BT, Broadwing Settle Blown-Fiber Patent Suit

LONDON, Dec. 3 -- BT announced today the settlement of its litigation against Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Broadwing Communications Inc., brought in the US District Court for the District of Delaware for infringement of two BT patents. The patents cover methods of making fiber optic cable installations by a technique known as the "blowing" of fiber optic cable.

The settlement includes payment to BT by Broadwing for a license under BT's patents. The remaining terms of the agreement are being kept confidential. BT continues to pursue litigation in the District of Delaware against other telecommunications companies.

The technology claimed in the patents suit was the subject of the Queen's Award for Technological Achievement, given by Queen Elizabeth in 1994. This technology has been used to create fiber optic cable networks in the United States.

BT is one of Europe's leading providers of telecommunications services. Its principal activities include local, national and international telecommunications services, higher-value broadband and internet products and services and IT solutions.

BT Group plc is the listed holding company for a group of businesses providing voice and data services in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. British Telecommunications plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group, holds virtually all businesses and assets of the BT group. British Telecommunications has conducted business in the Americas through its subsidiaries, including BT Americas Inc., since 1988.

For more information, visit: www.bt.com