AT&T GLOBAL NETWORK EXTENDED TO KUWAIT THROUGH AGREEMENT WITH QUALITYNET AND NAVLINK

New network node deployed in Kuwait as AT&T continues to extend network reach in key Middle East market 

Kuwait – November 3rd , 2009 - AT&T* today announced that it has extended the AT&T network through a new node in the Middle East. The node, deployed in Kuwait City, will  provide AT&T’s global customers with improved connectivity in the Middle East and allow local Kuwaiti companies better access to global markets via AT&T’s worldwide network. 

The node has been deployed in cooperation with Qualitynet, a leading local provider of data communication, internet and networking services in Kuwait, and NavLink, a company in which AT&T is a minority shareholder.  The agreement reflects AT&T’s continuing investment in the Middle East following similar agreements in Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. 

As part of the agreement among the three companies, Qualitynet and NavLink are hosting the global network node, allowing AT&T and Qualitynet to offer Virtual Private Network (VPN) services to local Kuwaiti customers seeking global connectivity and existing multinational customers of AT&T seeking to extend their presence and reach in the Middle East. 

The new node allows Qualitynet to offer network-based IP VPN solutions provided via Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) standards over the AT&T global network. This network provides IP-enabled, any-to-any, application-aware, managed VPN services that deliver security, choice and simplicity,  and performance levels for corporate intranet solutions on a global basis.

Mr. Rashid Abdullah, Managing Director - Qualitynet ,said:  “Our success as a leading communication services provider in Kuwait is attributed not only to our customer centric approach, but also to our relationship with leading global companies in providing advanced communications services.  The strategic agreement with AT&T and NavLink will give Qualitynet customers another edge by extending our local network reach worldwide, using the global network of AT&T for serving multi-national corporations and the Government sector. This deal will further complement the 10 years of experience Qualitynet has developed in serving multinational businesses.”

John B. Gibson, President, AT&T Middle East and Africa, welcomed today’s news.  “This announcement marks another milestone in the continuing development of our business in the Middle East.   AT&T is continuing to invest and innovate in supporting our customers everywhere they operate around the world. Thanks to this agreement we can now offer even better connectivity and service in one of the Gulf region’s key economies, while allowing Kuwaiti businesses easier access to the rest of the world.”

Bassem Soubra, VP Sales of NavLink, said: “NavLink  is delighted to support the deployment of this latest network node in such a key market. By harnessing the local strength and presence of Qualitynet with the global reach of AT&T, the companies have created a formidable combination for Kuwaiti business.”

During the past  four years, AT&T has made significant investments in the Middle East. AT&T’s global network provides services for multinational companies throughout the MEA region and  allows customers to access its advanced portfolio of Internet Protocol (IP) based managed communications services including hosting, security and worldwide connectivity. 

This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss.

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*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.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^SM and AT&T │DIRECTV^SM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE^® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services. 

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About Qualitynet
Qualitynet is Kuwait’s leading provider of Data Communication, Internet and Smart Building Solutions.  Having established in 1998, the company has grown to become a service provider of global standards in a small number of years. A pioneer in the many segments it operates, the company currently offers a large portfolio of services, and has agreements with many international partners. Additional information about Qualitynet and its services is available at www.qualitynet.net

About NavLink
NavLink (www.navlink.com) is a provider of managed data services, managed hosting services, and managed enterprise networking solutions to medium and large enterprises in over 17 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Founded in 1996, NavLink was one of the early adopters and pioneers in introducing IP services in the Middle East.  NavLink enjoys deep, strategic relationships with leading telecommunications carriers.