Specially designed for businesses with more than 10 employees, COLT Total is a converged communications service that bundles voice, internet and a variety of optional services over a single internet protocol (IP) connection, under a single bill and backed by a single enterprise-grade service level agreement. Modules include security, web space, email accounts, IP voice with flat rate pricing and a managed local area network (LAN) service (COLT Total Plus1), all delivered over COLT's wholly-owned, 32-city European network.

COLT Total's single connection enables customers to reduce their communications costs immediately as well as benefit from competitive call charges that are at least ten per cent lower than incumbent offerings2. Additionally, the converged platform more readily enables businesses to scale their infrastructure and migrate to more sophisticated IP communications services, as their business develops and their communications requirements evolve.

"IP convergence offers midsize businesses the best and most flexible way to reduce their communications costs whilst accessing cutting-edge services as they come onto the market. But only providers who can deliver a robust communications platform backed by excellent service capabilities will succeed in delivering this," said Detlef Spang, managing director, sales and marketing, COLT.

"With our expertise in innovative product development, reputation for customer care and the accessibility of our network, we feel we are better placed than any other operator to deliver the quality of service, flexibility and affordability that smaller businesses are looking for."

Duncan Brown, Consulting Director at IDC commented: "Our recent research, commissioned by COLT, shows that midsize businesses often feel treated as second-class citizens by telecoms providers who tend to focus on larger enterprises. Their communications demands are just as rigorous as those of larger firms, but they also need simplicity and flexibility, as well as clear cost management capabilities. Converged solutions from a single provider will become increasingly attractive to midsize businesses in meeting these needs."

COLT already serves over 40,000 midsize businesses, reaching out to this market through both its direct sales teams and via its partner network.

Steve Harrington, managing director, TWL europe and COLT partner, said: "Communications technology is an integral part of most companies' everyday business and it is of particular importance that SMEs purchase solutions that make a real difference to them. As independent telecoms experts, we spend a lot of time helping these companies understand their requirements and what is available in the marketplace. COLT Total seems set to make a real difference to this audience by giving them what they want - a simple but high-quality, cost-effective solution that will help them along the road to convergence, while protecting existing investments."

The launch of COLT Total is supported by a special customer offer of free installation worth £549, as well as by a range of marketing initiatives, including direct marketing, telemarketing and the production of a new COLT catalogue that details all COLT's services for the mid-market. In addition, COLT is rolling out a broader pan European advertising campaign to build COLT's brand amongst all target audiences.

1. COLT Total also complements, COLT Total Plus. This is a comprehensive portfolio of IT operation, security, applications and maintenance services, and delivers corporate grade IT systems integration to the SME community, enabling managers and owners of small and medium businesses to focus entirely on running their business without the time consuming distractions of technology issues. This has already won customers including Infoconomy, an analysis, information and publishing company and Fuel, the e-learning specialist.

2. UK small businesses can save over 30 per cent on the cost of BT's standard voice calls

About COLT

COLT is a leading European provider of business communications. COLT specialises in providing data, voice and managed services to midsize and major businesses and wholesale customers. It has more than 50,000 customers across all industry sectors. COLT owns and operates a 13-country, 20,000km network that includes metropolitan area networks in 32 major European cities with direct fibre connections into 10,000 buildings and 12 COLT data centres.

COLT Telecom Group plc, COLT`s parent company, is listed on the London Stock Exchange (CTM.L) and NASDAQ (COLT). Information about COLT and its services can be found at www.colt.net