Qtel Teams With AT&T and NavLink to Bring Advanced Global Networking Services to the Region

Qtel Teams With AT&T and NavLink to Bring Advanced Global Networking Services to the Region

Qtel, AT&T and NavLink to deepen reach of AT&T Global Network in Qatar

DOHA, Qatar, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Telecom (Qtel), AT&T and NavLink announced today that they have signed an agreement to extend the AT&T Global Network (AGN) in the Middle East region through the deployment of a state-of- the-art AGN node in Doha, the Qatari capital.

This new node will provide Qtel's customers access to advanced data, connectivity and managed services from AT&T and will allow Qtel's network to interconnect with one of the world's most advanced Internet Protocol (IP) based global infrastructures. It will mean that AT&T becomes the first global service provider to offer global data services in Qatar, one of the fastest growing economies in the region.

The AGN node, which will be hosted in Qtel's new Data Center, is the first of its kind deployed in the region, confirming Qtel as a leading regional service provider. The Data Center has been built to the same standards and specifications AT&T requires for centers housing its own network nodes around the world.

Qtel and NavLink, an AT&T affiliated company, also announced today that they have signed a series of agreements. NavLink will install and maintain the new AGN node and work with Qtel to support customers needing AT&T services.

Qtel Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nasser Marafih said, "Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, we have embarked on a program to lead the region into the next generation of telecom and IT related services.

"The set up of an AT&T network node in Doha shall enable Qtel to offer leading Qatari and multinational enterprises an array of data services including world wide connectivity over AT&T's global network."

"AT&T is pleased to build on the strong relationship which NavLink has built with Qtel and to be involved in this project to offer customers state-of the-art, global network capabilities," said Chris Rooney, President AT&T Sales. "It offers us a significant opportunity to extend our presence and services for our multinational customers to one of the fastest growing and economically active regions of the world."

George N. Chammas, NavLink Co-President & CFO, said, "We have been honored to be associated with Qtel since its introduction of IP related data services. We look forward in assisting Qtel to serve the enterprise hosting, managed services and wide are networking needs for enterprises and institutions."

The announcement today -- part of an ongoing series of MPLS enabled node deployments into countries around the world, including China and Mexico -- reflects AT&T's commitment to business customers that generated almost 75 percent of the company's $30.5 billion annual revenue in 2004.

The AT&T Global Network already has over 1000 MPLS enabled nodes in more than 50 countries around the world. Extending the reach of AT&T's global IP network into additional countries such as Qatar reflects a growing demand for increased network presence by the company's largest multinational customers.

Qtel sees significant opportunities to offer global services to its customers in the public and private sectors. Choosing to pursue a strategic partnership with the leading global networking company and its cutting edge regional affiliate boosts Qtel's strategic intent to become the main center for global networking solutions and related network and data center value added services for customers not only in Qatar but throughout the region.

About Qatar Telecom (Qtel)

Qtel ( www.qtel.com.qa ) is the exclusive telecommunications provider in Qatar and is one of the largest public companies in the country with about 1,800 employees. Qtel provides a range of telecommunications products including national, international, mobile GSM, Internet & Cable television services. Qtel was successfully launched on the Doha Securities Market (DSM) in 1998 and successively listed on the London Stock Exchange, and the Bahrain and Abu Dhabi stock markets. Qtel's strategic priority is to create value for its shareholders through superior customer service and new products and services demanded by the rapidly growing and modernizing Qatari economy.

About NavLink

NavLink ( www.navlink.com ) is a system and network integrator and managed service provider, operating in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Founded in December 1996, NavLink achieved a leadership position in high-end IP consulting, system integration, enterprise hosting and managed services serving telcos and new operators, as well as multinational corporations. NavLink operates a carrier class data center in Nice, France part of AT&T's 26 global data centers. NavLink resells AT&T wholesale and enterprise VPN services in the Middle East and Africa.

About AT&T

For more than 125 years, AT&T (NYSE "T") has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data services.

AT&T 'Safe Harbor'

The foregoing contains "forward-looking statements" which are based on management's beliefs as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events made by and information currently available to management. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside AT&T's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. For a more detailed description of the factors that could cause such a difference, please see AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991018/ATT )

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991018/ATT
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: AT&T

CONTACT: Joyce Van Duzer of AT&T Media Relations, +1-908-234-6846, or
jvanduzer@att.com ; or Waleed Al-Sayed of Qtel Media Relations, +974 440 0525,
or walsayed@qtel.com.qa ; or Naji Chakhtoura of NavLink Media, +961 1 325 880,
or Naji.chakhtoura@navlink.com

Web site: http://www.att.com/
http://www.qtel.com.qa/
http://www.navlink.com/


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