BT will outsource 500 staff from its Design and Operate units to Alcatel-Lucent in a seven-year global deal.

Staff were told on Monday that the contract is in the planning stages. Most of the jobs to be transferred are overseas, related to the networks picked up by BT Global Service in its acquisition spree.

BT sent this statement:

BT has extended its successful partnership with Alcatel-Lucent focused on the support of BT's global network operations. We are now in the planning phase for the project. During its long-term partnership, BT and Alcatel-Lucent have worked together on over 30 contracts including network support and maintenance.

It's understood that no UK jobs are threatened by Design and Operate's outsourcing plan.

Last week sources revealed to The Reg that BT is in talks with major providers to outsource its entire Openreach operations. Alcatel-Lucent is among the firms vying for the massive contract. ®

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