SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
22nd September 2005
BT Group plc
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
BT Centre
81 Newgate Street
London
EC1A 7AJ
England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F..X... Form 40-F.....
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ..... No ..X..
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ________
Enclosures: 1. Ofcom settlement announcement made on 22 September 2005
DC05 - 612 September 22, 2005
BT WELCOMES NEW ERA OF REGULATION
BT welcomed the landmark regulatory settlement announced by Ofcom today as a
"defining moment" for the industry. The company predicted it would usher in a
new era of investment and innovation.
The settlement, which follows Ofcom's acceptance of legally binding
undertakings from BT, is based on the principle of focusing regulation only
where it is needed and rolling it back elsewhere. It will deliver clarity and
certainty to the whole telecommunications industry. It represents the biggest
regulatory change since BT was privatised more than twenty years ago.
As part of the settlement, BT has agreed to create a new business called
openreach (see accompanying news release DC05-613). This business, which will be
up and running by January 2006, will ensure all service providers have
transparent and equal access to the nationwide local BT network. This network
covers the "first mile" of wire that connects homes and businesses to BT
exchanges across the UK.
BT chairman Sir Christopher Bland welcomed the settlement:
"This is a real achievement for the whole communications industry. It will
benefit consumers, businesses and the UK economy. Ofcom have shown real vision,
and BT looks forward to competing in this new regulatory environment".
BT chief executive Ben Verwaayen added: "This settlement is a defining
moment for the industry and BT is totally committed to it. It offers a fresh
start and means that companies will be able to focus entirely on their
customers without being distracted by micro-regulation. It provides everyone
with greater certainty and clarity. That, in turn, will release investment and
innovation from which everyone will benefit."
Inquiries about this news release should be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its
24-hour number: 020 7356 5369. From outside the UK dial + 44 20 7356 5369. All
news releases can be accessed at our web site: http://www.bt.com/newscentre
About BT
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions serving
customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Its principal activities
include networked IT services, local, national and international
telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products
and services.
BT consists principally of three lines of business:
- BT Retail, providing a comprehensive range of communications and related
services to more than 20m UK consumers and businesses.
- BT Wholesale, providing network services and solutions within the UK to
more than 600 fixed and mobile operators and service providers including the
provision of broadband and private circuits.
- BT Global Services, providing networked IT services to meet the needs of
multi-site organisations globally. BT Global Services operates in more than
130 countries and also offers international carrier services.
In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group's turnover was GBP18,623 million with
profit before goodwill amortisation, exceptional items and taxation of GBP2,085
million.
BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. British
Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and
encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BT Group PLC
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Patricia Day
--------------------
Patricia Day, Assistant Secretary. Head of Shareholder Services
Date 22 September 2005