Visa Europe will move its transaction network onto BT’s IP-based 21CN platform under a five-year contract extension with the supplier.

By switching onto BT’s next-generation voice and broadband network, Visa hopes to streamline processes with a simpler and more resilient network, as well as making system deployment and upgrades more straightforward.

The move continues the two companies’ relationship, which saw the implementation of an IP network across Western Europe in 2002 as part of a plan to replace Visa’s legacy system network architecture.

Some 4,600 member banks in 36 countries are also expected to benefit from the move, through increased support, improved business continuity and enhanced network security.

“Visa Europe processed transactions worth €1.3 trillion (£1 trillion) during 2007, so scalability and resilience go hand-in-hand for us,” said Visa Europe’s chief information officer Steve Chambers.

“The trust of our customers is of paramount importance, and BT has given us the reliability, security and flexibility to successfully service our member banks and their customers going forward.”