LONDON -- BT today announced the launch of BT iNet, a new venture formed from the integration of BT TNS and BT SkyNet, specialist providers that were acquired by BT in 2005 to enhance its capabilities in the UK's Local Area Networking (LAN) and convergent solutions markets.

BT iNet began operating as a single entity from June 2006, offering specialist LAN, IP telephony (IPT), wireless networking, managed services and security services to corporate and government organisations throughout the UK.

"The launch of BT iNet is a major milestone in BT's long-term strategy to be the leading provider of IP-based network services in the UK," said Tom Craig, president, IP Networking, BT Global Services. "BT iNet combines the strengths of BT SkyNet and BT TNS - their strong positions in the UK LAN market, flexible business models, specialist expertise and unique solutions - with BT's heritage in wide-area networking and world-class IP infrastructure."

BT Group plc (NYSE: BT; London: BTA)