BT AND ZTE ANNOUNCE RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP
BT and ZTE Corporation today announced a major new research partnership to explore the next generation of fixed line, wireless and mobile telecommunications services.
The partnership will see ZTE’s extensive knowledge of equipment and network solutions combined with BT’s world-class innovation capabilities and experience of delivering communications services in more than 170 countries worldwide.
Clive Selley, CIO BT Group said: “This is another example of BT’s commitment to open innovation – combining with outstanding partners, customers and academic bodies to develop exciting new services and constantly improve the customer experience. We’ve been very impressed with the knowledge and sophistication of ZTE’s team and, by combining our complementary strengths and expertise on a range of research projects, we expect this partnership to be very fruitful for both ourselves and our respective customers.”
“It is a privilege for ZTE to work with such a respected Tier 1 global carrier,” said Xie Daxiong, EVP and CTO, ZTE. “BT’s UK and global experience and resources are a great match for ZTE’s leadership in key fixed, wireless and device technologies, and we look forward to a close and effective research relationship.”
The agreement is the first collaboration of its kind between the two companies. BT and ZTE will look to develop international telecoms standards which drive the interoperability and convergence of global communications systems.
ZTE is a leading global producer of telecommunications networks and devices, and produces equipment for all significant telecoms standards in fixed networks, mobile networks and devices such as broadband modems (dongles), mobile handsets and tablets.
About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services, operating in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2011, BT Group’s revenue was £20,076 million with profit before taxation of £1,717 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt
About ZTE
ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21% increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.
