- BT Group has reportedly approached AT&T and Orange to explore potential partnerships aimed at revitalising its international business unit.
- Discussions are said to be in their early stages, with possible outcomes including BT selling a stake in its global segment.
What happened: BT’s international business unit in focus
BT Group, the UK-based telecommunications giant, is reportedly in preliminary talks with US carrier AT&T and French telecom giant Orange regarding potential partnerships. According to Bloomberg, these discussions could involve BT selling a stake in its struggling international business unit. BT has been seeking to restructure its international operations since last year, as part of its broader strategy to optimise its global business. The company’s international unit has faced challenges for several years, contributing only around 11% of BT’s total revenue in the first half of the 2025 fiscal year. BT CEO Allison Kirkby announced plans last year to cut costs by £3 billion by the end of 2029, with a focus on the UK home market. In addition, BT has been divesting some of its assets, such as its Irish wholesale and enterprise unit sold to Speed Fibre Group in February, and its Irish data centre business sold to Equinix in December. These moves are part of BT’s efforts to streamline its operations and improve its financial performance.
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Why it’s important
The potential partnerships between BT, AT&T, and Orange highlight the ongoing challenges faced by global telecom companies in an increasingly competitive market. BT’s international business unit has struggled to maintain significant market share and profitability, prompting the need for strategic alliances or asset sales. By exploring partnerships with major players like AT&T and Orange, BT aims to leverage their expertise and resources to enhance its international operations. This move could also signal a broader trend in the telecom industry, where companies are seeking to consolidate and optimise their global footprints through collaboration and divestment. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by industry analysts and investors, as it could set a precedent for future strategic moves in the sector.
