(BT) is the world's top telecommunications provider BT's main businesses include local, domestic and international telecommunications services, high-quality broadband and Internet products and services, and IT solutions.

BT has a global presence in 170 countries, with global revenues of approximately US$39 billion in 2006. Overseas sales offices currently account for one-third of the group's total turnover.

The UK is the largest telecommunications market in Europe. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2006, UK telecoms companies generated £62.5 billion in sales revenue and added £26.5 billion in value, with 4,953 companies and about 225,000 employees.

There are more than 1,000 operators operating various telecoms businesses in the UK, but a few large companies account for an overwhelming share of the market. British Telecom (BT) has a dominant position in the fixed-line market, with a share of more than 50% of the call volume.

90% of the mobile market is controlled by five operators - Vodafone, Orange, O2, T-Mobile and Hutchison 3G. Vodafone is number one in terms of retail revenue and call volume market share at over 30% and 20% respectively.

Hutchison was the first 3G operator in the UK, and now Vodafone and the other four major GSM operators are accelerating the adoption and promotion of 3G technology, making the UK the first country in Europe to enter the 3G market.