BT Group

{{Main|Electrical telegraphy in the United Kingdom}}

A number of privately owned electrical telegraph companies operated in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1846 onwards. Among them were:{{cite book|last=Haigh|first=Kenneth Richardson|title=Cableships and Submarine Cables|publisher=Adlard Coles|year=1968|oclc=497380538 |page=195}}

• Electric Telegraph Company, the world's first public telegraph company, which developed a nationwide communications network
• British and Irish Magnetic Telegraph Company
• British Telegraph Company
• London District Telegraph Company
• United Kingdom Telegraph Company

The Telegraph Act 1868 passed the control of all these to the Postal Telegraphs Department of the newly formed General Post Office (GPO).{{cite web|url=http://www.terramedia.co.uk/reference/law/UK_media_law/telecom_laws.htm|publisher=Terramedia|title=UK media law|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523151027/http://www.terramedia.co.uk/reference/law/UK_media_law/telecom_laws.htm|archive-date=23 May 2017|url-status=live}} The Telegraph Act 1869 granted the GPO a monopoly over communications.{{cite web|url=https://www.gbps.org.uk/information/sources/acts/1869-08-09_Act-32-and-33-Victoria-cap-73.php|title=Telegraph Act 1869 (32 & 33 Vict c.73, 9th August 1869)|publisher=The Great British Philatelic Society|access-date=2 September 2023}}

With the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 the GPO began to provide telephone services from some of its telegraph exchanges. It was confirmed in 1880 that the 1869 Act included telephony even though the telephone had not been invented when the Act was first conceived.Campbell-Smith, D. Masters of the Post: The Authorised History of the Royal Mail. London: Penguin Books, 2011.p.193. In 1882, the Postmaster-General, Henry Fawcett started to issue licences to operate a telephone service to private businesses and the telephone system grew under the GPO in some areas and private ownership in others. The GPO's main competitor, the National Telephone Company (NTC), emerged in this market by absorbing other private telephone companies. It controlled most of telephony in Britain before the 1880 ruling on the Telegraph Act 1869 mandated a nationalised service – which was instated in 1911 prior to the absorption of the NTC into the GPO in 1912.{{cite web |title=Records created and used by the National Telephone Company Limited |url=https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/50a5d416-8fc1-3a00-9345-9f16d7b07b73 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111507/https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/50a5d416-8fc1-3a00-9345-9f16d7b07b73 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |publisher=Archives Hub}}

The trunk network was unified under GPO control in 1896 and the local distribution network in 1912. A few municipally owned services remained outside of GPO control. These were Kingston upon Hull, Portsmouth and Guernsey. Hull still retains an independent operator, Kingston Communications, though it is no longer municipally controlled.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kcomplc.com/about-us/our-history/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112125913/http://www.kcomplc.com/about-us/our-history/|url-status=dead|title=KCOM Group: Our History|archivedate=12 November 2013}}

The assets of the National Telephone Company were acquired by the UK Government to form Post Office Telephones in late 1911.{{cite web|url=https://www.britishtelephones.com/k1.htm|title=Kiosk No. 1 (K1)|publisher=British Telephones|access-date=10 January 2023}} Post Office engineers in the inter-war period had considerable expertise in both telecommunications and hearing assistive devices.{{cite journal |last=McGuire |first=Coreen Anne |date=September 5, 2019 |title=The categorisation of hearing loss through telephony in inter-war Britain |journal=History and Technology |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=138–155 |doi=10.1080/07341512.2019.1652435 |pmc=6817317 |pmid=31708691 |s2cid=202274487}} Transistors were invented by Bell Telephone Laboratories in the US in 1948, however it was not until the mid-1960s that a transistorised oscillator was introduced to make the calling sound on a telephone in the UK.{{cite web|url= https://www.britishtelephones.com/histuk.htm|title=UK Telephone History|publisher=British Telephones|access-date=10 January 2024}}

File:Telecom_Tower,_London_taken_1966_-_geograph.org.uk_-_807317.jpg, then known as the Post Office Tower, 1966 (shortly after construction)]]

In 1969 the GPO, a government department, became the Post Office, a nationalised industry separate from government. Post Office Telecommunications was set up as a division of the Post Office, in October 1969.{{cite web |title=Post Office and British Telecommunications Public Corporations |url=https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/a985c70a-8be3-3dfb-83c4-e7f127537064 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044111/https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/a985c70a-8be3-3dfb-83c4-e7f127537064 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2 March 2019 |publisher=Archives Hub}} The Post Office Act 1969 was passed to provide for greater efficiency in post and telephone services; rather than run a range of services, each organisation would be able to focus on their respective service, with dedicated management. By law, the Post Office retained the exclusive right to operate the UK national telecom network, (although since 1914 had licensed Hull City Council to operate its own local telephone network, Kingston Communications).{{cite web|url=http://www.kcomplc.com/about-us/our-history/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112125913/http://www.kcomplc.com/about-us/our-history/|url-status=dead|title=KCOM Group: Our History|archive-date=12 November 2013|access-date=6 August 2019}}

The 1970s was a period of great expansion for the Post Office. Most exchanges were modernised and expanded, and many services, such as STD and international dialling were extended. By the early 1970s, subscribers in most cities could dial direct to Western Europe, the US, and Canada; by the end of the decade, most of the world could be dialled direct. The System X digital switching platform was developed, and the first digital exchanges began to be installed.{{Cite web|title=Exhibits: System X|url=https://www.communicationsmuseum.org.uk/systemx/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=The Communications Museum Trust}} The Post Office also procured their own fleet of vans, based on the Commer FC model.{{cite web| title = Dodge Spacevan / Telecom Van (Commer PA and PB vans, Dodge K-series)| work = allpar.com | publisher = Allpar, LLC | url = http://www.allpar.com/squads/spacevan.html | access-date = 2 April 2008}}

Post Office Telecommunications researched and implemented data communications using packet switching in the 1970s, resulting in the EPSS, International Packet Switched Service, and Packet Switch Stream.{{Cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Ed |last2=Miller |first2=Chris |last3=Norton |first3=Jim |date=2017 |title=Packet Switching: The first steps on the road to the information society |url=https://www.npl.co.uk/getattachment/about-us/History/Famous-faces/Donald-Davies/UK-role-in-Packet-Switching-(1).pdf.aspx?lang=en-GB |access-date= |website=National Physical Laboratory}}

File:British Telecom 1981.svg

In 1979 the Conservatives decided that telecommunications should be fully separated from the Post Office. The British Telecom brand was introduced in 1980. On 1 October 1981, this became the official name of Post Office Telecommunications, which became a state-owned corporation independent of the Post Office under the provisions of the British Telecommunications Act 1981.{{Cite legislation UK |type=si |year=1981 |number=1274 |si=The British Telecommunications Act 1981 (Appointed Day) Order 1981 |article= |date=2 September 1981 |accessdate=5 November 2023}} In 1982 BT's monopoly on telecommunications was broken with the granting of a licence to Mercury Communications.{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1982/jun/14/mercury-communications-ltd|title=Mercury Communications Ltd|publisher=Hansard|date=14 June 1982|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043633/https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1982/jun/14/mercury-communications-ltd|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

On 19 July 1982, the Government announced its intention to sell shares in British Telecom to the public. On 1 April 1984, British Telecommunications was incorporated as a public limited company (plc) in anticipation of the passing of the Telecommunications Bill.{{cite web |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01800000/filing-history/MTEyNzAwMjQ1YWRpcXprY3g/document?format=pdf&download=0 |title=British Telecommunications plc - Certificate of Incorporation |work=Companies House |access-date=5 November 2023}} This Bill received royal assent on 12 April as the Telecommunications Act 1984, and the transfer to British Telecommunications plc from British Telecom as a statutory corporation of its business, its property, its rights and liabilities took place on 6 August 1984.{{cite web|url=https://moneyweek.com/417238/3-december-1984-bt-is-sold-off-in-a-gamble-over-privatisation/|title=3 December 1984: BT is sold off in a gamble over privatisation|date=3 December 2015|publisher=Money Week|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044028/https://moneyweek.com/417238/3-december-1984-bt-is-sold-off-in-a-gamble-over-privatisation/|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite legislation UK |type=si |year=1984 |number=876 |si=The Telecommunications Act 1984 (Appointed Day) (No.2) Order 1984 |article=5 |date=26 June 1984 |accessdate=5 November 2023}} The remainder of the statutory corporation British Telecom was dissolved in 1994.{{Cite legislation UK |type=si |year=1994 |number=2162 |si=The British Telecommunications (Dissolution) Order 1994 |article= |date=16 August 1994 |accessdate=5 November 2023}}

Initially all shares in the new plc were owned by the Government. In November 1984, 50.2% of the new company was offered for sale to the public and employees. Shares were listed in London, New York, and Toronto and the first day of trading on was 3 December 1984. The Government sold half its remaining interest in December 1991 and the other half in July 1993. In July 1997, the new Labour Government relinquished its Special Share ("Golden Share"), retained at the time of the flotation, which had effectively given it the power to block a takeover of the company, and to appoint two non-executive directors to the Board.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/government-abandons-bt-golden-share-1250939.html|title=Government abandons BT Golden Share|newspaper=The Independent|date=16 July 1997|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306051445/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/government-abandons-bt-golden-share-1250939.html|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

The company changed its trading name to "BT" on 2 April 1991. In 1996 Peter Bonfield was appointed CEO and chairman of the executive committee, promising a "rollercoaster ride".{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1231535.stm | work=BBC News | title=Sir Peter Bonfield: A profile | date=31 October 2001 | access-date=27 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040622232026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1231535.stm | archive-date=22 June 2004 | url-status=live }}

In the early 1980s, BT Merlin was established as a business unit of British Telecom, at first to sell products such as phone systems to small businesses.{{cite journal |date=April 1984 |title=Merlin spells success |url=https://archive.org/details/btj-198404/page/n61/mode/2up |journal=British Telecom Journal |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=32–34 |access-date=4 July 2024}} In 1983, the growing "office automation" market was addressed through Merlin-branded desktop computers made by ICL, with built-in modems to communicate over the phone network.{{cite journal |date=July 1983 |title=Computer wizardry! |url=https://archive.org/details/btj-198307/page/n67/mode/2up |journal=British Telecom Journal |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=34–35 |access-date=16 January 2021}} Later products included the Merlin Tonto{{cite journal |date=April 1984 |title=British Telecom Press Notices |url=https://archive.org/details/bte-198504/page/n58/mode/1up |journal=British Telecommunications Engineering |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=57 |access-date=4 July 2024}} – developed by ICL from the Sinclair QL home computer – and the Merlin M4000, a rebadged Logica computer.{{cite web|url=https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1258|title=Merlin M4000|publisher=Old Computers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222065252/https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1258|archive-date=22 February 2011}}

In the 1990s, BT entered the Irish telecommunications market through a joint venture with the Electricity Supply Board, the Irish state owned power provider. This venture, entitled Ocean, found its main success through the launch of Ireland's first subscription-free dial-up ISP, oceanfree.net. As a telecoms company it found much less success, mainly targeting corporate customers. BT acquired 100% of this venture in 1999.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/heart-stopping-time-for-ocean-boss-in-setting-up-telecom-company-1.144051|title=Heart-stopping time for Ocean boss in setting up telecom company|date=8 January 1999|newspaper=Irish Times|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043004/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/heart-stopping-time-for-ocean-boss-in-setting-up-telecom-company-1.144051|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

Over the period 1980 to 2000, BT and other providers adopted Internet product strategies when it became commercially advantageous.{{Cite journal |last1=Smith |first1=Edward |last2=Miller |first2=Chris |last3=Norton |first3=Jim |date=2023 |title=Evolving and Exploiting Packet Switched Networks |url=https://www.ssrn.com/abstract=4595785 |journal=SSRN Electronic Journal |language=en |doi=10.2139/ssrn.4595785 |issn=1556-5068|url-access=subscription }}

In June 1994 BT and MCI Communications launched Concert Communications Services which was a $1 billion joint venture between the two companies. Its aim was to build a network which would provide easy global connectivity to multinational corporations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/9_14/news/9537-1.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060607121754/http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/9_14/news/9537-1.html|url-status=dead|title=MCI and British Telecom are getting a concerted jump on the competition but is being first enough? 27 October 1994|archivedate=7 June 2006}}

This alliance progressed further on 3 November 1996 when the two companies announced that they had agreed to a merger, creating a global telecommunications company called Concert plc. The proposal gained approval from the European Commission, the US Department of Justice, and the US Federal Communications Commission and looked set to proceed.{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m856_19970514_600_en.pdf|title=Commission Decision of 14 May 1997 declaring a concentration to be compatible with the common market and the functioning of the EEA Agreement|publisher=European Commission|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042701/http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/cases/decisions/m856_19970514_600_en.pdf|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

However, in light of pressure from investors reacting to the slide in BT's share price on the London Stock Exchange, BT reduced its bid price for MCI, releasing MCI from its exclusivity clause and allowing it to speak to other interested parties.{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/?noadc=1|title=FindArticles.com – CBSi|website=findarticles.com|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040814080003/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_1_5/ai_101337651|archive-date=14 August 2004|url-status=live}} On 1 October 1997, Worldcom made a rival bid for MCI which was followed by a counter-bid from GTE.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia|website=The New York Times|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108144641/http://www.nytimes.com/|archive-date=8 January 2014|url-status=live}}

BT sold its stake in MCI to Worldcom in 1998 for £4,159 million. As part of the deal, BT also bought out from MCI its 24.9% interest in Concert Communications, thereby making Concert a wholly owned part of BT.{{cite magazine|url=https://money.cnn.com/1997/11/10/deals/worldcomwins/|title=WorldCom wins MCI|date=10 November 1997|magazine=Money|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044741/https://money.cnn.com/1997/11/10/deals/worldcomwins/|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

The reaction to the failure of the deal in the City of London was critical of then Chairman Iain Vallance and CEO Peter Bonfield, and the lack of confidence from the failed merger led to their removal.{{cite web|url=http://www.aurorawdc.com/mciworldcom.htm|title=MCI and WorldCom – How British Telecom Fell Short at Competitive Intelligence – AuroraWDC.com Competitive Intelligence, Knowledge Management, Market Research, Competitor Analysis|website=aurorawdc.com|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172412/http://www.aurorawdc.com/mciworldcom.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}

As BT owned Concert in 1994, and still wanted access to the North American market, it needed a new partner. An AT&T/BT option had been mooted in the past, but stopped on regulatory grounds due to their individual virtual monopolies in their home markets. By 1996, this had receded to the point where a deal was possible, and a deal was consummated in 1998.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/27/business/at-t-and-british-telecom-merge-overseas-operations.html|title=AT&T and British Telecom Merge Overseas Operations|date=27 July 1998|newspaper=New York Times|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044826/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/27/business/at-t-and-british-telecom-merge-overseas-operations.html|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

At its height, the Concert managed network was extensive. Although Concert continued signing customers, its rate of revenue growth slowed, so that in 1999 David Dorman was made CEO with a brief to revive it.{{cite magazine|url=https://money.cnn.com/2000/11/28/technology/att/|title=AT&T names president|date=28 November 2000|magazine=Money|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043455/https://money.cnn.com/2000/11/28/technology/att/|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

In late 2000, the BT and AT&T boards fell-out, partly due to each partner's excess debt and the resulting board room clear-outs, partly due to Concert's extensive annual losses. AT&T recognized that Concert was a threat to its ambitions if left intact, and so negotiated a deal where Concert was split in two in 2001: North America and Eastern Asia went to AT&T, the rest of the world and $400M to BT. BT's remaining Concert assets were merged into its BT Ignite, later BT Global Services group.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/may/13/newmedia.business|title=2,000 jobs go as BT's Ignite seeks to stem losses|date=13 May 2002|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044151/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/may/13/newmedia.business|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2000, BT acquired Esat Telecom Group plc, and all its subsidiary companies, and Ireland On Line. It also purchased Telenor's minority shareholding in Esat Digifone. The Esat Telecom Group was split in two with the landline and internet operations were combining with Ocean to become part of BT Ignite.{{Cite news|last=Smyth|first=Jamie|title=BT ready to spend €1.4bn on Telenor's Esat stake|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/bt-ready-to-spend-1-4bn-on-telenor-s-esat-stake-1.1114976|access-date=2021-10-22|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en}} Esat Group was renamed Esat BT in July 2002, and eventually BT Ireland in April 2005. Esat Digifone became part of BT Wireless, before being spun off into a separate independent company mmo2 plc (now Telefónica Europe). EsatBT installed the first DSL lines in Ireland, to try and compete heavily with former state telecoms company Eircom and operate one exchange, in Limerick.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/eircom-s-dsl-attracts-1-000-users-1.356846|title=Eircom's DSL attracts 1,000 users|date=25 April 2003|newspaper=Irish Times|access-date=2 March 2019}}

By 2001, BT had a debt of £30 billion, much of which was acquired during the bidding round for the 3rd generation mobile telephony (commonly known as 3G) licences.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1322290.stm | work=BBC News | title=BT attacks debt mountain | date=10 May 2001 | access-date=27 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823235812/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1322290.stm | archive-date=23 August 2007 | url-status=live }} It had also failed in its series of proposed global mergers, and the funds flowing from its then virtual monopoly of the UK market place had been largely removed. It was also headed by two executives who had little support from the London Stock Exchange, particularly in light of a 60% drop in share price in sixteen months.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1297641.stm | work=BBC News | title=Vallance resigns from BT | date=26 April 2001 | access-date=27 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070326014439/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1297641.stm | archive-date=26 March 2007 | url-status=live }}

Philip Hampton joined as CFO, and in April 2001 Sir Iain Vallance was replaced as chairman by recognised turn around expert Sir Christopher Bland.{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/james-ashton-next-bt-chair-will-need-todo-list-like-sir-christopher-bland-s-a3453281.html|title=James Ashton: Next BT chair will need to-do list like Sir Christopher Bland's|newspaper=Evening Standard|date=30 January 2017|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306045037/https://www.standard.co.uk/business/james-ashton-next-bt-chair-will-need-todo-list-like-sir-christopher-bland-s-a3453281.html|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}} In May 2001, BT carried out corporate Europe's largest ever rights issue, allowing it to raise £5.9 billion.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1394128.stm|title=BT wraps up share sale|date=18 June 2001|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123023845/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1394128.stm|archive-date=23 November 2018|url-status=live}} A few days before, it sold stakes in Japan Telecom, in mobile operator J-Phone Communications, and in Airtel of India to Vodafone.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1306080.stm|title=BT retreats from Japan and Spain|date=1 May 2001|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123023452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1306080.stm|archive-date=23 November 2018|url-status=live}} In June 2001, BT's directory business was sold as Yell Group to a combination of private equity firms Apax Partners and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst for £2.1 billion.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1350672.stm|title=BT sells Yell for £2.1bn|date=27 May 2001|via=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123023822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1350672.stm|archive-date=23 November 2018|url-status=live}}

A demerger followed in November 2001, when the former mobile telecommunications business of BT, BT Cellnet, was hived off as a separate business named "mmO2".{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/|title=Technology News, Analysis, Comments and Product Reviews for IT Professionals|website=ZDNet|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190310154122/https://www.zdnet.com/|archive-date=10 March 2019|url-status=live}} This included BT owned or operated networks in other countries, including BT Cellnet (UK), Esat Digifone (Ireland), and Viag Interkom (Germany). All networks now owned or operated by mmO2 (except Manx Telecom) were renamed as O2. The de-merger was accomplished via a share-swap, all British Telecommunications plc shareholders received one mmO2 plc and one BT Group plc (of which British Telecommunications is now a wholly owned subsidiary) share for each share they owned. British Telecommunications plc was de-listed on 16 November, and the two new companies started trading on 19 November.{{cite news |title=BT approves mobiles spin-off |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1615100.stm |work=BBC News Online |date=23 October 2001 |access-date=7 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040628041135/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1615100.stm |archive-date=28 June 2004 |url-status=live }}

At the end of the series of sales, Sir Peter Bonfield resigned in October 2001.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1629621.stm | work=BBC News | title=BT chief quits early | date=31 October 2001 | access-date=27 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325195127/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1629621.stm | archive-date=25 March 2007 | url-status=live }} Bonfield was replaced by former Lucent CEO Ben Verwaayen.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1705364.stm | work=BBC News | title=BT lures Lucent boss with £7m package | date=12 December 2001 | access-date=27 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325195137/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1705364.stm | archive-date=25 March 2007 | url-status=live }}

During Bonfield's tenure the share price went from £4 to £15, and back again to £5. Bonfield's salary to 31 March 2001 was a basic of £780,000 (increasing to £820,000) plus a £481,000 bonus and £50,000 of other benefits including pension. He also received a deferred bonus, payable in shares three years' later, of £481,000, and additional bonuses of £3.3 million.{{Cite web |url=http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article227511.ece |title=BT's Sir Peter Bonfield stands to gain extra £3.3m in share bonuses |access-date=12 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001130651/http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article227511.ece |archive-date=1 October 2007 |url-status=dead }}

mmO2 plc was replaced by O2 plc in a further share-swap in 2005, and subsequently bought in an agreed takeover by Telefónica for £18 billion and delisted.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4391754.stm | work=BBC News | title=Telefonica bids £18bn for UK's O2 | date=31 October 2005 | access-date=27 April 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714234020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4391754.stm | archive-date=14 July 2007 | url-status=live }} In 2004, BT launched Consult 21, a consultation organisation that was to aid BT 21CN in the eventual conversion to digital telephony.{{cite web|url=http://connectedplanetonline.com/home/news/bt_consulting_business_120606/ |title=ITU: BT launches consulting business |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501223523/http://connectedplanetonline.com/home/news/bt_consulting_business_120606/ |archive-date=1 May 2013 }}

In 2004, BT was awarded the contract to deliver and manage N3, a secure and fast broadband network for the NHS National Programme for IT (NPfIT) program, on behalf of the English National Health Service (NHS).{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/government-computing-network/2010/dec/20/doh-extends-n3-deal-with-bt-20dec10 |title=DoH extends BT N3 deal |date=20 December 2010 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=12 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420072249/http://www.theguardian.com/government-computing-network/2010/dec/20/doh-extends-n3-deal-with-bt-20dec10 |archive-date=20 April 2014 |url-status=live }}

