The joint venture, known as Shanghai Xintian Telecom Co, was set up 10 months ago by Shanghai Telecom, the local arm of China Telecom, AT&T and the Shanghai Information Investment Co.

A spokesman for the company says the joint venture's IP value added service network had been completed by the end of November and its main services and products have been determined but yet tobe announced.

During its initial operation period, he says, Xintian is to introduce what it calls a "seamless global link" service to its clients in Pudong, taking advantage of the strength of its two leading shareholders China Telecom and AT&T in network and technology.

So far, 20 of the world's top 500 multinationals involving nine industries are negotiating with the new telecommunications company on cooperation.

(People's Daily December 17, 2001)