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BT will look after Olympic telecoms in £50m deal
Matthew Beard, Evening Standard5 Mar 2008
BT completed a deal worth £50 million today to become official telecommunications partner of the 2012 Olympics.
It beat rival Orange to become the fifth "tier one" backer, in a commercial agreement described by Games chiefs as their "most complex yet".
BT will provide thousands of fixed and mobile networks, plus wireless, broadband and internet access, for the Gamesand will ensure network security.
It will kit out the media centre serving 20,000 print journalists and broadcasters, as well as media "hubs" at other venues including the main stadium, aquatics centre and velodrome. Its networks will deliver the results service for the Games.
In return, the company will get exclusive marketing rights and first refusal on tickets and hospitality.
Games organising committee Locog has been in exclusive talks with BT since last month. Locog chairman Lord Coe said BTwould provide "secure and robust" networks and would be able to deliver a "digital Games".
BT chairman Mike Rake said: "We supported London's bid to host the Games and are looking forward to working with Locog to ensure 2012 is a fantastic success."
The other "tier one" partners are Lloyds TSB, EDF Energy, adidas and British Airways. Locog is expected to sign up one more company.
