January 2006
BT’s 21st century network (21CN) is the world’s most radical, ambitious and exciting next generation network implementation. It has implications for the UK communications industry. It affects everyone. That’s why BT created Consult21 in 2004. We wanted to ensure that industry had an opportunity to understand the programme and what it was trying to achieve, and more importantly, to influence it.
This year, the first end users will migrate from the legacy PSTN to an all IP 21st century network. It will happen in Cardiff and South Wales from November. BT will embrace any lessons we learn in Cardiff and deploy them as we move to bring 21CN to everyone in the UK by the end of the decade.
21CN is a journey and in 2006, we enter a very exciting phase. This bulletin has been designed to ensure that as many people in the industry have an opportunity to learn more and join us on our Countdown to Cardiff and beyond.
We hope you enjoy the bulletin and in order to make your navigation of the articles easier, we have highlighted for you those stories which relate to Consult21 and 21CN respectively.
Paul Reynolds
Chief Executive
BT Wholesale
Find out more about the proposed migration of 350,000 residential and business end users on BT’s new 21st century network through the Pathfinder programme.
BT announced in December that it has signed contracts with four of the preferred suppliers for its 21st century network (21CN) transformation programme - Ciena, Huawei, Lucent and Siemens.
An update on the industry consultation led by Consult21 to establish a ‘plan of record’ for 21CN deployment.
The finely-tuned hearing and listening skills of a team of voice quality specialists – known affectionately as the Golden Ears – are playing a key role in BT’s plans for Britain’s new 21st century network (21CN). Their mission is to ensure the high standard of quality over today’s voice network is matched when BT switches over to its internet protocol (IP)-based 21CN.
Keeping your customers informed of the new 21CN network is vital to the success of the programme. Find out how the Consult21 Customer Migration Communications working group will help.
Three trials around the UK offer a better understanding of the ‘real world’ technical and commercial implications of access fibre.
Learn more about the key issues and topics that are forming the basis for discussion between BT and the industry with Consult21 this month.
Find out the vision for the 21st century network
Mike Cook joined BT from Telewest as head of the new 21CN Customer Migration team. Here he talks to the Consult21 Bulletin about his thoughts on his new role within BT, Consult21 and working closely with industry.
BT Movio pilot reveals consumer thirst for the UK’s first broadcast digital TV to mobile service.
BT launches a new 21st century network website to keep you more informed on 21CN and Consult21 at www.btplc.com/21cn.
If you would like to know more about the work of Consult21 please see our website at www.btwholesale.com/consult21
Or if you would like to receive regular information and become more involved in the Consult21 Working Groups please contact helen.nurse@bt.com
For more information on BT’s 21st Century Network please see http://www.bt.com/21cn
Contact us
Please send your comments on the newsletter or any of the topics discussed to helen.nurse@bt.com
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