BT appoints Allison Kirkby as CEO

BT has officially announced the appointment of Allison Kirkby as its new chief executive.

Kirkby will succeed Philip Jansen and is expected to assume the role by the end of January 2024 at the latest.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the next chief executive of BT Group. BT is such an important company for the UK, and our many customers both in the UK and internationally and is uniquely placed to help everyone benefit from the rapid advances in...

31 July 2023 | 5G

BT and OneWeb use LEO satellites to connect rural island

BT and OneWeb have successfully brought high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to Lundy Island, North Devon, marking a significant milestone in providing reliable connectivity to remote locations.

Lundy Island, situated 19 kilometres off the coast of North Devon, has long struggled with limited access to the internet. However, the recent partnership between BT and OneWeb has introduced a game-changing solution that leverages cutting-edge satellite technology to bridge the...

21 July 2023 | Broadband

BT to find new CEO amid takeover rumours

BT CEO Philip Jansen has revealed his plans to step down from his position, sparking rumours of a possible takeover bid for the telecommunications company.

BT stated that Jansen would depart at an "appropriate moment" within the next 12 months. 

The news comes as BT intensifies efforts with advisors Robert Warsaw and Goldman Sachs to strengthen its takeover defence strategy, amidst speculations of interest from Deutsche Telekom, which currently holds a 12 percent...

10 July 2023 | Broadband

Ofcom launches BT investigation after emergency calls disruption

Ofcom has launched an investigation into BT following a national issue that disrupted national emergency services calls on June 25th.

On that day, individuals across the country were unable to connect with emergency services by dialling 999, as advised by the police, fire, and ambulance departments. Instead, they were instructed to call alternative numbers such as the non-emergency 101 line.

According to Ofcom's regulations, BT and other service providers are obligated...

28 June 2023 | Networks

BT launches UK’s first 5G-enabled, interactive simulation experience

BT has launched immersive spaces for business and public sector customers – creating the UK market’s first 5G-enabled interactive simulation experience.

Launched in partnership with Immersive Interactive, BT Immersive Spaces simulate real-life environments within an internal or external room, or mobile unit – to create an interactive immersive experience.

The fully immersive rooms are connected to the EE mobile network, using cameras and HD projectors to bring...

26 May 2023 | 5G

BT launches Fortinet-secured SD-WAN service

BT has announced the launch of a new all-in-one networking and security service that will enable its business and public sector customers to manage their connectivity across multiple sites.

The service will bring together SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and security in one place. It will be fully managed by BT’s expert team, reducing cyber risk and supporting customers in moving data and applications into the cloud. The service is purpose-built to support retailers better in meeting customer...

11 May 2023 | Networks

BT is reportedly looking for a new CEO

According to reports, BT Group CEO Philip Jansen may be leaving his position.

BT Group includes Openreach, EE, and Plusnet. Sources for the Mail on Sunday claim that BT Group has begun searching for a replacement for Jansen, who has held the position since 2018.

During his tenure, Jansen has focused on expanding the rollout of Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) across the UK, reduced the company's focus on the pay-TV market, and undertook a significant rebranding across...

27 March 2023 | 5G

EE expands 5G as part of renewed drive to improve rural connectivity

Cows in a field in Scotland.

EE has disclosed new details of its nationwide investment to connect the UK to 5G, with the technology reaching hundreds of rural communities across the UK for the first time.

A series of new innovations that will boost the range, resilience and energy efficiency of mobile connectivity in the years ahead have also been unveiled.

5G rollout windfall for rural communities

EE’s 5G network, which already reaches nearly every major UK town and city as well as...

14 February 2023 | 5G

BT and Stratospheric Platforms will test beaming 5G from aircraft

BT is partnering with Stratospheric Platforms (SPL) to test beaming 5G from a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) aircraft.

The duo hopes the project will provide a solution to a key challenge of mobile connectivity: providing coverage to the most rural and difficult-to-reach areas.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with SPL to start realising the huge potential of HAPS aircraft to further strengthen our UK 4G and 5G network technology leadership,” said Tim...

31 January 2023 | 5G

European telecoms firms call for web giants to contribute to soaring network costs

European telecoms companies have called on the world's web giants to contribute financially to the increasing costs of maintaining internet networks.

16 chief executives of telecoms firms, including BT, Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom, released a joint statement this week, in which they said the likes of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Netflix should be made to pay some of the soaring costs for the huge amount of global internet traffic they carry on their telecoms...

28 September 2022 | Networks