In 2005, BT made a number of acquisitions. In February 2005, BT acquired Infonet (now re-branded BT Infonet), a large telecoms company based in El Segundo, California, giving BT access to new geographies. It also acquired the Italian company Albacom. Then in April 2005, it bought Radianz from Reuters (now rebranded as BT Radianz), which expanded BT's coverage and provided BT with more buying power in certain countries.{{Cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0DUJ/is_/ai_n9772149 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903212234/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0DUJ/is_/ai_n9772149 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2015 |title=BT goes home |via=Find Articles |date=1 December 2004 |access-date=18 April 2011 }}

In August 2006, BT acquired online electrical retailer Dabs.com for £30.6 million.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4956100.stm |title=BT buys on-line retailer Dabs.com |work=BBC News |date=28 April 2006 |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328233638/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4956100.stm |archive-date=28 March 2009 |url-status=live }} The BT Home Hub manufactured by Inventel was also launched in June 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=105546 |title=Thomson ships BT home hub |publisher=Lightreading.com |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713205219/http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=105546 |archive-date=13 July 2011 |url-status=live }}

In October 2006, BT confirmed that it would be investing 75% of its total capital spending, put at £10 billion over five years, in its new Internet Protocol (IP) based 21st century network (21CN). Annual savings of £1 billion per annum were expected when the transition to the new network was to have been completed in 2010, with over 50% of its customers to have been transferred by 2008. That month the first customers on to 21CN was successfully tested at Adastral Park in Suffolk.{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-155608023.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105152415/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-155608023.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2012 |title=BT transfers first customer lines to 21CN network |date=1 December 2006 |access-date=18 April 2011}}

In January 2007, BT acquired Sheffield-based ISP, PlusNet plc, adding 200,000 customers. BT stated that PlusNet will continue to operate separately out of its Sheffield head-office.{{cite web |last=Thurston |first=Richard |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39284743,00.htm |title=Bt buys PlusNet for CRM system |publisher=News.zdnet.co.uk |date=13 November 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325060139/http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39284743,00.htm |archive-date=25 March 2009 |url-status=live }} On 1 February 2007, BT announced agreed terms to acquire International Network Services Inc. (INS), an international provider of IT consultancy and software.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerwire.com/industries/research/?pid=6E892FE0-2D6A-4870-82DA-2EFD22D6D788 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930033905/http://www.computerwire.com/industries/research/?pid=6E892FE0-2D6A-4870-82DA-2EFD22D6D788 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 September 2018 |title=BT buys former Lucent division INS |publisher=Computerwire.com |access-date=18 April 2011 }}

In February 2007, Sir Michael Rake succeeded Sir Christopher Bland.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerwire.com/industries/research/?pid=FFF73A29-8EAC-4FA6-BD80-883AD44E3CCB |title=Datamonitor ComputerWire – BT Appoints New Chairman to Replace Bland |publisher=Computerwire.com |access-date=18 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007031518/http://www.computerwire.com/industries/research/?pid=FFF73A29-8EAC-4FA6-BD80-883AD44E3CCB |archive-date=7 October 2008 }} In April that year, they acquired COMSAT International,{{cite web |url=http://telephonyonline.com/finance/news/bt_buys_comcast_042007/ |title=BT buys Comsat |publisher=Telephonyonline.com |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826213643/http://telephonyonline.com/finance/news/bt_buys_comcast_042007/ |archive-date=26 August 2009 |url-status=live }} followed in October by the acquisition of Lynx Technology.{{cite web|last=Meyer |first=David |url=http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/systems-management/2007/10/01/bt-buys-lynx-technology-39289743/ |title=BT buys Lynx Technology |publisher=Zdnet.co.uk |date=3 October 2007 |access-date=18 April 2011}}

BT acquired Wire One Communications in June 2008 and folded the company into "BT Conferencing", its existing conferencing unit, as a new video business unit{{cite web|url=http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2214152/bt-acquires-wire-one |title=BT buys Wire One |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709061253/http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2214152/bt-acquires-wire-one |archive-date=9 July 2008 }}

In July 2008, BT acquired the online business directory firm Ufindus for £20 million in order to expand its position in the local information market in GB.{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/jul/10/btgroupbusiness.socialnetworking | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Richard | last=Wray | title=BT buys into social networking directories with £20m for Ufindus | date=10 July 2008 | access-date=14 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113170121/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/jul/10/btgroupbusiness.socialnetworking | archive-date=13 November 2018 | url-status=live }} On 28 July 2008, BT acquired Ribbit, of Mountain View, California, "Silicon Valley's First Phone Company". Ribbit provides Adobe Flash/Flex APIs, allowing web developers to incorporate telephony features into their software as a service (SaaS) applications.{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2008/07/29/bt-buys-ribbit/ |title=BT buys Ribbit for $105m |work=Gigaom |publisher=Gigaom.com |date=29 July 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110515065153/http://gigaom.com/2008/07/29/bt-buys-ribbit/| archive-date= 15 May 2011 | url-status= live |last1=Malik |first1=Om }}

In the early days of its fibre broadband rollout, BT said it would deliver fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) to around 25% of the Country, with the rest catered for by the slower fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC), which uses copper wiring to deliver the final stretch of the connection. In 2014, with less than 0.7% of the company's fibre network being FTTP, BT dropped the 25% target, saying that it was "far less relevant today" because of improvements made to the headline speed of FTTC, which had doubled to 80 Mbit/s since its fibre broadband rollout was first announced.{{Cite web|title = BT aimed to get true fibre to 25% of UK. The actual figure? 0.7%|url = http://www.alphr.com/news/broadband/391612/bt-aimed-to-get-true-fibre-to-25-of-uk-the-actual-figure-0-7|website = Alphr|access-date = 13 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151015205446/http://www.alphr.com/news/broadband/391612/bt-aimed-to-get-true-fibre-to-25-of-uk-the-actual-figure-0-7|archive-date = 15 October 2015|url-status = live}} To supplement FTTC, BT offered an 'FTTP on Demand' product.{{Cite web|title = BT Fibre on Demand: What is it and what will it cost?|url = https://recombu.com/digital/article/bt-fttp-on-demand-trial_M11049.html|website = Recombu|date = 9 April 2013|access-date = 13 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151015205447/https://recombu.com/digital/article/bt-fttp-on-demand-trial_M11049.html|archive-date = 15 October 2015|url-status = live}} In January 2015, BT stopped taking orders for the on-demand product.{{Cite web|title = BT Wholesale Suspend New Orders for 330Mbps FTTP on Demand Broadband – ISPreview UK|url = http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2015/01/bt-wholesale-suspend-new-orders-330mbps-fttp-demand-broadband.html|website = ispreview.co.uk|date = 14 January 2015|access-date = 13 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151015041353/http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2015/01/bt-wholesale-suspend-new-orders-330mbps-fttp-demand-broadband.html|archive-date = 15 October 2015|url-status = live}}

On 1 April 2009, BT Engage IT was created from the merger of two previous BT acquisitions, Lynx Technology and Basilica. Apart from the name change not much else changed in operations for another 12 months.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelweb.co.uk/crn-uk/news/1892864/exclusive-lynx-basilica-bt-rebrand|title=Exclusive: Lynx and Basilica in BT rebrand|date=19 March 2009|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114061800/https://www.channelweb.co.uk/crn-uk/news/1892864/exclusive-lynx-basilica-bt-rebrand|archive-date=14 November 2018|url-status=live}} On 14 May 2009, BT said it was cutting up to 15,000 jobs in the coming year after it announced its results for the year to 31 March 2009.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8049276.stm BT to shed a further 15,000 job losses] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517211658/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8049276.stm |date=17 May 2009 }} BBC News, 14 May 2009 Then in July 2009, BT offered workers a long holiday for an up front sum of 25% of their annual wage or a one-off payment of £1000 if they agree to go part-time.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8134123.stm |title=BT offers holidays for pay cuts |work=BBC News|date=4 July 2009 |access-date=18 April 2011}}

On 6 April 2011, BT launched the first online not-for-profit fundraising service for UK charities called BT MyDonate as part of its investment to the community. The service will pass on 100% of all donations made through the site to the charity, and unlike other services which take a proportion as commission and charge charities for using their services, BT will only pass on credit/debit card charges for each donation. The service allows people to register to give money to charity or collect fundraising donations. BT developed MyDonate with the support of Cancer Research UK, Changing Faces, KidsOut, NSPCC and Women's Aid.{{Cite news|last=Smithers|first=Rebecca|title=Charitable giving: BT launches website where 100% of donations go to charity|url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/apr/06/charitable-giving-bt-donations-direct|access-date=14 February 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|location=UK|date=6 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303072649/http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/apr/06/charitable-giving-bt-donations-direct|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Warman|first1=Matt|title=BT launches MyDonate JustGiving donations rival|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8430512/BT-launches-MyDonate-JustGiving-donations-rival.html|access-date=14 February 2016|work=The Telegraph|date=6 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206144436/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8430512/BT-launches-MyDonate-JustGiving-donations-rival.html|archive-date=6 February 2016|url-status=live}}

File:BT logo.svg

In March 2013, BT was allocated 4G spectrum in the UK following an auction and assignment by Ofcom, after paying £201.5m.{{cite web|url=http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/spectrum-awards/awards-archive/completed-awards/800mhz-2.6ghz/|title=800 MHz & 2.6 GHz Combined Award|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411175017/http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/spectrum-awards/awards-archive/completed-awards/800mhz-2.6ghz/|archive-date=11 April 2016|url-status=live}}

On 1 August 2013, BT launched its first television channels, BT Sport, to compete with rival broadcaster Sky Sports.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23527897 |title=BT launches sports TV channels in battle with Sky |work=BBC News |date=1 August 2013 |access-date=2 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801170112/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23527897 |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=live }} Plans for the channels' launch came about when it was announced in June 2012 that BT had been awarded a package of broadcast rights for the Premier League from the 2013–14 to 2015–16 season, broadcasting 38 matches from each season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18430036|title=Premier League rights sold to BT and BSkyB for £3bn|work=BBC News|date=13 June 2012|access-date=2 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809041029/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18430036|archive-date=9 August 2013|url-status=live}} In February 2013, BT acquired ESPN Inc.'s UK and Ireland TV channels, continuing its expansion into sports broadcasting.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/25/espn-bt-vision|title=BT buys ESPN'S UK and Ireland TV channels|work=The Guardian|date=25 February 2013|access-date=16 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023081226/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/25/espn-bt-vision|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=live}} ESPN America and ESPN Classic were both closed, while ESPN continued to be operated by BT. On 9 November 2013, BT announced it had acquired exclusive rights to the Champions League and Europa League for £897m, from the 2015 season, with some free games remaining including both finals.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24879138 Champions League: BT Sport wins £897m football rights deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123001540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24879138 |date=23 November 2013 }}. BBC Sport (9 November 2013). Retrieved 9 December 2013.

