(Sharecast News) - BT Group rallied on Wednesday after Nokia announced the expansion of its partnership with the telecoms group in a five-year deal for its AVA Analytics software for fixed networks.

The deal will help the UK operator strengthen its network monitoring through AI and machine learning, and improve its subscriber experience, Nokia said.

Nokia also said the deal will enhance its dashboard solution for BT to give its call centre agents a real-time, full view of the operator's network, from individual subscribers to devices, in order to quickly correct access and in home issues, and provide the best service across all its phone and digital channels.

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: "Our expanded partnership with Nokia is another demonstration of our commitment to providing the best customer experience by investing in AI, analytics, and other state-of the-art technology.

"Our partnership will help BT's customer service agents provide the best service across all phone and digital channels and continue to make BT the only network to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK."

At 0940 GMT, BT shares were up 3.2% at 117.55p.