PRNewswire-FirstCall/ AT&T* today announced that it has extendedthe AT&T network through a new node in the Middle East. The node, deployed in Kuwait City, willprovide AT&T's global customers with improved connectivity in the Middle East and allow localKuwaiti companies better access to global markets via AT&T's worldwide network.
The node has beendeployed in cooperation with Qualitynet, a leading local provider of data communication, internetand 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 agreementsin Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
As part of the agreement among the three companies, Qualitynetand NavLink are hosting the global network node, allowing AT&T and Qualitynet to offer VirtualPrivate Network (VPN) services to local Kuwaiti customers seeking global connectivity and existingmultinational customers of AT&T seeking to extend their presence and reach in the MiddleEast.
The new node allows Qualitynet to offer network-based IP VPN solutions provided viaMulti-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) standards over the AT&T global network. This network providesIP-enabled, any-to-any, application-aware, managed VPN services that deliver security, choice andsimplicity, and performance levels for corporate intranet solutions on a global basis.
Mr. RashidAbdullah, Managing Director - Qualitynet, said: "Our success as a leading communication servicesprovider in Kuwait is attributed not only to our customer centric approach, but also to ourrelationship with leading global companies in providing advanced communications services. Thestrategic agreement with AT&T and NavLink will give Qualitynet customers another edge by extendingour local network reach worldwide, using the global network of AT&T for serving multi-nationalcorporations and the Government sector. This deal will further complement the 10 years of experienceQualitynet has developed in serving multinational businesses."
John B. Gibson, President, AT&TMiddle East and Africa, welcomed today's news. "This announcement marks another milestone in thecontinuing development of our business in the Middle East. AT&T is continuing to invest and innovatein supporting our customers everywhere they operate around the world. Thanks to this agreement wecan now offer even better connectivity and service in one of the Gulf region's key economies, whileallowing Kuwaiti businesses easier access to the rest of the world."
Bassem Soubra, VP Sales ofNavLink, said: "NavLink is delighted to support the deployment of this latest network node in such akey market. By harnessing the local strength and presence of Qualitynet with the global reach ofAT&T, the companies have created a formidable combination for Kuwaiti business."
During the pastfour years, AT&T has made significant investments in the Middle East. AT&T's global network providesservices for multinational companies throughout the MEA region and allows customers to access itsadvanced portfolio of Internet Protocol (IP) based managed communications services includinghosting, security and worldwide connectivity.
*AT&T products and services are provided oroffered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&TInc.