OneWeb to provide LEO satellite connectivity services across BT Group

BT has signed a Distribution Partner Agreement with OneWeb that will see the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite firm provide connectivity services across BT Group.

The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two companies in July. As part of the previous agreement, OneWeb promised to help BT to bridge “the last digital divides” across the UK.

BT says that satellite services form a key component of its vision to enable digital solutions anywhere...

2 November 2021 | Networks

BT launches AI-powered security platform Eagle-i

BT has launched a “transformational” security platform called Eagle-i that aims to counter rapidly increasing threats.

Over the past six months, BT has identified an increase in malware traffic of more than 50 percent. Cybercriminals are seeking to take advantage of the global shortage in security professionals and enterprises need solutions to keep pace.

Eagle-i combines AI with BT’s network insights to predict, detect, and neutralise security...

15 October 2021 | Security

Ofcom fines BT £42,500 over inaccurate information

BT Tower

UK communications regulator Ofcom has fined BT £42,500 for providing “inaccurate information” in response to an information request regarding EE’s broadband service.

The information was intended to help the regulator estimate the number of premises that would be potentially eligible to receive a 10Mbps+ broadband service under the new Universal Service Obligation (USO), which went live in March 2020.

Ofcom published the data as part of its 2019 ‘Connected...

30 July 2021 | Telecoms

BT signs agreement with UK-owned satellite operator OneWeb to improve rural connectivity

BT has signed an agreement with UK-owned low-earth orbit satellite operator OneWeb to explore how connectivity can be improved in some of the most difficult areas to reach.

OneWeb operates innovative LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites that provide high-speed, low latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities around the world. The company continues to go from strength-to-strength, despite OneWeb almost having to shutter its operations following the pulling of...

28 June 2021 | Operators

Altice takes 12.1% stake in BT due to ‘compelling’ full-fibre opportunity

French telecoms giant Altice has taken a 12.1 percent stake in BT to become the company’s largest stakeholder.

Altice, a company owned by billionaire Patrick Drahi, has established a UK subsidiary for the purposes of holding a stake in BT.

Despite acquiring such a sizable stake in BT, Altice UK says that it does not intend to make a takeover bid of the country’s largest telecoms operator.

Altice UK says its interest in BT is due to the “compelling...

10 June 2021 | Networks

EE braces for a summer of staycations with coastal coverage boost

BT-owned EE, the UK’s largest mobile operator, is preparing for a surge in summer staycations by boosting its coverage in popular coastal destinations.

After being mostly cooped up inside for over a year, a holiday is near the forefront of most people’s minds. Many aren’t yet ready to travel abroad – especially with travel advice for destinations changing at short notice – and so will be looking a little closer to home.

Marc Allera, CEO of the Consumer Division...

4 June 2021 | LTE

BT extends Skills for Tomorrow goal after smashing original target

BT is extending its Skills for Tomorrow programme after smashing its original target five years ahead of schedule.

The initiative originally aimed to help 10 million people across the UK to improve their digital skills. BT claims that it’s now reached its target and will subsequently extend the goal to reach 25 million people by the end of March 2026.

Connectivity, and being able to take full advantage of it, has been shown to be more critical than ever during the...

6 May 2021 | Telecoms

BT announces Home Essentials fibre tariff for eligible benefit claimants

BT has announced a new fibre tariff for eligible benefit claimants to help ensure that everyone can access the opportunities provided by a reliable internet connection.

The new “social tariff” is called BT Home Essentials and offers connectivity for £15/month – approximately half the cost of BT’s standard package. Over the course of a year, the new tariff will save customers around £240 compared to BT’s Fibre Essential package.

BT Home Essentials provides an...

4 May 2021 | Networks

BT proposes a £1,500 bonus for its vital frontline workers

Telecoms workers are the unsung heroes which kept the nation connected when it needed it most, and BT wants to recognise their efforts with a £1,500 bonus.

Philip Jansen, CEO of BT, commented:

“BT has made a massive contribution to the national cause over the past year: we’ve supported the NHS, families and businesses, and avoided the use of redundancy or furlough in our response to the pandemic.

Our frontline colleagues and key workers have been true heroes,...

25 March 2021 | Networks

Ofcom updates wholesale rules to accelerate the full-fibre rollout

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has updated its wholesale rules with the aim of accelerating the full-fibre rollout.

Full-fibre broadband was a key pledge of Johnson’s government but, like most plans, was somewhat derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the UK’s successful vaccine rollout enabling a cautious roadmap to lifting lockdown restrictions, the focus is now shifting to how the country can “build back better” from a virus which dithering and chaotic policymaking...

18 March 2021 | Legislation & Government