“It is no surprise that improved network bandwidth was the most widely recognised benefit. The delivery of a true super-highway is now synonymous with Next Generation Networks. Business users need to understand what this bandwidth means for them - it can essentially transform the way they operate and ultimately allow them to introduce new services and applications that drive commercial success. However, it is not just about how sophisticated the network is. Customer service is still king in the telecommunications market and having key account management teams on the doorsteps of businesses across the UK is just as important as our network,” said Mr Beynon.

Note to editors:

2Europe interviewed 200 telecom purchasers for ntl:Telewest Business across public sector, finance, retail and media organisations, with between 50 and 500+ employees, between 5 and 18 March, 2008.

For further information on Wednesday 9^th April visit: http://www.showmethelight.co.uk/

About ntl:Telewest Business

ntl:Telewest Business has the most technically advanced of the UK’s two national networks. Its vast nation-wide Next Generation Network provides businesses, public sector organisations and service providers across the UK with a complete portfolio of advanced data, internet and voice services. The £13billion network is flexible, scaleable and is already built out to more than 38,000 street cabinets across the UK.

As part of a commitment to deliver superior customer service, ntl:Telewest Business sales and support teams are located in close proximity to its customers in over 40 centres across the UK. ntl:Telewest Business is trusted to provide critical communications to high profile customers including: Birmingham City Council, Yorkshire Water and EasyJet.

To subscribe to our press releases please visit: http://www.ntltelewestbusiness.co.uk/feeds. For further information go to http://www.ntltelewestbusiness.co.uk/