Concert Get Operational Control of Joint Venture

British Telecommunications PLC
10 November 1999


                BT AND AT&T GIVE GREEN LIGHT
                         TO CONCERT


BT and AT&T announced today the transfer to Concert's

leadership team of operational control of the assets and

businesses each parent will contribute to the global joint

venture. This gives David Dorman, chief executive officer of

Concert, immediate responsibility for managing the business

and assets of the new venture.

      Sir Peter Bonfield, BT's chief executive, said: 'I am

delighted that with all the regulatory approvals received,

we are now moving towards the practical business of

delivering service to customers.'

      Concert received final approval from the Federal

Communications Commission on October 22 and approvals from

the European Commission and the US Department of Justice

earlier this year.

      C. Michael Armstrong, AT&T's chairman and CEO, said:

'This is tangible proof of our commitment and confidence in

Concert and AT&T's continuing execution of our strategy for

serving global customers.'

      This is the last important milestone before the final

close in January.

 David Dorman said: 'This is a significant step for the

employees of Concert, who can now deliver to customers the

networks, products, services and comprehensive support  that

were envisaged when this company was first conceived.'