AT&T Virtual Private Network Services Receive Three Telemark Gold Awards

December 22, 2005; 01:51 PM

BEDMINSTER, N.J., Dec. 22, 2005 – AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) services “seem to be hitting new heights," according to the most recent Telemark Services customer satisfaction survey.

AT&T Inc. has received more Telemark Gold Awards than any other global carrier in the most recent global IP customer satisfaction survey results issued by the marketing services firm in December 2005. 

According to the Telemark survey, AT&T is the operator with the greatest number of “Outstanding” performances in this latest report, winning three in total. 

“This is a remarkable achievement,” the report noted. “With the highest number of ‘Outstanding’ performances ratings in the Top 10, AT&T shows it is effectively meeting the priority needs of its customers."

A Telemark Gold Award is bestowed for satisfaction scores rated at more than 20 percent above the benchmark standard, which represents the attainment of an exceptional level of customer satisfaction. The three Gold Awards AT&T received are for Secure Data Transfer, Installation Not Disrupting and Satisfaction With Prior Pilot Installation.

“This vote of confidence from AT&T IP VPN services customers is further proof that our services continue to hold an industry-leading position in the minds of global enterprises,” said Michael Antieri, vice president of AT&T Product Management. “We’re pleased that customers are recognizing our continued efforts to maintain that level of excellence.”

AT&T received five “Excellent” ratings for its Network Availability, Operational Guarantees, International Performance, End-to-End Network Management and Bills in Currency of Choice. AT&T also met or exceeded benchmark satisfaction levels for 31 of the 32 attributes measured.

AT&T Receives Three Telemark Gold Awards

AT&T was also ranked “Best in Class” in seven of the report’s 32 key categories. They are Secure Data Transfer, Value for Money, Ability to Meet Customers’ Requirements, Installation Not Disrupting, Operational Guarantees, Prior Pilot Installation and Bills in Currency of Choice. AT&T outperformed all competitors on Prior Pilot Installation and Operational Guarantees. 

About Telemark Services Ltd.
Telemark is a fast growing marketing services firm offering consultancy, publications and online analysis with proven expertise in measuring customer satisfaction, competitive analysis, benchmarking, trend analysis, channel management, new product development, demand estimates, branding, tariff analysis, and business strategy, exclusively within the telecommunications and IT sectors. An experienced team with decades of independent market research experience in the expanding market for voice, data and vision, Telemark is often the first-choice supplier for many organisations with a requirement for international market research and analysis covering emerging technologies such as VoIP, convergence and hosting applications. For more information, please visit www.telemarkservices.com or email info@telemarkservices.com.

About the New AT&T
AT&T Inc. is one of the world’s largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States.  Operating globally under the AT&T brand, AT&T companies are recognized as the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business and as leading U.S. providers of high-speed DSL Internet, local and long-distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services.  AT&T Inc. holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which is the No. 1 U.S. wireless services provider with more than 52 million wireless customers. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and AT&T products and services is available at www.TheNewATT.com .