BT Group (US)

Companies // Telecommunications

• Background

  This company is a constituent of the telecommunications sector. Digitalisation has transformed the telecommunications sector. Until the arrival of mobile technologies, broadband and multimedia services, not much had changed since the invention of the telephone. Then, within just a few years, a formerly slightly dusty, largely state-owned sector turned into a competitive high tech playing field. New businesses can now conquer the world, while existing companies seek consolidation targets. In some emerging markets, which have not yet caught up with the telecoms revolution, this sector is expected to see significant growth over the next few years. New technologies and the liberalisation of the telecommunications markets have allowed private and recently privatised service providers to compete across market segments: for example cable television and telephone providers now fight over market share. Telephone calls over the internet could eventually replace traditional telephone systems. Wireless technology is still in its early phase of development but it is enjoying popularity as it sits well with busy modern lifestyles and the ‘work-on-the-go’ culture. Transmitting large quantities of data requires wire technology that goes beyond what used to be needed when voice conversations and faxes were the norm. The industry is in the process of replacing its copper wire networks with fibre optics, which will have sufficient capacity to transmit telephone, radio, internet and cable television services all in one. Many customers currently do not make the most of what is technically possible with telecommunications services, either because the technology is still too expensive or because they lack the knowledge to employ modern technologies to the full extent. Experts believe that once the price of new technologies comes down and devices become simpler to handle, wireless technology and internet telephone services will become more common. The telecommunications sector is a highly regulated industry, where companies need to comply with a set of detailed rules and need to acquire licences to operate certain systems. Regulation is particularly comprehensive because, just like financial services, the telecommunications sector is a truly international business. Watch this space: High capacity cable networks are allowing unprecedented levels of customer interactivity. This new technology will go far beyond pressing buttons to provide a different camera view or take part in an instant survey. Media devices could learn about and recognise their users and give them ultimate control of who they wish to interact with and when. A TV device would ‘know’ who has switched it on and select the viewer’s favourite programmes, connect them with their friends and market relevant products to them.

• Influencing Factors

  The overall level of economic development of a country and its infrastructure, including the availability of public and private financing for infrastructure projects. Other factors include the pace with which new technologies are introduced by the sector, the opening up of many formerly state-controlled telecommunication markets to private investors and reconstruction requirements following political conflicts and natural disasters.