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The MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching)-based network will span across 30 countries worldwide, and will - according to BT - dramatically increase the scale of BT's global voice capabilities. What this means for customers, states BT, is that it will be better able to support more advanced services. Essentially, it is intended to combine the flexibility of Internet-based comms with the reliability and security delivered of Private Line services.

'On this IP network, customers will be provided with next generation services at better value,' said a president

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of BT Global Services, Tom Craig.

Specifically, it will support multimedia features and enable voice and multimedia applications to be integrated along with data services. BT describes this as an important landmark for video conferencing, call centres and fixed to mobile applications.

'A single integrated voice platform with MPLS enables customers to leverage the true benefits of globalization, avoiding the complexities and overheads of a patch-worked networking environment, said Craig. 'The investment also allows BT to easily integrate all of its global networks to achieve improved cost control and customer integration to convergence.'

Already rolled out across 12 countries, BT estimates that the new platform will be deployed to three new countries every three months, before the legacy platform is withdrawn in 2008.

Back in July 2005, Cardiff was chosen by BT as the first city to sample phone calls, broadband and other Ethernet services over BT's 21CN.

Example services include BT Fusion, a mobile phone that uses Bluetooth and IP technology to automatically connect to a landline when used at home, and BT LiveTime, which enables the broadcast of TV and digital radio to mobile handsets.