BT and ZTE Corporation have announced a major new research partnership to explore the next generation of fixed line, wireless and mobile telecommunications services.

The partnership will combine ZTE’s extensive knowledge of equipment and network solutions with BT’s innovation capabilities and experience of delivering communications services in more than 170 countries worldwide.

“This is another example of BT’s commitment to open innovation – combining with outstanding partners, customers and academic bodies to develop exciting new services and constantly improve the customer experience,” says BT Group CIO, Clive Selley. “We’ve been very impressed with the knowledge and sophistication of ZTE’s team and, by combining our complementary strengths and expertise on a range of research projects, we expect this partnership to be very fruitful for both ourselves and our respective customers.”

ZTE executive vice president and CTO Xie Daxiong says it is a privilege for ZTE to work with such a respected Tier-1 global carrier. “BT’s UK and global experience and resources are a great match for ZTE’s leadership in key fixed, wireless and device technologies, and we look forward to a close and effective research relationship,” says Daxiong.

The agreement is the first collaboration of its kind between the two companies. BT and ZTE will look to develop international telecoms standards which drive the interoperability and convergence of global communications systems.