AT&T Named Top Provider in U.S. Business Ethernet Services by Vertical Systems Group

Dallas, Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced that it has received recognition for its leadership in Business Ethernet from Vertical Systems Group, a leading analyst firm. On Vertical's year-end 2010 U.S. Business Ethernet Leaderboard,(1) AT&T has been ranked the top provider of Ethernet ports – for the sixth year in a row.

According to final 2010 share results published in Vertical Systems Group's web-based ENS (Emerging Networks Service) research service, AT&T retained the number one position in the U.S. Business Ethernet market. Vertical's data show that AT&T has steadily increased its port share in each of the past three years, and has widened its lead over all other providers selling retail Business Ethernet services in the U.S. market.

Vertical Systems Group also reports that the total number of U.S. Business Ethernet connections increased 34% during 2010. Enterprises have expressed greater confidence than ever in the reliability of Ethernet in supporting "ultra-high bandwidth applications" that drive their business processes. AT&T believes that its proven track record in providing quality services has contributed to the fact that companies continue to choose AT&T over its competitors for Ethernet.

AT&T delivers Ethernet solutions to meet customers' business needs, supporting applications such as cloud computing, data center consolidation, mobile access, content distribution and real-time video, along with capacity for bandwidth growth for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Internet access.  AT&T's Ethernet services, available in 45 countries around the world, offer a wide range of features and speeds, complemented by carrier-grade resiliency, operational simplicity and industry-leading Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Learn more about AT&T Business Ethernet at http://go-att.us/Ethernet.

(1) Vertical Systems Group. U.S. Business Ethernet Service Market Year End-2010 Port Share Report, January 2011.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Vertical Systems Group

Vertical Systems Group (www.verticalsystems.com) is recognized worldwide as a leading market research and strategic consulting firm specializing in defensible quantification of the networking industry.  For more than twenty five years, Vertical has provided its clients with in-depth market sizing and insight on wireline data and emerging network technologies.  Vertical Systems Group's ENS Research Programs are a comprehensive "real world" resource for business and product planning.  ENS tracks enterprise customer migration across all broadband network services to deliver more defensible analysis as compared to discrete market forecasts.  ENS research coverage includes Ethernet, Dedicated IP/MPLS VPNs, Access, Fiber, Private Lines, Frame Relay/ATM, Broadband and more.  For additional information on Vertical Systems Group's services, visit http://www.verticalsystems.com.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.  

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.