| Mon 4 Nov 2002, 15:26 | | Spescom delivers to BT |
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Spescom delivers to BT
Spescom Limited
Share Code: SPS
ISIN Code: ZAE000017919
Press Release
Johannesburg, November 4, 2002 : BT (British Telecom) and multi-national
technology innovator, Spescom, are pleased to announce the commencement of the
initial roll-out of the new generation intelligent network termination device,
the NTelite.
Spescom developed the NTelite which it now supplies to BT. The NTelite is an
innovative way for network operators to test customer lines and is the product
of a very close collaboration between BT and Spescom. It will be used by BT`s
domestic customers and whilst the initial roll-out, worth 20m, is for 2m units
- provided the projected benefits are obtained, it is envisaged that eventually
BT will roll-out this product to all of its 23m customers.
This contract was awarded to Spescom in October 2000 and after a number of
specification reviews on the part of BT, the product is now in production and
roll-out is progressing.
The NTelite is an electronic diagnostic device that replaces current line boxes
within the home to enable intelligent remote line testing by operators. Through
efficient line maintenance and accurate fault location, the operator is able to
save considerable costs and provide better customer service. The advent of
"Broadband Britain" will increase the demand for this type of enabling
technology in the network.
Alec Ivings, Head of Power, Accommodation and Strategy at BT Wholesale`s Network
Access Group says, "Today`s network operator faces the challenge of delivering
ever better levels of service in a very competitive environment. Spescom has
delivered a unique product, which addresses these key areas and which in itself
represents the first step on an exciting new technology path for BT."
According to Albert Selzer, Managing Director of Spescom Limited (UK) "The
NTelite is a clever, practical technology that allows enhanced customer service
cost efficiency. Due to its ability to evolve, Spescom believes the technology
will be a powerful contributor to networks of the future.
"BT and Spescom have entered into a joint marketing agreement to exploit this
technology internationally," concludes Selzer.
Ends
About Spescom
Spescom is a multi-national technology innovator with direct operations in the
US, UK and South Africa.
The group is publicly listed on the JSE Securities Exchange SA (Spescom Ltd),
and on the NASDAQ OTCBB : ALTS.OB (Spescom Software Inc).
Spescom addresses the information and communications technology market
providing both products and solutions to connect to the network economy, as
well as enterprise software to manage information and knowledge.
Specifically, Spescom provides solutions in the areas of access network;
enterprise information management; multimedia transaction recording; broadcast;
customer contact centers; and test & measurement.
Spescom markets its products worldwide through appointed partners and
distributors under the era brand for its enterprise software, and the DataVoice
brand for its multimedia transaction recording solutions.
Spescom`s global customer base consists of multi-national organisations
including leading enterprises in the utilities, telecommunications,
transportation, financial, banking and insurance sectors.
Worldwide, customers include Siemens, British Telecoms, Network Rail (formerly
Railtrack), Lloyds of London, Barclays Bank, Abbey National Bank, WH Smith,
Caterpillar, Bechtel, AmerenUE, Entergy, Bombardier, Ocean Energy, Sempra
Energy, Telkom, SABC, Old Mutual, Eskom, Transnet, First
National Bank.
For more information on Spescom, please visit www.spescomsoftware.com and
www.spescom.com
Ends
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
JOHANNESBURG:
Simon Blagden,
International Director,
Tel: + 27 11 266 1520
Cell: 083 320 4777
Email: sblagden@spescom.com
Barbara Kruger,
Spescom Chief Communications Officer,
Tel: +27 11 266 1701
fax: +27 11 266 1553
Cell: 082 456 0328
Email: bkruger@spescom.com
LONDON:
Albert Selzer,
Spescom Ltd (UK) Managing Director
Tel. +44 (0)20 8231 2801
Fax. +44 (0)20 8231 2830
Mob.+44 (0) 7880 601140
Email: aselzer@spescom.com
Announcement as released on Nasdaq OTCBB
CUTTING THE COST OF FAULT DETECTION
BT Wholesale is transforming the way it detects and locates faults in its UK
network with the introduction of new "smart" phone sockets.
The NT elite is an electronic diagnostic device that sits in the white
plastic socket box in the home. It can be interrogated remotely and help
determine exactly where a fault lies - in the customer`s home or in the BT
network.
If the NT elite finds that problems with the line are being caused by the
BT network rather than in the home, customers` time need not be wasted on a
visit. Instead the problem can be tackled from the telephone exchange, saving
costs and improving customer service.
BT Wholesale has placed an initial order for 2 million units with Spescom, the
multi-national technology supplier, and, provided the projected benefits to the
business are achieved, expects to roll the technology out to all 23 million
customers in due course.
Alec Ivings of BT Wholesale`s network capacity and planning group said: "Today`s
network operator faces the challenge of delivering ever better levels of service
in a very competitive environment. Spescom has delivered a unique product,
which gives a huge boost to our ability to deliver improved quality of service
to customers at the right price.
"A key feature of the NT elite is its compatibility with ADSL technology. As
broadband take-up grows, this device will help us maintain customer service in
this crucial part of our business."
Note to editors
For more information about Spescom, visit www.spescom.com
About BT Wholesale:
BT Wholesale provides comprehensive network services within the UK to more than
500 communication companies, network operators and service providers, including
other BT businesses: BT Retail, BT Ignite, and BT Openworld. BT Wholesale seeks
to build complete communications packages working with its customers to help
them succeed in their business.
It offers connectivity to every corner of the UK and its strategy is to upgrade
its network to next generation services, including ADSL, to extract efficiencies
from the scale and scope of its operations, to broaden its customer base and
satisfy demand for bandwidth by applying new technology to boost capacity, and
lower costs. Its assets in the UK include fibre and copper networks, the core
telecommunications network and local exchanges.
The BT Wholesale portfolio provides a comprehensive range of wholesale and
service provider products including asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL),
internet protocol (IP) access, the bulk delivery of private circuits, frame
relay and integrated services digital network (ISDN) connections for service
providers and operators.
Inquiries about this release should be made to:
Francis King or David Orr, BT Wholesale, on 0191 211 8607/020 7356 5372
Inquiries may also be made to the BT Group Newsroom on its 24-hour number: 020
7356 5369. All BT Group news releases can be accessed at our web site:
www.btplc.com/mediacentre
Date: 04/11/2002 03:15:00 PM Produced by the JSE SENS Department
