T workers voted to strike for the first time since the company’s privatization.
The strike will be carried out by engineers, call center workers and store staff, who will make up the majority of the 58,000-strong workforce.
General Secretary of the Communications Workers Union, Dave Ward, said BT was facing the first national strike since the company was privatized in the 1980s.
Mr Ward said he expected BT to offer a “significantly improved” pay raise next week, otherwise strike dates will be set.
The union said it wanted a “substantial” pay rise, especially with inflation soaring, arguing BT could afford it.
A BT Group spokesperson said: “BT Group awarded the highest pay increase to frontline colleagues in more than 20 years – an average increase of 5% and up to 8% for those with the lowest salaries.
“At the same time, we are in the midst of a once-in-a-generation investment program to upgrade the country’s broadband and mobile networks.
“These investments are vital for our millions of customers and for the UK economy. Above all, they are central to the success of this company – and its colleagues – now and in the future.
“Our job is to balance the competing demands of BT Group stakeholders and that requires careful management, especially in a challenging economic environment.
“The outcome of the CWU’s vote is a disappointment, but we will do everything we can to keep our customers and the country connected.”
91.5 percent of voters voted in favor of strike action, but a vote from CWU members at EE fell short of the legal threshold by a few votes.