BT Appoints Convergence Director

BT has appointed former BBC policy adviser, Simon Milner, as its first head of media and convergence, as the telecoms giant makes further moves into television and online.

The appointment is aimed at enhancing BT’s policy leadership and helping it to play a full role in converging communications and media markets.

Emma Gilthorpe, group director of industry, policy and regulation, said: “BT is a key player across the converging communications markets and we need to be at the forefront of policy debates.

“Whilst customers are increasingly seeking a more converged proposition the regulatory and competition models continue to be largely sector specific – we must ensure the existing framework doesn’t create barriers to entry.

“I am delighted that Simon will lead our thinking on media and convergence policy during these important times.”

Milner said: “Convergence has been a hot debating topic for at least a decade. For BT and our customers it’s now a reality and it’s generating policy conundrums which need tackling. I am looking forward to working with colleagues across BT to help do just that.”

Last month, BT announced that its BT Vision IPTV service saw its subscriber numbers grow to more than 150,000 since its launch just over a year ago.

According to its quarterly results released, BT Vision service finished 2007 with 120,000 customers and has since added more than 30,000 (see BT Vision Hits 150,000 Subscribers).

BT: 0207 469 2337 www.btplc.com