BT Infonet Implements Global IP MPLS Network for Newport Corporation

BT Infonet, a leading provider of global communications services
for multinationals, today announced the completion of a global IP MPLS
network for Newport Corporation, a world leader in advanced technology
products and solutions for fields such as Scientific Research,
Microelectronics Manufacturing, Life & Health Sciences, Aerospace &
Defence, and Industrial Manufacturing.

Newport selected BT Infonet's multi-class, MPLS based IP VPN
Secure service to provide increased bandwidth between its various
operating locations as well as to manage the consolidation process of
all core IT infrastructure services.

"BT Infonet's IP MPLS service has significantly increased our
network's performance, while the implementation process of
consolidating 14 different ERP systems has been very smooth," said Dan
Hedstrom, director of global IT infrastructure for Newport
Corporation. "Increasing bandwidth has been especially important as we
complete a major rollout of SAP. In turn, our decision to rollup
services within BT Infonet was based on their reputation for
reliability, performance, and support."

Hedstrom added, "The personal touch of BT Infonet's customer care
has been very impressive - they have delivered a high level of service
at every one of our facilities, and their cost services have been a
great value-add for us."

Newport's network covers more than two thousand access nodes in
fourteen facilities throughout North America and Europe, as well as
eight additional sites in the Asia Pacific region.

"We are delighted to deliver our industry-leading IP MPLS solution
to Newport Corporation," said Chuck Pol, president and chief operating
officer, BT Americas. "Our global network is instrumental in
supporting critical business processes, and is helping Newport use
their existing IT environment more effectively. With Newport
Corporation, we were able to show our dedication to client
satisfaction, especially when it involves working outside of typical
implementation phases."

About Newport Corporation

Newport Corporation is a leading global supplier of
advanced-technology products and systems to scientific research,
microelectronics, life and health sciences, aerospace and
defense/security, and general industrial markets. The company provides
components and integrated subsystems to manufacturers of semiconductor
processing equipment, biomedical instrumentation and medical devices,
advanced automated assembly and test systems to manufacturers of
communications and electronics devices, and a broad array of
high-precision systems, components and instruments to commercial,
academic and government customers worldwide. Newport's innovative
solutions leverage its expertise in high-power semiconductor,
solid-state and ultrafast lasers, photonics instrumentation, precision
automation, sub-micron positioning systems, vibration isolation and
optical subsystems to enhance the capabilities and productivity of its
customers' manufacturing, engineering and research applications.
Newport is part of the Standard & Poor's Midcap 400 Index and the
Russell 2000 Index.

About BT Infonet

BT Infonet is a leading provider of managed network communications
services for multinational entities, fully owned by BT Group and part
of BT Global Services. BT Infonet offers integrated solutions
optimizing the complex relationship between enterprise applications
and the global network. BT Infonet provides local service support in
over 70 countries and territories and its network is accessible from
more than 180 countries.

Additional information about BT Infonet is available at
www.bt.infonet.com.

About BT

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications
solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal
activities include networked IT services, local, national and
international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband
and internet products and services. BT consists principally of four
lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT
Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2006, BT Group's revenue was GBP 19,514
million with profit before taxation of GBP 2,040 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the
BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New
York.

For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt.