VoIP hardware 'is part of firm's €50m communications investment'

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) hardware and other communication solutions are to be installed in dozens of countries across the world as part of one firm's investment in telecommunications.

FCC, a services, infrastructure and renewable energy company, has asked BT to oversee its deployment of equipment in a set-up that is said to be worth €50 million (£43 million).

It will include fixed VoIP solutions being fitted alongside networking technology, video conferencing systems and remote access at bases belonging to the company in more than 50 countries around the world.

BT has emphasised the global nature of the deal, pointing out that work is to be carried out in nations from the US to Singapore, France to Russia and Peru to Egypt.

Antonio Gomez Ciria, general manager of administration and information technology at FCC, said: "By creating a robust technology platform, this supports the Citizen Services Group's strategy of expanding activities internationally.

"Working together with BT will make it happen with greater efficiency and reliability, while gaining improvements in performance."

More than 12,000 FCC staff, working at approximately 850 of its sites around the world, are due to benefit from the roll-out of VoIP hardware and other equipment.

Jacinto Cavestany, vice-president for Spain, Portugal and Latin America at BT, promised FCC "will enjoy from day-one a world class communications infrastructure that will accompany its expansion throughout the world for the foreseeable future".

FCC employs in the region of 90,000 people globally, meaning approximately one in eight will reap the benefits of BT's management responsibilities when it comes to telecommunications.

Mr Cavestany added that it is "very proud" to be overseeing the communications infrastructure of a multi-national company such as FCC.

In the UK, BT recently revealed it has launched a new high-speed, 100Mbps broadband service that rivals that already available from Virgin Media and can be enjoyed by businesses and individuals.