AT&T Wins Networking Contract from Safeway Insurance Group

October 10, 2005 -  Chicago – AT&T announced today it has won a contract to provide an advanced networking solution for Safeway Insurance Group, the largest privately held auto insurance company in the United States. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) integrates Safeway’s headquarters in Westmont, Ill., with nine offices across the southern and western United States. Based on Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology, the AT&T solution provides a standardized networking platform with increased bandwidth and secure, high-speed access to Safeway’s proprietary applications, e-mail and other operational functions.

Additionally, the AT&T solution enables class of service with priority queuing for Safeway’s policy and claims administration system to ensure the efficient processing of quotes and policy transactions. The IP-based network also supports Safeway’s business continuity capabilities by rerouting traffic in the event of disaster, as recently experienced during Hurricane Katrina.

“In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, AT&T’s networking solution enabled our offices in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to remain operational and meet the needs of our clients who were affected by the disaster,” said Donna Jonynas, Vice President and CIO of Safeway Insurance Group. “Our customers depend on us.  In turn, we count on AT&T.” 

Through the secure AT&T BusinessDirectâ portal, Safeway has around-the-clock online access to real-time reports on network performance and direct connection to electronic billing and trouble management systems. AT&T BusinessDirect was recently recognized by the Yankee Group for providing customers with the strongest online support and service experience in the industry.

About AT&T
For more than 125 years, AT&T (NYSE "T") has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data services.

About Safeway Insurance Group
For more than 40 years, Safeway Insurance Group has provided automobile insurance to drivers in various states across the country. Today, Safeway insures more than 250,000 policyholders, making it the largest privately held auto insurance company in the United States. Based in Westmont, Ill., the company has offices in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.