On 1 November 2014, BT created a new central business services organisation to provide customer services and improve operational efficiency.{{cite web |url=https://www.btplc.com/BTToday/NewsList/AnewcentralbusinessservicesmodelforBT/index.htm |title=BT has created a new central business services (CBS) organization to deliver superior customer service and maximize efficiency and effectiveness. |access-date=14 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021120931/https://www.btplc.com/BTToday/NewsList/AnewcentralbusinessservicesmodelforBT/index.htm |archive-date=21 October 2018 |url-status=live }}

On 24 November 2014, shares in BT rose considerably on the announcement that the company was in talks to buy back O2, while at the same time confirmed it was also in talks to acquire EE.{{cite news |last1=Goodley |first1=Simon |last2=Farrell |first2=Sean |title=BT in talks with Telefónica to buy O2 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/24/bt-o2-talks-buy-back |access-date=25 November 2014 |work=The Guardian |date=25 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125003122/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/24/bt-o2-talks-buy-back |archive-date=25 November 2014 |url-status=live }} BT subsequently entered into exclusive talks to buy EE for £12.5 billion on 15 December 2014{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Christopher |title=BT in exclusive talks to buy EE for £12.5bn |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/11294252/BT-agrees-to-buy-EE-for-12.5bn.html |access-date=15 December 2014 |work=The Telegraph |date=15 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215180539/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/11294252/BT-agrees-to-buy-EE-for-12.5bn.html |archive-date=15 December 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=BT in talks to buy EE for £12.5bn |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30487285 |access-date=15 December 2014 |work=BBC News |date=15 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215172620/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30487285 |archive-date=15 December 2014 |url-status=live }} and confirmed on 5 February 2015, subject to regulatory approval. The deal combined BT's 10 million retail customers and EE's 24.5 million direct mobile subscribers. Deutsche Telekom would own 12% of BT, while Orange S.A. would own 4%.{{cite news |title=BT to buy mobile firm EE for £12.5bn |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31144009 |access-date=5 February 2015 |work=BBC News |date=5 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205075019/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31144009 |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=live }}

In March 2015, BT launched a 4G service as BT Mobile{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/25/bt-mobile-ee/|title=BT Confirms New BT Mobile 4G Service on EE's Network|first=Ingrid|last=Lunden|date=25 March 2015 |access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226162600/https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/25/bt-mobile-ee/|archive-date=26 February 2019|url-status=live}} BT Group CEO Gavin Patterson announced that BT plans to migrate all of its customers onto the IP network by 2025, switching off the company's ISDN network.{{cite web |url=http://e-callconnect.co.uk/bt-plans-to-switch-off-isdn-network-by-2025/ |title=BT plans to switch off ISDN network by 2025 |publisher=eCall |date=27 June 2015 |access-date=21 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903212234/http://e-callconnect.co.uk/bt-plans-to-switch-off-isdn-network-by-2025/ |archive-date=3 September 2015 }}

On 15 January 2016, BT received approval by the Competition and Markets Authority to acquire EE.{{cite news |title=BT takeover of EE gets final Competition and Markets Authority clearance |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35320831 |access-date=15 January 2016 |work=BBC News |date=15 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115074625/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35320831 |archive-date=15 January 2016 |url-status=live }} The deal was officially completed on 29 January 2016 with Deutsche Telekom then owning 12% of BT, while Orange S.A. owned 4%.{{cite news|title=BT Group PLC Completion of the acquisition of EE Limited|url=http://www.4-traders.com/BT-GROUP-PLC-4003616/news/BT-Group-PLC-Completion-of-the-acquisition-of-EE-Limited-21767295/|access-date=29 January 2016|work=4-traders|date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130092602/http://www.4-traders.com/BT-GROUP-PLC-4003616/news/BT-Group-PLC-Completion-of-the-acquisition-of-EE-Limited-21767295/|archive-date=30 January 2016|url-status=live}}

On 1 February 2016, BT announced a new organisational structure to take effect from April 2016 after acquiring EE. The EE brand, network and high street stores became a second consumer division, operating alongside BT Consumer to serve customers with mobile services, broadband and TV and continued to deliver the Emergency Services Network contract awarded to EE in late 2015. There was to be a new BT Business and Public Sector division with around £5bn of revenues to serve small and large businesses as well as the public sector in the UK and Ireland. It was to comprise the existing BT Business division along with EE's business division and those parts of BT Global Services that are UK focused. There will also be another new division; BT Wholesale and Ventures that will comprise the existing BT Wholesale division along with EE's MVNO business as well as some specialist businesses such as Fleet, Payphones and Directories. Gerry McQuade, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Business at EE, was to be its CEO.{{cite news|title=BT announces new structure|url=http://www.btplc.com/news/#/pressreleases/bt-announces-new-structure-1304769|access-date=1 February 2016|work=BT News|publisher=BT Group PLC|date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131082054/http://www.btplc.com/news/#/pressreleases/bt-announces-new-structure-1304769|archive-date=31 January 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=BT reports a 24% jump in quarterly profits amid revamp|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35457574|access-date=1 February 2016|work=BBC News|date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201113742/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35457574|archive-date=1 February 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Palmer|first1=Kate|title=BT unveils management overhaul as it reports 'seven-year high' in revenue growth|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/12133217/BT-unveils-new-structure-as-it-posts-best-revenue-growth-in-seven-years.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201100906/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/12133217/BT-unveils-new-structure-as-it-posts-best-revenue-growth-in-seven-years.html|archive-date=1 February 2016|url-status=live}} The June 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum set off the Brexit process.

On 8 June 2017, BT appointed KPMG as its new auditor to replace PwC in the wake of a fraud scandal in Italy that triggered a major profit warning earlier that year.{{cite news|last1=Christopher|first1=Williams|title=BT appoints KPMG as auditor as PwC is ousted after 33 years in wake of Italian scandal|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/06/08/bt-appoints-kpmg-auditor-pwc-ousted-33-years-wake-italian-scandal/|access-date=10 June 2017|work=The Telegraph|date=8 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610113401/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/06/08/bt-appoints-kpmg-auditor-pwc-ousted-33-years-wake-italian-scandal/|archive-date=10 June 2017|url-status=live}} Also in of that year, KPMG fired six US employees over a scandal that calls into question efforts to ensure that public company accounts are being properly scrutinised.Financial Times, "KPMG scandal highlights problem of auditing's revolving door", 2017/04/13

On 8 July 2017, The Daily Telegraph reported that BT "has called in consultants from McKinsey to conduct a review of its businesses in the hope of saving hundreds of millions of pounds per year. The work, dubbed 'Project Novator', is understood to include a potential merger of BT's struggling global services corporate networking and IT unit with its business and public sector division".{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/07/08/bt-seeks-stem-slump-overhaul/|title=BT seeks to stem slump with overhaul|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=8 July 2017|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224010019/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/07/08/bt-seeks-stem-slump-overhaul/|archive-date=24 December 2018|url-status=live|last1=Williams|first1=Christopher}} On 28 July 2017, BT again announced organisational changes to "simplify its operating model, strengthen accountabilities and accelerate its transformation" to bring together its BT Consumer and EE divisions into a new unified BT Consumer division to operate across three brands – BT, EE and Plusnet.{{cite news|last1=English|first1=Simon|title=BT hints at its next boss in shake-up of consumer arm|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/bt-hints-at-its-next-boss-in-shakeup-of-consumer-arm-a3598541.html|access-date=24 November 2017|work=London Evening Standard|date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035956/https://www.standard.co.uk/business/bt-hints-at-its-next-boss-in-shakeup-of-consumer-arm-a3598541.html|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Organisation and senior management changes at BT|url=http://www.btplc.com/news/index.htm#/pressreleases/organisation-and-senior-management-changes-at-bt-2086252|access-date=24 November 2017|work=BT News & Media|publisher=BT Group PLC|date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119133236/http://btplc.com/News/index.htm#/pressreleases/organisation-and-senior-management-changes-at-bt-2086252|archive-date=19 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Gwynn|first1=Simon|title=BT brings EE and Consumer under combined leadership|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bt-brings-ee-consumer-combined-leadership/1440724|access-date=24 November 2017|work=Campaign|date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040414/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bt-brings-ee-consumer-combined-leadership/1440724|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Hoscik|first1=Martin|title=BT brings EE, Plusnet and BT brands into a new unified consumer division|url=http://www.seenit.co.uk/bt-brings-ee-plusnet-and-bt-brands-into-a-new-unified-consumer-division/|access-date=24 November 2017|work=SEENIT|date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035604/http://www.seenit.co.uk/bt-brings-ee-plusnet-and-bt-brands-into-a-new-unified-consumer-division/|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}} It was to take effect from 1 April 2018.{{cite web|title=Consumer|url=https://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/Ourcompany/Groupbusinesses/btconsumer/index.htm|website=BT Group|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122163257/http://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/Ourcompany/Groupbusinesses/btconsumer/index.htm|archive-date=22 November 2017|url-status=live}}

On 18 April 2018, BT announced further organisational changes after unification of BT Consumer and EE divisions, bringing together its BT Business and Public Sector and BT Wholesale and Ventures divisions into a new unified division known as BT Enterprise. It was to include BT's Ventures business which "acts as an incubator for potential new growth areas of the company" and to report as a single unit from 1 October 2018.{{cite news|title=BT forms new business unit BT Enterprise|url=https://www.btplc.com/news/index.htm#/pressreleases/bt-forms-new-business-unit-bt-enterprise-2480484|access-date=24 April 2018|work=BT Group|date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425031939/https://www.btplc.com/news/index.htm#/pressreleases/bt-forms-new-business-unit-bt-enterprise-2480484|archive-date=25 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Torrance|first1=Jack|title=BT business boss departs in latest shake-up|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/04/18/bt-business-boss-departs-latest-shake-up/|access-date=24 April 2018|work=The Telegraph|date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423190353/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/04/18/bt-business-boss-departs-latest-shake-up/|archive-date=23 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=McCaskill|first1=Steve|title=BT Enterprise combines Business and Wholesale divisions|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/bt-enterprise-combines-business-and-wholesale-divisions|access-date=24 April 2018|work=TechRadar|date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425032242/https://www.techradar.com/news/bt-enterprise-combines-business-and-wholesale-divisions|archive-date=25 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Holly|title=BT overhaul continues with merger of enterprise divisions|url=https://www.insider.co.uk/news/bt-overhaul-continues-merger-enterprise-12383734|access-date=24 April 2018|work=Business Insider|date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425114640/https://www.insider.co.uk/news/bt-overhaul-continues-merger-enterprise-12383734|archive-date=25 April 2018|url-status=live}}

In February 2021, BT and EE launched a fixed-line home broadband service that can also use the mobile network. With the introduction of the Hybrid Connect device, customers who lost connection through their Smart Hub 2 would automatically be connected to EE's mobile network, giving them an uninterrupted connection that BT described as "unbreakable".{{Cite web |last=Metz |first=Axel |date=3 February 2021 |title=BT and EE launch "unbreakable" home Wi-Fi |url=https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/bt-and-ee-launch-unbreakable-home-wi-fi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522112235/https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/bt-and-ee-launch-unbreakable-home-wi-fi |archive-date=22 May 2022 |access-date=22 May 2022 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}

