Mumbai: US telecom carrier AT&T Inc. has received a five-year global networking contract worth nearly $1 billion from General Motors Corporation, the world's largest automaker.

This is one of the largest commercial contracts in AT&T's history.

Under the agreement, AT&T will provide network integration management covering all aspects of GM's worldwide telecommunications infrastructure, including voice and data applications and systems support, AT&T said in a release.

AT&T will deliver next-generation telecommunications capabilities that will enable GM to further integrate its global resources. In addition, GM named AT&T a strategic information technology supplier to support its third-generation information technology business model, which is designed to ensure that GM's IT suppliers are working as one around the world, it added.

AT&T will be responsible for managing the performance of key regional telecommunications providers around the world in addition to network management responsibility for participating telephone companies to drive consistent, uniform IT service delivery and support. In addition, AT&T will continue to collaborate with GM's information systems and services.

AT&T already has a relationship with GM under which it provides the auto major with a global virtual private network (VPN) solution, integrating GM locations around the world.

AT&T's solution supports a full range of capabilities, including local, long distance, global voice mail, conferencing, high-speed internet access and telecommunications business-continuity services.

General Motors Corporation, the world's largest automaker, employs about 284,000 people worldwide. With headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures cars and trucks in 33 countries.

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company based in the United States with operating subsidiaries providing services under the AT&T brand around the world. AT&T is a world leader in IP-based communications services and the US leader in wireless, high-speed iternet, local and long distance voice telephony.