Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Limited, the leading supplier of high performance telecommunications solutions, is taking a key technological role in BT's roll-out of Broadband Services, implementing ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) equipment. Fujitsu has now implemented ADSL systems in over 200 exchanges, as part of the first phase of BT's Broadband Network roll-out, one of the most aggressive of its type, covering more than 400 exchanges. Fujitsu engineering teams have been working round the clock to ensure the fastest possible deployment, with the result that over 25% of the UK population will have the potential to receive ADSL services in this first phase.

BT's Broadband portfolio of services will be available via some 400 exchanges around the UK, with customers in Belfast, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Newcastle being amongst the first to benefit. This latest move is part of an ongoing strategic relationship between the two companies, following Fujitsu's £multi-million contract win from BT in 1999, to provide a range of ADSL access technology and network management systems. BT has also announced that during the first quarter of its current financial year, it will be extending its Broadband access coverage significantly, equipping further exchanges in Northern Ireland, Aberdeen, Ashford (Kent), Basingstoke, Brighton, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Hastings, Liverpool, Oxford, Portsmouth, Nottingham, Swindon, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Winchester and York. Given demand, the Broadband roll-out will be extended to cover 70% of the UK by the end of next year, with Fujitsu continuing to support the roll-out with ADSL technology and additional human resources.

Commenting on the BT launch, Fujitsu's Director of Broadband Business Group, Eric Mitchell, said: "Over the past months, we have established an excellent working relationship with the BT Broadband Services team, creating a firm foundation for the launch of the new services. Fujitsu's in-depth technology capabilities are delivering a proven, leading edge high-speed digital service over ADSL, in line with BT's extensive investment programme, totalling £5 billion. We are delighted to be a major partner in this on-going process and look forward to the launch with great excitement."

Fujitsu's innovative access technology and Network Management systems have already proved themselves in BT's successful ADSL trials, conducted over two thousand lines during the past 12 months. As a flexible, generic multi-service product portfolio, Fujitsu's ADSL solution provides fast access to broadband communications services on demand, together with the optimum building blocks to incorporate future network requirements. This versatile approach is complemented by Fujitsu's Access Network Management System - FENS AN - providing comprehensive remote-access facilities.

BT is targeting its Broadband portfolio at a wide range of other operators and service providers - including BT's own BT Internet & eBusiness division - enabling them to provide combined packages of digital content and digital access to their customers. A key component is to give customers access to high-speed data services, such as fast Internet, Video on Demand, distance learning delivery, and for Corporates - fast access to the corporate Intranet for teleworkers and satellite offices. The ADSL technology being deployed is a broadband solution that provides fast access over ordinary phone lines, while enabling real-time multimedia and video services. ADSL is a complementary solution to copper technology, enabling efficient use of existing twisted pair network infrastructure, by providing both data and telephony simultaneously. ADSL can be connected directly to routers, bridges, and Ethernet switches, and can be used for circuit-switched, packet-switched, and ATM-switched data. Fujitsu is providing a fully integrated solution, combining its ADSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) central office and remote customer premises equipment with its Access Network Management System (FENS AN). These solutions complement Fujitsu's overall xDSL capability, which will include SDSL and VDSL technologies in the future.

Currently employing over 1,200 staff around Europe, Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe is a strategic division of Fujitsu Telecommunications of Japan - one of the world's largest communications equipment suppliers. Fujitsu's customer base includes wide-ranging contracts across the breadth of modern telecommunications networks. Focused on providing strategic end to end solutions, Fujitsu offers a complete turnkey service - from project planning, community liaison, cable laying and civil engineering, to the complete installation, implementation and ongoing maintenance.

Headquartered in Birmingham, Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe has extensive research and development facilities and also operates as part of Fujitsu's global manufacturing resource. The company has a long-established track record for product and service innovation, with extensive expertise in the field of leading edge optical transmission and telecommunications switching technology. This ranges from the development of the most advanced Photonic Network Solutions; to Passive Optical Networks; Fibre Access Systems; Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) networks; Advanced Switching Systems; Radio Access Systems and IP Applications; in addition to its TMN-compliant Network Management Systems.

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