Paul Reynolds Recognised for Leadership and 21CN Vision

The award, presented to Paul at the conference in Chicago, was created to honour an executive whose vision and leadership have made significant and lasting contributions to the global communications industry.

Presenting the award, Matt Flanigan, President of the Telecommunications Industry Association and owner of Globalcomm, said: “Paul is a 'visionary' and 'industry icon' for his pioneering leadership of BT’s 21st century network programme.

"His leadership not only changed the industry’s competitive landscape but also set his company on a course of unprecedented growth – positioning it as an industry leader.

“What makes this gentleman a visionary is how he has embraced convergence in its truest, most innovative form – fixed, mobile, broadband and broadcast – to build the UK’s first ever all Internet Protocol (IP) infrastructure that will reach across more than 170 countries to create the world’s widest IP-based network.

“This accomplishment is a testament to innovation in action – and migration of this revolutionary network will take place at the end of 2006. Paul’s foresight and leadership will have effects on the global communications industry for years to come – and his strategic vision for today’s BT Wholesale is equally bold and aggressive in the face of increasing competition" said Matt.

Receiving the award, Paul said: “I am honoured to receive this award. It’s great to see BT being recognised globally as being at the forefront of innovation and leadership in our industry.”

There was a further honour for Paul – an invitation to deliver the opening keynote speech at next year’s Globalcomm conference. “I can’t think of anyone better suited to talk about the future of convergence and the powerful influence innovations like BT’s 21CN will have on our global communications industry” said Matt.