Using AT&T services, Sovereign enjoys an efficient, reliable network that helps meet financial industry compliance requirements and supports the company's deployment of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and proprietary financial applications.

The network is designed to grow with Sovereign as the bank adds branches. It also supports Sovereign's business continuity plan by ensuring continuous service at primary corporate locations in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

"AT&T has worked hard for us to provide an efficient and highly functional network that allows us to offer employees in every Sovereign Bank location reliable application performance that optimizes productivity and customer service," says Domingo Martinez, Executive Director of Network Services for Sovereign Bank. "And since our network now supports VoIP, we are saving money on long-distance and access charges."

Sovereign Bank can monitor the performance of its network and applications through the secure AT&T customer portal, AT&T BusinessDirect®, which provides operational efficiencies including around-the-clock online access to real-time reports on network performance and direct connection to 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.