Join the BT team as they update the industry on the 21C story, their strategy, where they are now and next steps. They will share lessons learned around interoperability and open standards and challenge all vendors and carriers to think about a new approach for the industry. In addition, their different approach to procurement and its challenges and how they managed different vendors and cultures on a major program like 21CN will be discussed. They will be joined by their vendors as they voice their perspectives and issues. Lessons learned will be shared — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Debra Covey Managing Director BT Wholesale

Ms. Covey was appointed to her current role in September 2005. Her responsibilities span the design, engineering, building, and operations of BT's core network and operating platforms. Ms. Covey is also responsible for the building of BT's 21st Century Network, a new all-IP network infrastructure for the United Kingdom. She is a member of the Wholesale Executive team. Ms. Covey is also the champion for Health and Safety in BTW, sits on the board of Redcare, and serves on the IT Executive board.

Matt Beal Director, 21CN Converged Core BT Wholesale

Mr. Beal is responsible for implementation of BT's 21CN vision to create a single IP-based network to replace multiple legacy networks. In delivering this network transformation, which represents a £10 billion capital investment for BT, he is charged with setting new standards for innovation, workflow, and customer automation. Before joining BT from WilTel Communications — where he served as chief network architect, with a focus on network efficiency and optimization — Mr. Beal led a variety of network consolidation and evolution projects.

Chris Elwell Vice President, Network Procurement BT Group

Mr. Elwell was appointed to his current position in January 2004. He has worldwide responsibility for all network technology procurement across the BT Group. Mr. Elwell was responsible for leading BT's 21CN procurement activity and personally led the contract negotiations with all vendors. Prior to his current position, Mr. Elwell had a number of other senior roles in procurement, including IT, services, engineering materials, and customer-premises equipment. He joined BT in 1977.

Jacqueline Hey President Ericsson Limited

Ms. Hey joined Ericsson in Australia in 1987, where she worked for 16 years in all aspects of Ericsson's cellular and wireline business. During this time, she held a variety of roles with responsibility for Telstra, including sales and marketing for their wireless, wireline, broadband, services, network intelligence and satellite business, responsibility for the strategic relationship between Telstra and Ericsson, and a year on exchange from Ericsson working at Telstra.

Andy Lewis General Manager, BT Division Huawei Technologies

Dr. Lewis was appointed to his current role in August 2005, with responsibility for sales and delivery of Huawei’s solution into BT globally. He is actively involved in BT on this major 21C program where Huawei are supplying both Transmission and Access solutions to build BT’s new 21C network. Before joining Huawei, Dr. Lewis held many positions in Nortel Networks, finishing as Director of Access Products (ETSI), and was Managing Director of Keymile in the UK.

Ralph Steffens Senior Director, Network Solutions BT Wholesale

Mr. Steffens was appointed to his current position in October 2005. He joined BT in November 2003 as director of wideband and core. Previously he worked for eight years at COLT Telecom, a leading alternative telecommunications operator with networks in 13 European countries. Mr. Steffens was engineering manager for the German operation and was appointed director of engineering European network services in 1999.

Andy Stevenson Chief Executive Officer Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Limited (FTEL)

Mr. Stevenson has corporate responsibility for the growth and development of Fujitsu's telecommunications products and services in Europe. While chief operating officer at FTEL, he led the transformation of the business from an £80 million marginal business into a £250 million profitable enterprise. Mr. Stevenson's background is in design and technology. As engineering director in the late 1990s, he was responsible for the development of Fujitsu's broadband access portfolio, which now provides the main product revenue stream for Fujitsu's telecommunications business in Europe.

Randy Tucker Director, Technology and Testing BT Wholesale Networks

Mr. Tucker has responsibility for the trial, integration test, and operational readiness of all network technology, product, and service launches. In meeting this challenge, he directs the Network Assurance Lab (NAL), creation and management of appropriate test and trials plans, and works across the matrix of operational teams to ensure the right level of operational stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining BT in July 2006, Mr. Tucker served in an advisory capacity to the chief technology officer of BT Group while holding the post of chief information officer for the University of Missouri-Rolla.