In June 2021, French telecommunications company Altice acquired a 12% stake in BT,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57425281|title=France's second biggest telecoms firm buys 12% of BT |work=BBC News |date=10 June 2021 |language=en|access-date=2021-06-11}} increasing to 18% in December 2021{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/patrick-drahi-s-altice-tightens-grip-on-bt-raises-stake-to-18-121121401259_1.html|title=Patrick Drahi's Altice tightens grip on BT, raises stake to 18%|date=15 December 2021 |language=en|access-date=2022-01-01}} and 24.5% in May 2023. Patrick Drahi's purchase of 650 million shares cost about £960 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/23/patrick-drahi-bt-stake-altice-uk-telecoms|title=French billionaire Patrick Drahi ups BT stake to more than 24%|date=23 May 2023 |language=en|access-date=2023-07-27}} Altice's increasing stake in BT Group posed questions around the national security of the United Kingdom's infrastructure, and the UK government opened an investigation in May 2022 to look into possible security implications. In August 2022, the government completed its investigation and ruled that Drahi would not be required to cut his stake in BT, concluding that the investment did not pose any national security risks.{{Cite news |last=Jolly |first=Jasper |date=2022-08-23 |title=Billionaire Patrick Drahi allowed to keep BT stake after security review |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/aug/23/billionaire-patrick-drahi-allowed-to-keep-bt-stake-after-security-review |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

In July 2023, BT announced the appointment of businesswoman Allison Kirkby as its chief executive, replacing Philip Jansen in February 2024.{{Cite news |last= Prescott |first=Katie |date=2023-07-31 |title=Allison Kirkby, new chief executive at BT, to continue with cost-cutting strategy |newspaper=The Times |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/allison-kirkby-new-chief-executive-at-bt-to-continue-with-cost-cutting-strategy-b9skbqn5s |access-date=2023-07-31 |issn=0140-0460}}{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ian |date=12 August 2024 |title=Big question for BT after Indian billionaire snaps up stake |url=https://news.sky.com/story/big-question-for-bt-after-indian-billionaire-snaps-up-stake-13196026 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Sky News |language=en}}

In June 2024, Carlos Slim acquired a 3.2% equity stake in the group. Two months later, Sunil Mittal's Bharti Enterprises paid around £3.2bn for Drahi's 24.5% stake.

File:Adastral Park.jpg campus at Martlesham Heath in Suffolk, the principal site of BT Research]]

BT Group is a holding company; the majority of its businesses and assets are held by its wholly owned subsidiary British Telecommunications plc.{{cite web|url=http://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/Ourcompany/Groupbusinesses/index.htm|title=Group businesses|access-date=20 December 2014|publisher=BT Group plc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202040853/http://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/Ourcompany/Groupbusinesses/index.htm|archive-date=2 February 2015|url-status=live}} BT's businesses are operated under special government regulation by the British telecoms regulator Ofcom (formerly Oftel). BT has been found to have significant market power in some markets following market reviews by Ofcom. In these markets, BT is required to comply with additional obligations such as meeting reasonable requests to supply services and not to discriminate.{{cite web|url=https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/w-008-0759?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)|title=Significant market power in the UK electronic communications networks and services sector|publisher= Practical Law Competition|access-date=2 March 2018}}

BT runs the telephone exchanges, trunk network and local loop connections for the vast majority of British fixed-line telephones. Apart from KCOM Group, which serves Kingston upon Hull, BT is the only UK telecoms operator to have a universal service obligation which means it must provide a fixed telephone line to any address in the UK, at a uniform price throughout the country. This requirement was introduced by the Electronic Communications (Universal Service) Order 2003,{{Cite web |date=25 July 2003 |title=The Electronic Communications (Universal Service) Order 2003 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/1904/made |access-date=4 July 2024 |website=Legislation.gov.uk}} which also covers provision of directories, a directory enquiry service, and public call boxes. Legislation in 2018 added a minimum standard of fixed broadband service, subject to a cap on the cost of provision, which Ofcom implemented as a set of conditions applying to BT and KCOM in 2020.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-17 |title=Universal service obligations (broadband and telephony) |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/telecoms-infrastructure/universal-service-obligation/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Ofcom |language=en}} Reduced usage of public phone boxes led Ofcom to vary the conditions relating to them in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mark |date=2022-06-08 |title=Ofcom Moves to Protect Essential UK BT and KCOM Phone Boxes |url=https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2022/06/ofcom-moves-to-protect-essential-uk-bt-and-kcom-phone-boxes.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=ISPreview UK |language=en}}

As well as continuing to provide service in those traditional areas in which BT has an obligation to provide services or is closely regulated, BT has expanded into more profitable products and services where there is less regulation. These are, principally, broadband internet service and bespoke solutions in telecommunications and information technology.{{cite web|url=http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-8146|title=A Universal Service Obligation (USO) for Broadband|publisher=UK Parliament|date=22 December 2017|access-date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302225336/http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-8146|archive-date=2 March 2018|url-status=live}}

File:BT logo 2019.svg

In 2019, a simplified BT logo and brand was launched to replace the previous multi-coloured globe logo.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-16 |title=BT unveils new logo after years of work – its name in a circle |url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/16/bt-unveils-new-logo-to-match-transformation-to-national-champion |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Dawood |first=Sarah |date=2019-06-24 |title=BT Group rebrands to show it's not just about telecoms |url=https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/24-30-june-2019/bt-group-rebrands/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=Design Week |language=en-UK}} In April 2022, BT announced its intentions to focus on the EE brand for consumer products.{{Cite web |title=Consumer: sharpening our focus to create a better business |url=https://newsroom.bt.com/consumer-sharpening-our-focus-to-create-a-better-business/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=Consumer: sharpening our focus to create a better business |language=en}}

{{See also|Category:BT Group buildings and structures}}

As BT operates in around 180 countries, it owns and leases a range of buildings and facilities in the UK and around the world. In 2001, it sold some of its UK property portfolio for £2.38 billion to Telereal Trillium in a 30-year leaseback. The deal included 6,700 properties and contributed towards alleviating its debt at the time, with the main advantage being flexibility as it allows BT to vacate property over time, so as to adapt to changing operational requirements.{{cite news |last1=Sabbagh |first1=Dan |title=Property sale to cost BT £40m a year |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2743456/Property-sale-to-cost-BT-40m-a-year.html |access-date=8 September 2018 |work=The Telegraph |date=27 November 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002340/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2743456/Property-sale-to-cost-BT-40m-a-year.html |archive-date=11 September 2018 |url-status=live }}

File:BT Centre 3195 stitched.jpg

Until December 2021, BT Group's world headquarters and registered office was the BT Centre, a 10-storey office building at 81 Newgate Street in the City of London, opposite St Paul's tube station.{{cite web|url=http://www.londonarchitecture.co.uk/Building/1331839353/BT-Centre.php|title=BT Centre|publisher=London Architecture|access-date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115131407/http://www.londonarchitecture.co.uk/Building/1331839353/BT-Centre.php|archive-date=15 November 2017|url-status=live}} In November 2021, BT relocated to new headquarters at One Braham, a brand new 18-storey building completed earlier in 2021.{{cite web |title=BT opens new London HQ as part of major transformation programme |url=https://newsroom.bt.com/bt-opens-new-london-hq-as-part-of-major-transformation-programme/ |website=BT.com |access-date=15 December 2021}} In March 2024, BT Group opened a new multi-million-pound hub and Welsh headquarters in Cardiff for 1,000 BT Group employees.{{Cite web |last=Birt |first=Elizabeth |title=BT Group's new hub marks major investment in Cardiff |url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/bt-groups-new-hub-marks-major-investment-in-cardiff/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=MSN |publisher=South Wales Argus}}

Some of its UK buildings and stations are:

• Adastral Park – headquarters of BT Labs in Suffolk
• The Assembly – building in Bristol
• Baynard House – building in City of London
• BT Riverside Tower – headquarters of BT Northern Ireland in Belfast
• BT Tower – building in Swansea
• Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station – satellite earth station in Cornwall
• Guardian telephone exchange – telephone exchange in Manchester
• Madley Communications Centre – satellite earth station in Herefordshire
• National Network Management Centre – network operations centre in Shropshire
• Stadium House – building in Cardiff

{{Main|Telecommunications towers in the United Kingdom|British Telecom microwave network}}

BT remains one of the largest owners of telecommunications towers in the UK and were a major node in its microwave network. Its BT Tower in London is notable for numerous reasons such as being the tallest building in the UK from its construction in the 1960s until the early 1980s, its revolving restaurant at the top known as 'Top of the Tower' in operation through the late 1960s and 1970s, and remains one of the UK's most important communications nerve centres, the heart of a vast broadcasting and communications network. It carries approximately 95% of the UK's TV content, including live broadcasts and 99% of all live football games as well as pioneering the first international HD, 3D and 4K television transmissions. It serves media production and distribution customers around the world and as part of the Things Connected Network launched in London, it became the highest building in the world to host an Internet of things (IoT) base station in September 2016.{{cite news |title=The opening of the iconic BT Tower in London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/connecting-britain/opening-of-bt-tower/ |access-date=10 September 2018 |work=The Telegraph |date=26 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002513/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/connecting-britain/opening-of-bt-tower/ |archive-date=11 September 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=BT wins prestigious Emmy® Award for innovation in TV technology |url=https://www.btplc.com/news/index.htm#/pressreleases/bt-wins-prestigious-emmy-r-award-for-innovation-in-tv-technology-2134387 |access-date=10 September 2018 |publisher=BT Group |date=5 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911002543/https://www.btplc.com/news/index.htm#/pressreleases/bt-wins-prestigious-emmy-r-award-for-innovation-in-tv-technology-2134387 |archive-date=11 September 2018 |url-status=live }} Some of its towers are:

{{Columns-list|colwidth=35em|

• BT Tower in London
• BT Tower in Birmingham
• Charwelton BT Tower in Northamptonshire
• Heaton Park BT Tower in Manchester
• Morborne Hill BT Tower in Cambridgeshire
• Purdown BT Tower in Bristol
• Pye Green BT Tower in Staffordshire
• Stokenchurch BT Tower in Buckinghamshire
• Sutton Common BT Tower in Cheshire
• Tinshill BT Tower in West Yorkshire
• Tolsford Hill BT Tower in Kent
• Turners Hill BT Tower in West Midlands
• Wotton-under-Edge BT Tower in Gloucestershire
• Zouches Farm in Bedfordshire

}}

Some of its other UK facilities are:

{{Columns-list|colwidth=35em|

• Red telephone box – original telephone boxes
• KX telephone boxes – successor to the red telephone boxes
• LinkUK – modern kiosks replacing existing telephone boxes with a range of free services
• TAT-14 – 14th consortium transatlantic telecommunications cable system

}}

BT Group is organised into the following divisions:

• BT Consumer – provides retail telecoms services to consumers in the UK including:
• BT Broadband
• EE Broadband
• EE Mobile
• EE TV
• EE WiFi
• Plusnet – internet service provider, provides mobile and fixed communications services to consumers in the UK
• TNT Sports (joint venture, operated by Warner Bros. Discovery)
• BT Business – products and services to organisations in the small-to-medium-sized business, corporate and public sectors in the UK and globally, and wholesale services. Formed from the merger of BT Enterprise and BT Global Services.{{cite news |last1=Purnell |first1=Joseph |title=Burger brings in Global allies to inaugural BT Business leadership team |url=https://www.telcotitans.com/btwatch/burger-brings-in-global-allies-to-inaugural-bt-business-leadership-team/6414.article |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=Telco Titans |date=3 April 2023}}
• Openreach – fenced-off wholesale division, established in 2005 following a review by Ofcom and commenced operations in 2006, employing 25,000 engineers previously employed by BT. Its purpose is to ensure that other communications providers have the same operational conditions as BT, and is responsible for the provision and repair in the "last mile" of copper wire.{{cite web|author1=J. Gregory Sidak|author2=Andrew P. Vassallo|title=Did Separating Openreach from British Telecom Benefit Consumers?|publisher=38 WORLD COMPETITION: L. & ECON. REV. 31|year=2015|url=https://www.criterioneconomics.com/did-separating-openreach-from-british-telecom-benefit-consumers.html|access-date=16 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030225928/https://www.criterioneconomics.com/did-separating-openreach-from-british-telecom-benefit-consumers.html|archive-date=30 October 2015|url-status=live}}

