Esat BT to be renamed BT Ireland

Esat BT today announced that it is to be renamed BT Ireland, sending out a clear strategic message that the company will capitalise fully on the global strengths and unparalleled expertise of its parent, BT Group.

Over the last three years, BT has become a leading provider of networked IT services in Ireland.

Today, BT Ireland works with 60% of the top 1000 Business and Finance companies and 90% of the ISEQ 20.

Bill Murphy, chief executive officer, BT Ireland commented: “Our transition to BT Ireland signifies our intention to continue competing vigorously across Ireland and around the world and raise the standard of products and services available to both corporate customers and consumers, enabling Ireland to better compete on a global stage’’

BT also re-affirmed its commitment to Ireland and to further investment in broadband roll-out, with plans to extend its reach beyond the 40 exchanges currently unbundled throughout Ireland.

Mr Murphy added: "Broadband is at the very heart of the Government’s agenda to create a world-class knowledge economy, and we will play our part in support of this imperative through further investment in local loop unbundling. This is central to our strategy."

BT acquired Esat Group in 2000. BT Ireland employs 930 people in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

BT Ireland also operates in the residential and internet portal markets.