BT Awards Contract to Cisco to Deliver IP Next Generation Network Infrastructure for 21st Century Network

Cisco to Supply BT’s IP Core and Metro Area Networks

LONDON, UK, March 6, 2006 - Cisco Systems® and BT Group today announced the completion of contract negotiations for the supply of Cisco® Internet Protocol Next Generation Network (IP NGN) technologies in the core and metro area network domains in BT’s 21st Century Network (21CN).

Cisco IP NGN solutions for BT’s 21CN will help accelerate network convergence and provide a cost-effective, intelligent platform to deliver innovative ’triple-play’ voice, video and data services. Over the past ten months, significant progress has been made in extensive tests with BT involving Cisco and other 21CN vendors. In order to further support this programme, Cisco is opening a $10 million IP NGN test facility in the United Kingdom to provide a carrier-scale environment for architecture verification and validation, and assistance in developing and testing 21CN solutions.

BT Wholesale chief executive Paul Reynolds said: “With 21CN, BT and our suppliers are leading the world in next generation networks. Where we go with 21CN, others will follow, and the experience gained and expertise developed in this transformation of BT’s network will set the standard for other NGN deployments. We’re moving forward strongly with world class suppliers, and the first customers in the UK will start enjoying services over 21CN within 12 months.”

“BT’s 21st Century Network reflects the vision and investment that is driving innovation and growth in the telecommunications industry,” said Chris Dedicoat, president of Cisco Systems, European Markets. “Cisco is proud to be working with BT and embarking on the next leg of this exciting journey together. We are helping to create one of the most advanced networks in the world, a network that will contribute to the competitiveness and economic health of the UK.”

Cisco Carrier Ethernet technologies, with capabilities to deliver multiple services for consumers and businesses, will provide Ethernet aggregation at the BT 21CN metro nodes. Cisco MGX® media gateways at the BT 21CN metro nodes will support public switched telephone network (PSTN) traffic. The Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System featuring Cisco IOS® XR operating system will be deployed in the high-capacity backbone network for BT 21CN, providing the needed capacity for converged voice, video, data and mobility solutions to consumer and business users.

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