AT&T - Telecoms Technology for the Global 500

AT&T is one of the few companies in the world with the expertise to provide global telecommunications services. It numbers all of the Fortune 500 companies amongst its customers; companies like IBM, Lafarge, Siemens and even the Williams Formula 1 motor racing team.

A quarter of all of AT&T's European employees are based in the West Midlands at the company's state of the art data hosting centre. This provides managed computing resources for companies running their business over the internet and sits alongside 28 similar data hosting centres worldwide, ranging from Hong Kong to New Jersey. The West Midlands' location at the heart of the UK and with easy access to the whole of Europe is an important strategic advantage, as Media Relations Director, Phil Coathup explains:

"Originally, AT&T came to the West Midlands as a result of the acquisition of Istel, a company that provided IT services to, amongst others, the automotive manufacturing sector. That was at the end of the 80s. Since then, we have strengthened our presence in the region and now employ around 1000 people here. We serve a pan-European customer base and, as such, our proximity to Birmingham International Airport is key. We can be in most major European cities within an hour and a half. The airport also has excellent connectivity. In some European airports, it takes longer to get in and out of the airport than the flight itself. Here, we can be at the airport within 20 minutes."

The region's skilled workforce and quality of life have also contributed to AT&T's UK success. "We have no problem recruiting and retaining people with language skills and telecomms expertise," continues Phil. "The high standard of living in the West Midlands means that people who come here tend to remain. I am one of them. I came here 20 years ago from the South East and I have never returned. There I was commuting for almost two hours. Here I can be home in 10 minutes and I have the advantage of Stratford-on-Avon, Worcester and Evesham virtually on my doorstep. Housing is more affordable, too."

AT&T plays a vital role for Global 1000 companies, ensuring consistent voice and data telecommunications systems across their entire global company network. It is a hugely complex and specialised area and some company mergers have succeeded or failed on the basis of how well their telecommunications are integrated. Despite tough trading conditions, there will always be a demand for AT&T's services. services. "In times of transition, as companies expand or contract, computing and telecommunications systems need to be effectively managed. We can relieve global companies of the pressure of doing this themselves by taking over the running of the entire operation. It is our job to ensure they can communicate clearly and effectively with one another, whether they're in Madrid, Moscow or Maine."

Interview given by Phil Coathup, International Public Relations Director.

For more information on AT&T, visit www.att.com/emea.