SINGAPORE -- AT&T received the Telecom Asia Readers' Choice Award for the "Best Global Carrier" for an unprecedented fourth year in succession at the Telecom Asia awards on Tuesday 18 June in Singapore.

The award winners were voted for by readers of Telecom Asia's three magazines, Wireless Asia, Telecom Asia and Telecom China which are distributed in 12 countries across the Asia Pacific region. Those invited to vote included executives and professionals from Asian telecom companies, equipment vendors and major business users. The criteria for "Best Global Carrier" were based on peer reviews as well as an outstanding contribution to the industry.

Receiving the award on behalf of AT&T, Hock Lye Choo, Regional General Manager of AT&T ASEAN, said the award is in recognition of AT&T's commitment to providing excellent communications solutions to users globally.

"It is especially gratifying to receive this award at a time when the telecom industry is under severe pressure," said Choo. "This demonstrates that our people have remained focused on excellent customer service despite the challenges we are all facing. AT&T is honoured to receive this award because it presents a clear, objective view of our performance by our peers and customers throughout the region."

“Above all, we know that there's no room for complacency and we are fully committed to providing high-quality networking services to businesses in Asia Pacific. We will continue to deliver worry-free, reliable networking solutions to our customers, so they can focus on their core businesses and enhance their productivity and profitability."

By the end of 2002, AT&T will have invested US$300 million to enhance and extend its global network, with most of this investment earmarked for Europe and Asia Pacific. In addition, AT&T now owns the former Concert Asia Pacific frame relay assets, expanding its network capabilities in the region.

The annual Telecom Asia awards began in 1998 and have become one of the highlights of the telecom industry's calendar of events. More than 400 telecom industry professionals attended the awards presentation.

"Asia's telecom professionals have once again demonstrated their regard for AT&T around the region," said Robert Clark, group editor of Telecom Asia magazine. "Winning the award for the 4th year running shows the quality of its service portfolio and its brand. Now in their fifth year, these awards have the most coveted accolades in Asian telecoms because they represent peer reviews of industry leaders."

Telecom Asia is Asia's longest-running and most successful telecom industry publication. First published ten years ago, it now has 25,000 readers in a dozen markets around the region.

About AT&T Asia/Pacific

AT&T Asia Pacific (www.ap.att.com) has a significant presence in the region, with headquarters in Hong Kong and key offices in 13 markets.  The company offers advanced communication services to governments, businesses and consumers, which include voice, data and online.  In addition, NTT Communications has acquired a 15 percent equity interest in AT&T Global Network Services Japan. Other significant investments in the region include a 25 per cent stake in Shanghai Symphony Telecom, trading under the brand name UNISITI – the first ever Sino-foreign telecom services joint venture, with Shanghai Telecom and Shanghai Information Investment.