Press release

BAA’s Terminal 5 prepares for take-off with ntl

• Five years of planning becomes reality: ntl amongst the first to install systems infrastructure at T5
• Successful phased implementations completed in the Energy Centre and Interface Test Facility
• ntl provides the foundation for all communications and security at T5

12th December 2005. ntl Business, a leading provider of communications services to businesses and the public sector, has become one of the first systems suppliers to begin installation work in the BAA Terminal 5 buildings, T5A, T5B and the Energy Centre. This marks the culmination of five years consultation and planning by ntl as it lays the vital communications network in both the main and satellite terminal buildings.

T5 is Europe's biggest construction project and is supported by some of the most advanced technology. ntl's bespoke network provides the foundation for all the airport's hi-tech needs. The high-bandwidth network backbone includes 2.5 million metres of cable, Data LAN and security solutions. The advanced IP infrastructure is designed to carry voice, data and operational systems within the terminal. These range from CCTV to access control, building management and water control systems.

Work could only begin at T5 following stringent testing at the Interface Test Facility (ITF), which includes a mini replica of the overall planned T5 network. Every software and electronic based system employed at T5 has to be rigorously bench-tested at the ITF over ntl's network. This provides a high level of risk management, identifying any problems in advance of installation, therefore reducing the possibility of interface failures which could cause costly delays.

Nick Gaines, BAA T5 Head of Systems, commented: "Transforming a building into an airport terminal is all about technology. T5 is one of largest, most complex and exciting projects underway in Europe at present. When it is finished it will be a showcase for some of the most advanced technology in the world. Communications are fundamental for efficient and safe airport management, which is why BAA has selected the best partners and set them rigorous targets."

Tony Harris, Managing Director, ntl Business commented: "T5 promises to be a world-class terminal and airport facility, which is visually stunning yet easy to use. ntl's involvement demonstrates its ability to deliver innovative and reliable communications to support one of the most strategic projects in the UK today. As a tier one supplier for the T5 systems project, ntl is tasked with delivering the communications and security infrastructure within the terminal. Our project management and integration capabilities have enabled us to work ahead of schedule, to help ensure that the T5 project as a whole is on track for 2008."

Tony Harris continued, "ntl has been involved in projects at a number of BAA airports, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton. Some members of the T5 team have also worked on the construction of the communications infrastructure at Chep Lap Kok, Hong Kong’s International Airport." ntl Business is working with ARUP, Honeywell and Ultra on the systems design and installation.