Nov/Dec 2004

BT is well and truly back in the mobile phone network market, following the launch in November of its BT Mobile service to business users. And it has come out fighting, marketing itself as the first operator to provide a truly "converged" service.

This means it can offer a complete portfolio of communication options, including fixed-line and wireless voice and data networks. The range includes its OpenZone Wi-Fi wireless broadband service, which we understand is to be offered to BT Mobile customers at a reduced rate.

BT lost its link with the mobile network operating market when its former Cellnet operation was sold off, later to reappear as O2. Now it has signed a partnership agreement with Vodafone, which will be providing network resources to BT. As a result, BT becomes a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), somewhat along the same lines as Virgin through its arrangement with T-Mobile.

Among its business offerings is something called Business Circle - essentially a mobile virtual private network (VPN) which enables employees' mobile devices to become extensions of their company's switchboard. Calls to such devices are charged at reduced prices.

 

Coinciding with the launch, BT announced that it would be offering BlackBerry 7230 and 7730 handhelds to corporate users with a range of tariff options. This is the first European deal manufacturer RIM has struck with a mobile virtual network operator. The device gives users a handheld with integrated phone, SMS, Internet, calendar and organiser capabilities, plus always-on "push" that delivers emails automatically.

BT is clearly throwing a lot of resource at its mobile offering. It has appointed a chief of mobility and convergence, Steve Andrews, who says its goal is to generate around £1 billion in revenues from the mobility and convergence market within five years - most of it in the UK.

A consumer service is due to follow in January.