LAS VEGAS, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- British Telecommunications plc
(BT) (NYSE: BTY), a global IT and networking services company, today announced
that it is to partner with Las Vegas-based Switch Communications Group, to
offer local and global network solutions to Las Vegas and US gaming companies.
The announcement was made at Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the pre-eminent
show for the worldwide gaming-entertainment industry, taking place in Las
Vegas from 5-7 October.
As part of the agreement announced today, BT will purchase hosting space
within the Nevada NAP(TM) facility managed by Switch Communications Group.
The site brings together 21 telecommunications providers at a location
away from the natural disasters that can loom over many areas of the western
United States. However, by introducing this facility alongside BT's extensive
global Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) backbone, BT will provide gaming
companies with a business resilient telecommunications exchange that combines
state of the art network solutions, disaster recovery and competitive pricing.
The partnership will enable BT to offer gaming companies throughout Nevada
local hosting and connectivity solutions, video streaming and the ability to
roll-out network connections for gaming companies across the US and worldwide.
This will be part of a total technology solution that will also include BT's
wireless, security and network products and services.
At a time when locations such as the UK and Macau, China, are opening up
their gaming sectors to increased competition, BT's presence at the Nevada
NAP(TM) represents a significant opportunity for local gaming companies
looking to expand or integrate operations overseas.
Both primary services and disaster recovery capabilities operate out of
the Nevada NAP, with telecommunications companies able to bid to sell
bandwidth -- often at significantly cheaper prices than other areas of the
country.
Paul Harrison, vice president, BT Travel and Leisure North America, said:
"BT has placed a stake in the ground today, providing local gaming solutions
to local gaming companies. We are delighted to be partnering with Switch, and
through the Nevada NAP(TM), BT is able to offer a complete networking solution
to Las Vegas-based companies, whether it be within Nevada, within the United
States or anywhere in the world. BT's international backbone and global
networking expertise provides the opportunity for gaming companies to move
seamlessly from local to global, as their business demands it."
Rob Roy, CEO of Switch Communications Group continued: "Switch's
partnership with BT reflects the growing globalization of the gaming industry
as well as the ever increasing need for secure communications. By partnering
with us, BT is establishing an important local foot-hold in their global
operations while Switch Communications Group has access to the broad range of
BT's capabilities across the ICT space, allowing the company to extensively
enhance the range of services to its Gaming customers. We look forward to a
long and successful partnership".
BT and Switch are already in negotiations with a number of US gaming
companies to create network connectivity between their Las Vegas operations
and operations in Macau, China -- just 40 miles west of Hong Kong. It is
predicted that Macau casinos are expected to bring in several US$ billion in
total gaming revenues during 2004.
Today's announcement with Switch is part of a strategic decision by BT to
focus on the US gaming market and complements another partnership, also
announced today, with strategic gaming consultants, WhiteSand Consulting.
BT will also outline its latest propositions and supporting technologies for
the US gaming industry, focusing on improving the gaming customer experience
and the gaming company's operational effectiveness through wireless
technologies, such as Wi-Fi, security solutions and network-centric IT
communications.
In addition, BT's Global Inward Investment division provides a complete
investment package for gaming companies looking to invest in the UK or
overseas. The UK Department of Culture is planning to bring legislation before
Parliament, expected to become law in April 2005, which will see a complete
overhaul of the UK gaming industry. Multi-billion US$ investment is expected
to flow into UK casino development in the five years following deregulation.
Organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, Global
Gaming Expo (G2E) hosts up to 15,000 delegates and 650 exhibiting companies.
BT can be found at booth 6355 for the duration of the show.
About BT
BT Group plc is the holding company for an integrated group of
communications businesses and is listed on stock exchanges in London and New
York. British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT
Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions
serving customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Its principal
activities include network centric Information and Communications Technology
(ICT) solutions, local, national and international telecommunications
services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services.
BT consists principally of three lines of business:
BT Global Services, providing ICT services internationally to meet the
needs of multi-site organisations. BT Global Services operates in
136 countries and also offers international carrier services.
BT Retail, providing fixed and mobile communications services and
solutions to over 20 million business and residential customers in the UK. It
is also a leading UK internet services provider.
BT Wholesale, providing network services and solutions within the UK to
more than 600 fixed and mobile operators and service providers including the
provision of broadband, private circuits and PSTN.
In the year ended 31 March 2004, BT Group's turnover was over
18,519 million pounds Sterling with profit before goodwill amortisation,
exceptional items and taxation of 2,013 million pounds.
For more information, visit http://www.btplc.com
SOURCE British Telecommunications plc
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Related links:
http://www.btplc.com
CONTACT:
Paul Fisher of Axiom Communications
Management for BT, +44-1285-713-776, or Cell: +44-7733-224850,
pfisher@axiomcomms.com; or Eileen Connolly of BT Americas Public
Relations, Cell: +1-908-410-1419, eileen.connolly@btna.com; or
Miranda Duff of BT Americas Public Relations, Cell:
+1-571-243-8868, miranda.duff@cox.net
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