LONDON -- BT today took its first major step to creating the world’s first fully converged fixed-mobile service by launching its Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) business to the corporate market.

The launch will be marked by a range of new BT mobile services, including a mobile Virtual Private Network service, Business Circle and Conference on Demand, as well as new tariffs to give large and small businesses greater freedom to structure prices according to their needs.

The announcement also marks the start of building BT’s vision for converged services in the business and consumer markets, with plans to introduce a range of future services across fixed and wireless, voice and data networks.

From today, BT will begin marketing and connecting business customers to its new mobile service. All business customers will be account-managed solely by BT, which will be responsible for all marketing, branding, billing and customer service. Network airtime and services will be provided by Vodafone UK, marking the beginning of its new strategic partnership with BT. BT Mobile will extend its service to the consumer market in January.

Steven Evans, CEO of BT Mobile said “BT is uniquely placed to deliver a comprehensively-managed experience to business customers. We can draw on expertise in the fixed and mobile markets, as well as emerging mobility services such as Wi-Fi, and our experience of delivering IT and networking services to businesses of all sizes.

“BT Mobile will ultimately offer the world’s first, fully-converged fixed-mobile service, seamlessly bringing together the advanced technologies and networks, whether that’s broadband, wireless broadband or 3G.”

Steve Andrews, BT Group chief of mobility and convergence, said: “Today’s announcement is another important step in our goal to generate around £1 billion of annual mobility and convergence revenues in five years. The UK will deliver a significant portion of that revenue and the establishment of our new partnership with Vodafone UK, who share our vision of converged services, is an important element in delivering this growth. Our relationship with Vodafone UK goes way beyond the normal service provision deals and we are uniquely placed to offer business customers real converged solutions as our plan develops.”

BT Group plc