AT&T global network extended to Kuwait through agreement With Qualitynet and NavLink

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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.