• Networks – Responsible for designing, building and running the networks and technology platforms that BT and its customers use.
• BT Research
• Digital – Responsible for leading BT's digital transformation, driving experience innovation and delivering the products and services customers use.
• BT's procurement arm, "BT Sourced", was established in February 2021 and is based in Dublin.Hazlehurst, J., [https://newsroom.bt.com/bts-new-procurement-company-bt-sourced-kicks-off-dublin-operations-with-recruitment-drive/ BT's procureco hits the strategy hot spot], Supply Management, April–June 2021, accessed 12 September 2021

File:Gavin Patterson at Chatham House 2016.jpg at the 2016 Chatham House Corporate Leaders Series]]

{{See also|Category:British Telecom people}}

BT's board of directors as of November 2021:{{Cite web|title=Our Board – Our company {{!}} BT Plc|url=https://www.bt.com/about/bt/our-board|access-date=2021-11-19|website=bt.com|language=en}}

{{Columns-list|colwidth=300px|rules=yes|

• Adam Crozier – Chairman
• Allison Kirkby – Chief Executive
• Adel Al-Saleh – Non-independent, non-executive director
• Sir Ian Cheshire – Independent non-executive director
• Sabine Chalmers – Company secretary &general counsel
• Iain Conn – Senior Independent Director & Non-executive director
• Simon Lowth – Group Chief Financial Officer
• Isabel Hudson – Non-executive director
• Matthew Key – Non-executive director
• Allison Kirkby – Non-executive director and CEO-designate
• Leena Nair – Non-executive director
• Sara Weller– Non-executive director

}}

BT's executive committee as of March 2018:{{cite web |title=BT Annual Report 2018 |url=https://www.btplc.com/Sharesandperformance/Annualreportandreview/pdf/2018_BT_Annual_Report.pdf |publisher=BT Group |access-date=8 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808105021/https://www.btplc.com/Sharesandperformance/Annualreportandreview/pdf/2018_BT_Annual_Report.pdf |archive-date=8 August 2018 |url-status=live }}

{{Columns-list|colwidth=300px|rules=yes|

• Allison Kirkby – Chief Executive
• Simon Lowth – Group Chief Financial Officer
• Marc Allera – CEO of BT Consumer
• Bas Burger – CEO of BT Global Services
• Sabine Chalmers – General counsel
• Gerry McQuade – CEO of BT Enterprise (BT Business and Public Sector and BT Wholesale and Ventures)
• Ed Petter – Corporate affairs director
• Cathryn Ross – Director of regulatory affairs
• Michael Sherman – Chief strategy and transformation officer
• Howard Watson – Chief technology and information officer (CTIO) of BT Technology, Service & Operations
• Alison Wilcox – HR director
• Dan Fitz – Company secretary
• Clive Selley – CEO of Openreach

}}

BT has the second largest defined benefit pension plan of any UK public company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pionline.com/article/20141222/INTERACTIVE/141219859/the-largest-uk-pension-funds|title=The largest U.K. pension funds|last=Investments|first=Pensions &|date=22 December 2014|website=Pensions & Investments|language=en|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112195251/https://www.pionline.com/article/20141222/INTERACTIVE/141219859/the-largest-uk-pension-funds|archive-date=12 January 2019|url-status=live}} The trustees valued the scheme at £36.7 billion at the end of 2010;{{cite web|url=http://www.btpensions.net/41/scheme-report-and-accounts|title=BT Pension scheme Report and Accounts|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023103222/http://www.btpensions.net/41/scheme-report-and-accounts|archive-date=23 October 2011}} an actuarial valuation valued the deficit of the scheme at £9.043 billion as of 31 December 2008.{{cite web

|url=http://www.cwu-cctv.org/article.php?articleid=259

|title=BT Pension Scheme Valuation 2008

|access-date=4 August 2011

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910105231/http://www.cwu-cctv.org/article.php?articleid=259

|archive-date=10 September 2011

}}

Following a change in the regulations governing inflation index linking, the deficit was estimated at £5.2 billion in November 2010.{{cite news|url=http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/bt-pension-deficit-falls-2-9bn-on-cpi-inflation-link-change-tele-4c5fdd6acc90.html |title=BT pension deficit falls £2.9bn on CPI inflation link change |access-date=14 March 2011 |work=Yahoo News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718134135/http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/bt-pension-deficit-falls-2-9bn-on-cpi-inflation-link-change-tele-4c5fdd6acc90.html |archive-date=18 July 2011 }}

BT sponsored Scotland's domestic rugby union championship and cup competitions between 1999 and 2006.

On 31 July 2012, it was announced that BT agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with Ulster Rugby and sees BT become the Official Communications Partner. BT's logo will appear on the Ulster Rugby shirt sleeve for all friendlies, Heineken Cup and RaboDirect Pro12 matches as well as a significant brand presence at their home ground; Ravenhill Stadium.{{cite news|title=BT announces partnership with Ulster Rugby|url=http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/5630.php|access-date=12 September 2017|work=Ulster Rugby|date=31 July 2012}}

On 29 July 2013, it was announced that BT had partnered up with Scottish Rugby Union in a four-year sponsorship deal with its two professional clubs; Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors that will commence from August 2013. The deal involves BT Sport becoming the new shirt sponsor for both clubs as well as being promoted with BT Group at their respective home grounds; Scotstoun Stadium and Murrayfield Stadium.{{cite news|last1=Rumsby|first1=Ben|title=BT Sport signs Glasgow and Edinburgh rugby shirt sponsorship deal circumventing Sky advertising ban|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/10208517/BT-Sport-signs-Glasgow-and-Edinburgh-rugby-shirt-sponsorship-deal-circumventing-Sky-advertising-ban.html|access-date=6 February 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312143331/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/10208517/BT-Sport-signs-Glasgow-and-Edinburgh-rugby-shirt-sponsorship-deal-circumventing-Sky-advertising-ban.html|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Scottish Rugby announces partnership with BT Sport|url=http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/13/07/29/scottish-rugby-announces-partnership-bt-sport|access-date=6 February 2016|publisher=Scottish Rugby Union|date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207104605/http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/13/07/29/scottish-rugby-announces-partnership-bt-sport|archive-date=7 February 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=BT Sport announces partnership with Scottish Rugby|url=http://btplc.com/news/Articles/ShowArticle.cfm?ArticleID=F7AAF31C-09A0-4EA0-9E15-EE5101038916|access-date=6 February 2016|work=BT Group PLC|date=29 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309231339/http://btplc.com/news/Articles/ShowArticle.cfm?ArticleID=F7AAF31C-09A0-4EA0-9E15-EE5101038916|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=live}}

On 13 May 2014, BT joined Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media as founding partners of Internet Matters, a not-for-profit organisation that provides online safety advice for parents and their children.{{Cite web |date=2014-05-13 |title=Internet Matters |url=https://www.childnet.com/blog/internet-matters/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=Childnet |language=en}}

On 28 May 2014, it was announced that BT agreed a £20 million four-year sponsorship deal with Scottish Rugby Union which includes BT securing the naming rights for Murrayfield Stadium which becomes BT Murrayfield Stadium, become sponsor of the Scotland sevens team, become principal and exclusive sponsor of Scotland's domestic league and cup competitions from next season, taking over the role from The Royal Bank of Scotland and become sponsor of Scottish Rugby's four new academies that aims to drive forward standards for young players who have aspirations to play professionally.{{cite news|title=Scottish Rugby secures historic sports sponsorship with BT|url=http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/14/05/28/scottish-rugby-secures-historic-sports-sponsorship-bt|access-date=6 February 2016|publisher=Scottish Rugby Union|date=28 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207102035/http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/14/05/28/scottish-rugby-secures-historic-sports-sponsorship-bt|archive-date=7 February 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Reid|first1=Alasdair|title=Scottish rugby's home renamed BT Murrayfield Stadium in £20m sponsorship deal with broadcasting giant|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/news/10861317/Scottish-rugbys-home-renamed-BT-Murrayfield-Stadium-in-20m-sponsorship-deal-with-broadcasting-giant.html|access-date=6 February 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=28 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312153639/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/news/10861317/Scottish-rugbys-home-renamed-BT-Murrayfield-Stadium-in-20m-sponsorship-deal-with-broadcasting-giant.html|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Scottish Rugby confirms deal for BT Murrayfield Stadium|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/27605156|access-date=6 February 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=28 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804191515/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/27605156|archive-date=4 August 2018|url-status=live}}

On 14 April 2015, it was announced that as part of BT's current £20 million four-year sponsorship deal with Scottish Rugby Union that was announced in May 2014, BT has completed its sponsorship portfolio following an additional investment of £3.6 million for the 3 years remaining of its sponsorship deal, to become the new shirt sponsor for the Scotland national teams.{{cite web|url=http://scottishrugby.org/news/15/04/14/bt-completes-scottish-rugby-portfolio-scotlands-front-shirt-sponsor|title=BT completes Scottish Rugby portfolio as Scotland's front of shirt sponsor|date=14 April 2015|publisher=Scottish Rugby|access-date=19 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003094845/http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/15/04/14/bt-completes-scottish-rugby-portfolio-scotlands-front-shirt-sponsor|archive-date=3 October 2015|url-status=live}}

On 27 January 2016, it was announced that BT, alongside YouTube will be the new joint headline sponsors in a three-year deal with Edinburgh International Television Festival. The two companies will "share prominence across all branding of the 41st TV Festival, including the famous MacTaggart Lecture and will work closely with the festival organisers in their bid to reflect new trends in a rapidly transforming industry, from new ways of distributing content to technical innovations such as virtual reality".{{cite news|title=BT and YouTube sponsor Edinburgh International Television Festival|url=http://tv.bt.com/tv/tv-from-bt/bt-and-youtube-sponsor-edinburgh-international-television-festival-11364035951571|access-date=11 September 2017|work=BT.com|date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912102023/http://tv.bt.com/tv/tv-from-bt/bt-and-youtube-sponsor-edinburgh-international-television-festival-11364035951571|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}

