BT helps KPNQWEST customers

BT Group PLC
31 May 2002

                                    May 31, 2002





                   BT IGNITE READY TO HELP KPNQWEST CUSTOMERS

BT Ignite yesterday announced that it was ready and prepared, with its full
range of communications services, to help, in so far as it is possible,
KPNQwest's customers respond to the critical uncertainties they are currently
facing.

KPNQwest yesterday warned its customers that they should put in place
contingency plans with other providers, in case of "significant deterioration"
in the performance of its network. BT Ignite is ready and willing to play its
part in responding to this.

Tim Smart, President BT Global Business, BT Ignite, commented, "Any KPNQwest
customers concerned about their communications requirements who choose to
contact BT Ignite will be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Our financial
stability, the quality and proven reliability of our services make us a perfect
supplier in these difficult circumstances. Indeed a number of KPNQwest customers
have already contacted us and we are discussing with them how best to respond to
their communications needs and to ensure that the transition process is trouble
free."

BT Ignite does not rely on KPNQwest's infrastructure for any of its key
operations and therefore any such deterioration as referred to by KPNQwest would
have no notable effect on BT Ignite customers.

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About BT Ignite

BT Ignite is BT's business services and solutions division, serving customers
worldwide. As an information and communications technology service provider, BT
Ignite provides integrated data and value-added services to meet the European
needs of global multi-site corporates and the global needs of European
corporates.

BT's extensive global network and strong strategic partnerships enable BT Ignite
to serve customers in all key commercial centres of Europe, North America and
Asia.

The BT Ignite portfolio ranges from desktop and network equipment and software,
transport and connectivity, IP-based e-business solutions, managed network
services and systems integration to consultancy for complex global requirements.

With 17 years of experience in global account management, BT Ignite has 50% of
people based outside the UK, serving large business customers worldwide.


Further information is available at www.btignite.com.

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