DALLAS, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced that it is turning up its network solutions for global companies looking to expand operations in China by delivering the enhanced network capabilities needed to improve communications between China, the United States and the rest of the world.

Today's announcement marks a major milestone for the network solutions investments of AT&T and China Telecom, which in late 2011 signed a strategic framework agreement to deliver advanced global solutions to multinational companies.  The two companies have worked to ensure that their networks and support systems meet the growing enterprise demand for global services.

The implementation of the strategic framework agreement helps enable AT&T to now deliver an expanded range of business-critical services – including Virtual Private Network (VPN), Ethernet and unified communication solutions.  Customers are expected to experience higher performance levels, lower latency and richer features.

The new network solutions with China Telecom also increase the geographic reach of services that AT&T can deliver.  AT&T has a long-standing presence in China and extensive experience meeting the local needs of its international customers.  In 2000, AT&T and China Telecom formed a joint venture Shanghai Symphony Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (SST).

Meanwhile, China Telecom and AT&T have implemented an NNI (Network to Network Interconnect) in New York and San Jose in the US, which allows China Telecom to expand its Ethernet and MPLS service coverage into the U.S. and other parts of the world to serve a growing number of Chinese enterprises. 

AT&T is also working closely with China Telecom to automate inter-carrier processes needed to provision and support customer services. 

AT&T is already providing global solutions to companies like IBM and Eaton which have substantial operations in China, a country where 490 of the Fortune 500 already do business.

AT&T's bilateral agreement with China Telecom is a key component of its strategy to serve multinational companies as they expand their businesses globally.  AT&T has similar agreements with other carriers around the world.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise. 

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.