BT signs network deal with pay-TV operator in the Middle East

Notes and media contacts

About BT
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2008, BT Group's revenue was £20,704 million with profit before taxation and specific items of £2,506 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

About BT in the Middle East

BT has been present in the Middle East since 1985. With more than 180 professionals operating in the Gulf, Levant, North Africa and Turkey markets, BT supplies a core set of networked IT services such as managed IP infrastructure, security services and outsourcing.

BT maintains its regional hub in Dubai, and also serves customers via offices in Oman, Turkey and Saudi Arabia (through a joint-venture) as well as nodes in Dubai, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Morocco and Turkey.

Today, BT enables the business needs of more than 300 multinational customers in the Middle East, including Barclays, Bristol Myers Squib, Reuters, Unilever and Visa. BT is also committed to enabling the region's telecoms operators achieve their competitive and expansion objectives, while support the business networking needs of both multinational and locally-based customers in a range of industry sectors.

About Showtime Arabia
Showtime Arabia is the leading Pay TV network in the Middle East and North Africa broadcasting the very best and latest blockbuster movies through its exclusive deals with the leading Hollywood studios including Paramount, Dreamworks, Sony Columbia, NBC Universal, Disney and local producers; exclusive premium sports including the world's most popular football league the Premier League, International Rugby and other major sporting events; and the best International series and shows including Desperate Housewives, Lost, Prison Break, CSI and Ugly Betty to name just a few, first on TV and one full year before any other channel.

For more details please contact:
Tania Chuppe
Account Manager
The Portsmouth Group
P.O. Box 71765
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 369 3575
Fax: +971 4 360 4511
Mob: +971 50 5014164