Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Ltd, the leading supplier of high performance telecommunications solutions, anticipates a substantial increase in the take-up of broadband services, following BT's recent statement announcing price reductions and new targets for roll-out. A key provider of broadband solutions to BT, Fujitsu is already playing a key role in the rollout of ADSL across the United Kingdom.

Fujitsu believes that BT Chief Executive Ben Verwaayen's statement - BT is to target one million asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) connections in the UK by Summer 2003 and to significantly reduce wholesale ADSL line rental charges - will give a timely turbo boost to the UK broadband market. Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe's General Manager, Andy Stevenson, welcomed the announcement:
"As the leading supplier of broadband access solutions in the UK, Fujitsu actively supports all efforts to promote the increased take-up of broadband services, and BT's announcement is a welcome development. We will continue to work with BT in the UK to increase the penetration of xDSL technology - in both urban and rural deployments - and to offer a wider range of broadband services to ISPs and consumers. Fujitsu is ready, willing and well placed to help BT reach their first million broadband connections."

Fujitsu has a long-standing reputation for innovation relating to xDSL technology developments, and has demonstrated a continuing commitment to reduce the costs of deploying ADSL. Andy Stevenson continues:
"Our world-leading FDX platform and other Fujitsu initiatives, such as our self-install ADSL modem package, are aimed at significantly reducing the cost of broadband. At the same time, we are giving network operators the ability to deliver exciting, new broadband services. Fast Internet access is only a small part of the future that can be enabled by broadband. Our vision for the future is based on proven technology that is available today - now is the time to build the market and services, giving the UK consumers access to a dynamic new multimedia environment."

At the core of Fujitsu's ADSL product portfolio is FDX - Fujitsu's xDSL access platform, designed to enable cost-effective delivery of a complete range of broadband services. These range from simple fast Internet access and packet-based telephony, to complete interactive digital television packages over a single, copper telephone line, using ADSL and SHDSL technologies. Complemented by Fujitsu's fibre access solutions, customer premises equipment and a complete range of turnkey network services, Fujitsu is able to offer unrivalled support for the deployment of broadband access networks in the UK.

About Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe

Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Limited is the largest supplier of broadband access equipment in the United Kingdom and is Fujitsu's worldwide design location for access network solutions - including a centre of excellence for the development of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology.

Currently employing over 1200 staff and headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe is focused on providing strategic end-to-end solutions, supported by complete turnkey services. Fujitsu is playing a fundamental role in the creation of "Broadband Britain" - from world-leading products and technology, through project planning, community liaison, cable laying and civil engineering, to installation, implementation and ongoing maintenance. For more information, please visit: www.ftel.co.uk

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