BT is the founding and principal partner of the Wayne Rooney Foundation, which was established to improve the lives of children and young people. The Foundation will run events "to raise vital funds to support the work of key organisations dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people". These organisations are four chosen charities which are, Manchester United Foundation, NSPCC, Claire House Children's Hospice and Alder Hey Children's Hospital. The first of these events was Wayne's testimonial match in August 2016 between Manchester United F.C. and Everton F.C. which raised £1.2 million. The match was screened live through BT Sport with BT MyDonate being the official fundraising platform for the testimonial, with both online and text options for donations promoted during the match.{{cite news|title=MyDonate supports Wayne Rooney charity|url=https://www.btplc.com/BTToday/NewsList/MyDonatesupportsWayneRooneycharity/index.htm|access-date=17 May 2017|work=BT Today|publisher=BT Group plc|date=20 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113165835/https://www.btplc.com/BTToday/NewsList/MyDonatesupportsWayneRooneycharity/index.htm|archive-date=13 November 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Wayne Rooney Foundation|url=http://www.officialwaynerooney.com/foundation/|access-date=17 May 2017|work=Wayne Rooney|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526163625/http://www.officialwaynerooney.com/foundation/|archive-date=26 May 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Herbert|first1=Ian|title=Wayne Rooney reveals his testimonial made £1.2million but hopes to quadruple that amount to aid four causes|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wayne-rooney-reveals-his-testimonial-made-12million-for-charity-but-hopes-to-quadruple-that-amount-a7537856.html|access-date=17 May 2017|work=The Independent|date=20 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120172549/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wayne-rooney-reveals-his-testimonial-made-12million-for-charity-but-hopes-to-quadruple-that-amount-a7537856.html|archive-date=20 January 2017|url-status=live}}

On 26 May 2017, it was announced that BT is to sponsor the 2017 British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) and sees BT host every event of the film festival, including the Awards at the BT Tower. BT will also broadcast the awards ceremony on BT.com and will have the opportunity to screen films acquired from the festival on its BT TV store platform.{{cite news|title=BUFF partners with BT to sponsor the British Urban Film Festival|url=http://tv.bt.com/tv/tv-from-bt/buff-partners-with-bt-to-sponsor-the-british-urban-film-festival-11364183124878|access-date=12 September 2017|work=BT.com|date=27 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912101955/http://tv.bt.com/tv/tv-from-bt/buff-partners-with-bt-to-sponsor-the-british-urban-film-festival-11364183124878|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=BT partners with BUFF to sponsor the British Urban Film Festival|url=http://www.britishurbanfilmfestival.co.uk/bt-partners-buff-sponsor-british-urban-film-festival/|access-date=12 September 2017|work=British Urban Film Festival|date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912055903/http://www.britishurbanfilmfestival.co.uk/bt-partners-buff-sponsor-british-urban-film-festival/|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Nsubuga|first1=Jimmy|title=Exclusive: BT to host 2017 British Urban Film Festival at world famous tower|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/26/exclusive-bt-to-host-2017-british-urban-film-festival-at-world-famous-tower-6662939/|access-date=12 September 2017|work=Metro|date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912055654/http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/26/exclusive-bt-to-host-2017-british-urban-film-festival-at-world-famous-tower-6662939/|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Grater|first1=Tom|title=British Urban Film Festival gets BT backing|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/british-urban-film-festival-gets-bt-backing/5118510.article|access-date=12 September 2017|work=Screen|date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912102122/https://www.screendaily.com/news/british-urban-film-festival-gets-bt-backing/5118510.article|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=BT partners with BUFF to sponsor British Urban Film Festival|url=http://www.4-traders.com/BT-GROUP-PLC-4003616/news/BT-partners-with-BUFF-to-sponsor-British-Urban-Film-Festival-24494173/|access-date=12 September 2017|work=4-traders|date=26 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912055946/http://www.4-traders.com/BT-GROUP-PLC-4003616/news/BT-partners-with-BUFF-to-sponsor-British-Urban-Film-Festival-24494173/|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}

On 6 September 2017, it was announced that BT had extended its current £20 million four-year sponsorship deal with Scottish Rugby Union that was announced in May 2014, for a further three years beginning from June 2018. The new deal sees BT retain the naming rights to BT Murrayfield Stadium, alongside its role as principal partner of the Scotland national team and Scotland 7s. BT's logo will continue to be displayed on the front of Scotland rugby shirts across the world, in the Six Nations Championship, as well as the summer and autumn test matches. BT will also continue to be promoted at Edinburgh Rugby and Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.{{cite news|title=BT extends deal with Scottish Rugby|url=http://sport.bt.com/rugby-union/bt-extends-deal-with-scottish-rugby-S11364210068680|access-date=23 November 2017|work=BT.com|date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129230412/http://sport.bt.com/rugby-union/bt-extends-deal-with-scottish-rugby-S11364210068680|archive-date=29 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Scottish Rugby and BT to extend partnership until 2021|url=http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/17/09/06/scottish-rugby-and-bt-extend-partnership-until-2021|access-date=23 November 2017|publisher=Scottish Rugby Union|date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040724/http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/17/09/06/scottish-rugby-and-bt-extend-partnership-until-2021|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Bean|first1=Graham|title=Scottish Rugby extends sponsorship deal with BT until 2021|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/scotland/scottish-rugby-extends-sponsorship-deal-with-bt-until-2021-1-4552411|access-date=23 November 2017|work=The Scotsman|date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131704/https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/scotland/scottish-rugby-extends-sponsorship-deal-with-bt-until-2021-1-4552411|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Dorsey|first1=Kristy|title=BT extends partnership with Scottish Rugby for another three years|url=http://www.insider.co.uk/news/bt-extends-partnership-scottish-rugby-11121752|access-date=23 November 2017|work=Business Insider|date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035345/http://www.insider.co.uk/news/bt-extends-partnership-scottish-rugby-11121752|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}

BT's financial results have been as follows:

In 2001, BT discovered it owned a patent ({{US patent|4873662}}) which it believed gave it patent rights on the use of hyperlink technology on the World Wide Web. The corresponding UK patent had already expired, but the US patent was valid until 2006. On 11 February 2002, BT began a court case relating to its claims in a US federal court against the internet service provider Prodigy Communications Corporation. In the case British Telecommunications plc v. Prodigy, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled on 22 August 2002 that the BT patent was not applicable to web technology and granted Prodigy's request for summary judgment of non-infringement.{{cite web |url=http://www.nswscl.org.au/journal/51/Glen_Sauer.html |title=BT's "Hyperlinking" Patent Litigation Fails |publisher=Nswscl.org.au |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217061413/http://www.nswscl.org.au/journal/51/Glen_Sauer.html |archive-date=17 February 2011 |url-status=live }}

In early 2008 it was announced that BT had entered into a contract (along with Virgin Media and TalkTalk) with the spyware company Phorm (responsible under their 121Media guise for the Apropos rootkit){{Cite web|url=https://www.f-secure.com/sw-desc/apropos.shtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110220950/http://www.f-secure.com/sw-desc/apropos.shtml|url-status=dead|title=Apropos | F-Secure Labs|archivedate=10 November 2013|website=www.f-secure.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f-secure.com/sw-desc/peopleonpage.shtml |title=FSecure Spyware Information Pages: PeopleOnPage |publisher=F-secure.com |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524153535/http://www.f-secure.com/sw-desc/peopleonpage.shtml |archive-date=24 May 2011 |url-status=dead }} to intercept and analyse their users' click-stream data and sell the anonymised aggregate information as part of Phorm's OIX advertising service.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Chris |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/25/phorm_isp_advertising/page2.html |title=ISP data deal with former 'spyware' boss triggers privacy fears |work=The Register |date=25 February 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217080502/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/25/phorm_isp_advertising/page2.html |archive-date=17 December 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Chris |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/phorm_documents/ |title=How Phorm plans to tap your internet connection |work=The Register |date=29 February 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412151736/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/phorm_documents/ |archive-date=12 April 2015 |url-status=live }} The practice, known as "behavioural targeting" and condemned by critics as "data pimping", came under intense fire from various internet communities and other interested-parties who believe that the interception of data without the consent of users and web site owners is illegal under UK law (RIPA).{{cite web |url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-home/article-23449601-details/Web+users+angry+at+ISPs%27+spyware+tie-up/article.do |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310000649/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-home/article-23449601-details/Web+users+angry+at+ISPs'+spyware+tie-up/article.do |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 March 2008 |title=Web users angry at ISPs' spyware tie-up |work=London Evening Standard |location=London |access-date=18 April 2011 }}{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Chris |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/03/04/phorm_ripa/ |title=Data pimping: surveillance expert raises illegal wiretap worries |work=The Register |date=4 March 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402051431/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/03/04/phorm_ripa/ |archive-date=2 April 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Chris |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/03/17/phorm_fipr_illegal/ |title=Net think thank: Phorm is illegal |work=The Register |date=17 March 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404054947/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/03/17/phorm_fipr_illegal/ |archive-date=4 April 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.fipr.org/080423phormlegal.pdf |title=The Phorm "Webwise" System – a Legal Analysis |access-date=18 April 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110522062819/http://www.fipr.org/080423phormlegal.pdf| archive-date= 22 May 2011 | url-status= live}} At a more fundamental level, many have argued that the ISPs and Phorm have no right to sell a commodity (a user's data, and the copyrighted content of web sites) to which they have no claim of ownership. In response to questions about Phorm and the interception of data by the Webwise system Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web, indicated his disapproval of the concept and is quoted as saying of his data and web history:

{{Blockquote|It's mine – you can't have it. If you want to use it for something, then you have to negotiate with me. I have to agree, I have to understand what I'm getting in return. I myself feel that it is very important that my ISP supplies internet to my house like the water company supplies water to my house. It supplies connectivity with no strings attached. My ISP doesn't control which websites I go to, it doesn't monitor which websites I go to.|Sir Tim Berners-Lee, 2008{{Cite news |last=Cellan-Jones |first=Rory |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7299875.stm |title=Web creator rejects net tracking |work=BBC News |date=17 March 2008 |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222023128/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7299875.stm |archive-date=22 February 2009 |url-status=live }}}}

Beginning in 2010 the UK intelligence community investigated Huawei, the Chinese supplier of BT's new fibre infrastructure with increasing urgency after the United States, Canada and Australia prevented the company from operating in their countries.{{cite news |author=Charles Arthur |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/oct/08/china-huawei-zte-security-threat |title=China's Huawei and ZTE pose national security threat, says US committee |work=The Guardian |date=8 October 2012 |access-date=4 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019024045/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/oct/08/china-huawei-zte-security-threat |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=live }} Although BT had notified the UK government in 2003 of Huawei's interest in their £10bn network upgrade contract, they did not raise the security implications as BT failed to explain that the Chinese company would have unfettered access to critical infrastructure.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/security/383125/government-admits-slip-ups-in-bt-huawei-deal|title=Government admits slip-ups in BT-Huawei deal|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330154517/http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/security/383125/government-admits-slip-ups-in-bt-huawei-deal|archive-date=30 March 2014|url-status=live}} On 16 December 2012 the then prime minister David Cameron was supplied with an in-depth report indicating that the intelligence services had very grave doubts regarding Huawei, and that UK governmental, military, and civilian privacy may have been under serious threat.{{cite news|last=Cusick|first=James|title=China telecoms giant could be cyber-security risk to Britain|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/china-telecoms-giant-could-be-cybersecurity-risk-to-britain-8420432.html|newspaper=The Independent|date=16 December 2012|access-date=14 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925165835/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/china-telecoms-giant-could-be-cybersecurity-risk-to-britain-8420432.html|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=live}}

