AT&T, China Telecom to Expand Business Offerings for Multinational Companies

AT&T and China Telecom signed a framework agreement strengthening their cooperation to develop more advanced network services for multinational companies doing business in China.

The companies are looking to help multinational customers use highly secure global communications to fuel business growth in China and around the world. AT&T and China Telecom will jointly explore ways to create new services in Internet of Things (IoT), cloud-based big data, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) roaming, and software-defined networks (SDN).

The agreement confirms an intent to renew the 20-year authorization for Shanghai Symphony Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (SST), the joint venture formed by AT&T, China Telecom and Shanghai Information Investments, signed in 2000. The parties intend to expand the scope of SST and the locations it serves to bring new business services and technologies to customers.

Under the agreement both companies will:

Help establish industry standards for SDN and accelerate their adoption;
Begin bilateral roaming tests contemplated in a previously executed Roaming Agreement for business customers;
Explore the potential of VoLTE roaming

“Global businesses have to be innovative and agile to succeed today. Growing our relationship with China Telecom, AT&T is helping multinational customers have consistent access to the advanced solutions they need in China. This will help them speed their digital evolution for years to come,” said Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO, AT&T Business Solutions and International segment.

“Working with AT&T, China Telecom is creating future business solutions that use enterprise mobility, cloud, IoT and other technologies.” said Gao Tongqing, Executive Director and EVP of China Telecom.