AT&T to Invest $1 Billion in Global Network and Services for Businesses

February 27, 2009

By Mike Peters

AT&T has announced plans to invest approximately $1 billion in 2009 to continue building out its global network, while driving new services and network-based applications to businesses ranging from the largest multi-national corporations around the world to the smallest companies served within the U.S.

AT&T Focused on Network Infrasructure, Services, and Support for Business

AT&T's investment is focused on the network infrastructure, services, and support for companies requiring "anytime, anywhere" access to the systems, suppliers, customers, and employees needed to successfully run their businesses. Spurred by continued demand for business applications made possible by the proliferation of high speed communication networks and mobile devices worldwide, the 2009 program includes: applications - delivery and support of network-based, on-demand applications - such as managed hosting, content delivery and management, and telepresence; mobility offers and applications - rapid roll-out of mobility solutions and applications to businesses of all sizes; IBM - the continued integration of IBM's global network operations under the two companies' expanded agreement; and global network - the continued build out of AT&T's global network to deliver services and applications to the markets and geographies where multi-national companies today are doing business and/or housing their operations.

AT&T Provides Network-Driven Capabilities and Applications to Companies

"With today's announcement, AT&T is making good on its commitment to provide companies with the network-driven capabilities and applications they need to successfully compete in a difficult economic environment. Regardless of size, the companies that seize the power of IP technology and services to transform their businesses, are the companies that will be best-positioned to lead the global recovery." said Ron Spears, president and CEO of AT&T business solutions.

AT&T is capitalizing on the ongoing shift in network traffic from voice to data and video - and more importantly to IP-based data and video - as customers migrate from legacy data networks to MPLS-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and managed applications.