On 7 June 2013, British lawmakers concluded that BT should not have allowed Huawei access to the UK's communications network without ministerial oversight, saying they were 'deeply shocked' that BT did not inform government that they were allowing Huawei and ZTE, both with ties to the Chinese military, unfettered access to critical national systems. Furthermore, ministers discovered that the agency with the responsibility to ensure Chinese equipment and code was threat-free was entirely staffed by Huawei employees. Subsequently, parliamentarians confirmed that in case of an attack on the UK there was nothing that could be done to stop Chinese infiltration.{{cite web |last=Sandle |first=Paul |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/07/uk-britain-telecoms-huawei-idUKBRE9550RP20130607 |title=Parliamentarians say Huawei-BT deal exposes flawed security controls |work=Reuters |date=7 June 2013 |access-date=4 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328034745/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/07/uk-britain-telecoms-huawei-idUKBRE9550RP20130607 |archive-date=28 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}

By 2016 Huawei had put measures in place to ensure the integrity of UK national security. Specifically their UK work is now overseen by a board that includes directors from GCHQ, the Cabinet Office and the Home Office.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/07/china-huwaei-cell-uk-national-security-cyber-surveillance-hacking|title=The Chinese firm taking threats to UK national security very seriously|work=The Guardian|date=7 August 2016|access-date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411211105/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/07/china-huwaei-cell-uk-national-security-cyber-surveillance-hacking|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status=live}}

ZTE, another Chinese company that supplies extensive network equipment and subscriber hardware used with BT 'Infinity', was also under scrutiny by parliament's intelligence and security committee{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/oct/10/huawei-international-blacklisting|title=Huawei's relationship with BT under investigation by MPs|last=Garside|first=Juliette|date=10 October 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 June 2017|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116001940/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/oct/10/huawei-international-blacklisting|archive-date=16 November 2017|url-status=live}} after the US, Canada, Australia and the European Union declared the company a security risk.{{cite news |last=Shead |first=Sam |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/huawei-and-zte-could-pose-security-and-business-threat-to-europe-says-eu-report/ |title=Huawei and ZTE could pose security and business threat to Europe, says EU report |work=ZDNet |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=4 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702235052/http://www.zdnet.com/uk/huawei-and-zte-could-pose-security-and-business-threat-to-europe-says-eu-report-7000008751/ |archive-date=2 July 2013 |url-status=live }}

In 2020 following a government ruling, BT began removing Huawei equipment from its broadband and mobile networks in order to comply with new restrictions on the usage of Huawei equipment.{{Cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=2020-01-30 |title=Huawei ruling will cost us £500m, says BT |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/30/huawei-ruling-will-cost-us-500m-says-bt |access-date=2023-02-13 |issn=0261-3077}} As of 2023, the process is still ongoing.{{Cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=2022-06-29 |title=BT asks for more time as ban on Huawei equipment approaches |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jun/29/bt-asks-for-more-time-as-ban-on-huawei-equipment-approaches |access-date=2023-02-13 |issn=0261-3077}}

In September 2012, BT entered into a $23 million deal with the US military to provide a key communications cable connecting RAF Croughton, a US military base on UK soil, with Camp Lemonnier, a large US base in Djibouti.{{cite web |url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=bb6b01958cbe2c2150d56ff874d2dac4&_cview=0 |title=Contract Award Notice |publisher=Procurement Directorate, Defense Information Systems Agency |date=26 September 2012 |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140520220004/https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=bb6b01958cbe2c2150d56ff874d2dac4&_cview=0 |archive-date=20 May 2014 |url-status=live }} Camp Lemonnier is used as a base for American drone attacks in Yemen and Somalia, and has been described by The Economist as "the most important base for drone operations outside the war zone of Afghanistan."{{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/news/international/21565614-america-uses-drones-lot-secret-and-largely-unencumbered-declared-rules-worries |title=Death From Afar |newspaper=The Economist |date=3 November 2012 |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425030200/http://www.economist.com/news/international/21565614-america-uses-drones-lot-secret-and-largely-unencumbered-declared-rules-worries |archive-date=25 April 2014 |url-status=live }}

Human rights groups including Reprieve and Amnesty International have criticised the use of armed drones outside declared war zones. Evidence produced by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Stanford University's International Human Rights & Conflict Resolution Clinic suggest that drone strikes have caused substantial civilian casualties, and may be illegal under international law.{{cite web |url=http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2012/07/02/resources-and-graphs/ |title=Pakistan Drone Statistics Visualised |publisher=The Bureau of Investigative Journalism |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521031637/http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2012/07/02/resources-and-graphs/ |archive-date=21 May 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.livingunderdrones.org/ |title=Living Under Drones |publisher=Stanford University |access-date=20 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503162734/http://www.livingunderdrones.org/ |archive-date=3 May 2014 }}

In 2013, BT was the subject of a complaint by Reprieve to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, following their refusal to explain whether or not their infrastructure was used to facilitate drone strikes.{{cite web|url=http://www.reprieve.org.uk/media/downloads/2013_07_15_PUB_Complaint_to_UK_NCP_re_BT_plc.pdf |title=Complaint to UK National Contact Point |publisher=Reprieve |date=15 July 2013 |access-date=20 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521031829/http://www.reprieve.org.uk/media/downloads/2013_07_15_PUB_Complaint_to_UK_NCP_re_BT_plc.pdf |archive-date=21 May 2014 }} The subsequent refusal of this complaint was appealed in May 2014, on the basis that the UK National Contact Point's decision did not follow the OECD Guidelines. The issue of bias was also raised, due to the appointment of Lord Ian Livingston as government minister for the department which was processing the complaint: Livingston had occupied a senior position at BT when the cable between RAF Croughton and Camp Lemonnier was originally built.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/exclusive-minister-in-row-over-bts-link-to-us-drones-war-9215364.html |title=Minister in row over BT's link to US drones' war |work=The Independent |date=26 March 2014 |access-date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521031322/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/exclusive-minister-in-row-over-bts-link-to-us-drones-war-9215364.html |archive-date=21 May 2014 |url-status=live }}

In February 2017, a review of the telecoms market by Ofcom found that BT's landline only contracts provided poor value to customers. Ofcom ordered BT to reduce their prices but stopped short of demanding that customers were compensated.{{cite web |title=BT's landline-only customers set for cheaper bills |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2017/bts-landline-only-customers-set-for-cheaper-bills |website=Ofcom|date=28 February 2017 }} In January 2021, Law firm Mishcon de Reya filed a claim with the Competition Appeal Tribunal against BT worth £600 million, accusing them of historic overcharging on landlines. The class action lawsuit claims BT have increased their prices for line-only services every year since 2009, whilst the wholesale cost for delivering these services has reduced. The claimants suggest that customers could be entitled to compensation of up to £500 each.{{cite news |title=BT faces £600m claim for 'historic overcharging' |url=https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/01/bt-faces-600m-claim-for-historical-overcharging/ |publisher=Which}}

In 2020, BT was fined £6.3m by the telecoms regulator Ofcom for violating the law on a large public sector deal in Northern Ireland.{{Cite web|date=11 December 2020|title=BT slapped with £6.3m fine by Ofcom for breaking rules over Northern Ireland contract|url=https://news.sky.com/story/bt-slapped-with-6-3m-fine-for-breaking-rules-over-northern-ireland-contract-12158041|access-date=15 December 2020|website=Sky UK}} Under Ofcom's regulations, the BT network shall handle all wholesale customers similarly. In its report, Ofcom found that BT's network violated the rules by failing to supply Eir with the same details on its on-demand fiber-to-the-premises offering as its own rival team.{{Cite web|last=Clarfelt|first=Harriet|date=11 December 2020|title=BT fined £6m for breaking bidding rules in Northern Ireland|url=https://www.ft.com/content/67e965aa-0269-44ac-81d8-8726eb1195c5 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/67e965aa-0269-44ac-81d8-8726eb1195c5 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=15 December 2020|website=Financial Times}}

On 25 June 2023, a "catastrophic failure" in BT's network resulted in nearly 14,000 attempted 999 emergency calls not being connected. Ofcom fined BT £17.5 million, citing the telecom giant's lack of preparedness and poorly documented backup procedures.{{Cite web |last=Prescott |first=Katie |date=2024-07-22 |title=BT fined £17.5m for 999 system failure |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/bt-fined-175m-for-999-system-failure-9vjg7bplq |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=thetimes.com |language=en}}

Records of the Post Office Corporation (Telecommunications division) 1969{{En dash}}1981 and its predecessors (including Post Office Telegraph and Telephone Service 1864{{En dash}}1969 and some private telegraph and telephone companies) are Public Records, and are held by BT Archives.

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{{Portal|London|Companies}}

• List of telephone operating companies
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{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin|40em}}

• Baldwin, F.G.C. The History of the Telephone in the United Kingdom (1925)
• Foreman-Peck, J. "The development and diffusion of telephone technology in Britain, 1900–1940," Transactions of the Newcomen Society, (1991–92). 63, pp165–180.
• Foreman-Peck, J., & Millward, R. Public and private ownership of British industry 1820–1990 (1994).
• Hazlewood, A. "The origins of the state telephone service in Britain" Oxford Economic Papers (1953). 5:13–25. [https://www.jstor.org/stable/2661863 in JSTOR]
• {{cite journal | last1 = Holcombe | first1 = A. N. | year = 1906 | title = The Telephone in Great Britain | journal = Quarterly Journal of Economics | volume = 21 | issue = 1| pages = 96–135 | jstor=1883751 | doi=10.2307/1883751}}
• Johannessen, Neil. Ring up Britain: the Early Years of the Telephone in the United Kingdom (British Telecommunications plc, London, 1991)
• Johnston, S. F. "The telephone in Scotland." in: K. Veitch, ed., Transport and Communications. Publications of the European Ethnological Research Centre; Scottish life and society: a compendium of Scottish ethnology (2009): pp. 716–727 [http://eprints.gla.ac.uk/24894/1/id24894.pdf online]
• Magill, Frank N. Great Events from History II: Business and Commerce Series, volume 1:1897–1923 (1994) pp 218–23; historiography
• Meyer, Hugo Richard. Public Ownership and the Telephone in Great Britain: Restriction of the Industry by the State and the Municipalities (1907). [https://archive.org/details/publicownership02meyegoog/page/n21 online]
• Pitt, D.C. The telecommunications function in the British Post Office. A case study of bureaucratic adaption (Westmead: Saxon House, 1980).
• Robertson, John Henry. The story of the telephone: A history of the telecommunications industry of Britain (1947)
• {{cite journal | last1 = Tucker | first1 = D. G. | year = 1978 | title = The Early Development of the British Underground Trunk Telephone Network | journal = Transactions of the Newcomen Society | volume = 49 | pages = 57–74 | doi=10.1179/tns.1977.005}}
• {{cite journal | last1 = Wetton | first1 = Jenny | year = 2007 | title = The Early History of Telephony in Manchester, 1877–1898 | journal = Transactions of the Newcomen Society | volume = 77 | issue = 2| pages = 245–260 | doi=10.1179/175035207x204833| s2cid = 110096529 }}

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• {{Official website|https://www.bt.com/about}}
• {{OpenCorp|BT}}
• [http://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/BTsHistory/BTgrouparchives/index.htm BT Archives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219064718/http://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/BTsHistory/BTgrouparchives/index.htm |date=19 February 2011 }}
• [http://www.digitalarchives.bt.com/Calmview/ BT Archives online catalogue]

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