AT&T and China Telecom announced a strategic agreement to deliver advanced global solutions to multinational companies (MNCs) by interconnecting their respective MPLS networks, expanding IP-VPN reach and capabilities, and simplifying joint contracting and billing.
Key points include:
- The deal will expand AT&T's existing IP-VPN service in China to allow broader national reach, greater technology choice, enhanced performance and reduced total cost of ownership, as MNCs continue to expand their business in China. The companies also intend to explore jointly deploying an expanded suite of VPN-based services, as well as advanced services like telepresence, managed hosting, cloud-based services, network integration services, and enterprise mobility solutions.
- The deal will connect the China Telecom and AT&T MPLS-based IP networks in the United States, to provide the same world class global experiences for Chinese multinationals as they grow outside China;
- The companies will explore the possibility of providing mutual support in other regions of the world;
- The deal covers bilateral Wi-Fi roaming as an additional access capability.
- The companies will simplify intercompany business processes and put in place tools to help both companies operate more efficiently.
"Our customers have told us that enhanced communication services between China and the rest of the world is a key factor for improving their competiveness and global expansion," said Roman Pacewicz, AT&T Business Solutions senior vice president of marketing and global strategy. "Developing this strategic framework agreement will allow customers with operations in China to take advantage of the same type of business transformational services they have in other parts of the globe." http://www.att.com
- AT&T and China Telecom have been long time joint venture partners in Shanghai Symphony Telecommunications Co., Ltd.
- In November, América Móvil and AT&T announced a strategic accord to explore ways of delivering enhanced communication services to multinational companies throughout Latin America. The memorandum of understanding calls for the two companies to develop means of expanding and enhancing the coverage of their respective IP networks, to deliver the most sophisticated services and solutions to multinational companies in and from emerging markets. AT&T would be able to deepen its existing reach in Latin America using America Movil networks in 15 countries throughout the region. America Movil would benefit from being able to use AT&T's global network infrastructure to provide global IP-based services to its customers in the United States and the rest of the world.