BT : wins a new contract to connect Dutch diplomatic missions around the..

New software-defined network services will enable secure collaboration and support digital transformation

BT announced today it has signed a contract with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide communication services to their embassies and consulates in 120 countries using the latest software defined networking technology.

The contract is valued at 33 million euros over the initial period of four years, with an option to be extended to a total duration of up to nine years. It was won in a public, EU-wide tender procedure.

The new network services will form the foundation for the ministry's digital transformation journey and will enable secure collaboration internally as well as with external partners. Users will benefit from secure access to data and cloud services.

Joris van Oers, managing director for Europe at BT, said: 'I am really proud that the Dutch government has put their trust in us to connect their embassies and consulates around the world. We can build on many years of experience serving public sector customers such as EU institutions and governments in many countries, and we are happy to support the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on their journey into a more digital future.'

Notes to editors

BT will provide the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs with WAN, LAN and Wireless LAN services. By using latest software-defined networking technology, the agile infrastructure will support the increasing consumption of cloud services. The contract was initially closed for a duration of four years, with the option to be extended to a total duration of up to nine years.