Thousands of telecommunications objects, such as switchboards and telephones will go under the hammer at a public auction next (22 February) when BT's Connected Earth project enters its final phase.

BT's £6m investment in the conservation of telecommunications heritage has already produced three permanent telecommunications galleries with a further three in the planning stage. A Museum on the Internet has also been created: www.connected-earth.com. Funds raised from the auction will be pumped back into the Connected Earth project.

Last Autumn, museums around the country were invited to take their pick from BT's remaining historic material. The RAF Museum Henlow has acquired a selection of period telephones; the V&A has added a selection of icon style phones to their design collection. Richard Lloyd, project director for Connected Earth said: 'We've had a tremendous response from museums around the UK, who have had their opportunity to choose something from our telecommunications heritage for their own collections. Now its the turn of the general public.'

BT and the National Museums of Scotland (NMS) have also announced plans for the Connected Earth gallery at the Royal Museum, Edinburgh. The gallery is due to open this autumn, covering the history of telecommunications - including the role of Alexander Graham Bell. www.connected-earth.com