AT&T, China Telecom to extend joint venture for business services support

AT&T and China Telecom have signed a framework agreement that confirms their intent to renew the 20-year authorization for Shanghai Symphony Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (SST), the joint venture AT&T, China Telecom, and Shanghai Information Investments formed in 2000. The two service providers expect the joint venture will continue to serve the interests of multinational companies doing business in China through development of new services.

The two services providers pledging to develop new services

The agreement sees the two services providers pledging to develop new services to meet growing needs for Internet of Things (IoT), cloud-based big data, voice over LTE (VoLTE) roaming, and software-defined networking (SDN). In particular, the companies have agreed to collaborate on:

• the establishment and accelerated adoption of industry standards for SDN
• the creation of bilateral roaming tests contemplated in a previously executed Roaming Agreement for business customers
• exploration of the potential of VoLTE roaming.

The new agreement also establishes the companies’ desire to expand the scope of SST and the locations it serves.

“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,” predicted 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 executive vice president of China Telecom.

To view the original press release, visit AT&T