BT boosts developer productivity with Amazon’s generative AI coding assistant

BT Group's Digital unit has announced the deployment of Amazon CodeWhisperer, a generative AI coding assistant from Amazon Web Services (AWS). This marks a significant step in the company's drive for modernisation, efficiency, and improved tooling for its workforce.

CodeWhisperer provides real-time AI-powered code suggestions, from snippets to full functions, in multiple integrated development environments (IDEs). It leverages natural language comments and existing code to support...

20 February 2024 | Digital Transformation

BT updates price hike policy ahead of new regulations

BT is overhauling its policy on mid-contract price hikes ahead of strict new regulations being imposed by the UK's communications regulator Ofcom. The company said it will stop linking price rises to inflation and instead specify clearly in monetary terms what increases customers can expect. 

The move comes after Ofcom found last year that the way telecoms companies raise prices lacks transparency and can be confusing for consumers. Under BT's current model, tariffs are adjusted...

17 January 2024 | 5G

BT introduces MAUD technology for enhanced live content

BT has introduced Multicast-Assisted Unicast Delivery (MAUD), a technology aimed at revolutionising the delivery of live content over the internet.

Unlike traditional 'unicast' delivery – which relies on individual internet streams for each viewer – MAUD employs 'multicast' to group these streams into a shared one, reaching multiple viewers simultaneously.

MAUD also integrates seamlessly with player applications, eliminating the need for content service providers to...

8 January 2024 | Broadband

BT misses Huawei equipment ban deadline

The deadline set by the UK government for telecoms operators to remove Huawei equipment from their core networks has elapsed, with BT falling a bit short.

In November 2022, the government issued formal legal notices to telecoms operators – including BT – outlining their obligations to eliminate Huawei kit due to security concerns. 

The initial deadline of 28 January 2023 was later extended to 31 December 2023 as several operators expressed difficulties in...

2 January 2024 | 5G

BT offers up 1,000 iconic red phone boxes for conversions

As the iconic red phone box approaches its centenary milestone, BT is offering the chance to repurpose around 1,000 of these historic kiosks scattered across the UK.

The brainchild of architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the first rendition of the famous red phone box emerged from a design competition in 1924. However, the surge in mobile phone usage among 98 percent of the adult population has all but eliminated payphone usage nationwide.

Michael Smy, Head of Street at...

17 August 2023 | Operators

BT partners with NATS to modernise UK air traffic operations

BT has established a seven-year partnership with NATS, a leading provider of air traffic control services.

The strategic collaboration aims to bolster NATS' technological foundation, creating a robust and adaptable network architecture to support air traffic operations across the UK.

NATS currently manages a staggering 2.5 million flights annually, underscoring the critical role it plays in ensuring safe and efficient air travel. The new long-term contract with BT is...

15 August 2023 | Networks

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