TOKYO -- Verizon Business and SoftBank Telecom have entered into a strategic alliance agreement that benefits multinational customers of both companies doing business in Japan.

The agreement, ratified at a signing ceremony in Tokyo, provides customers with access to the networks and capabilities of each company. John Killian, president, Verizon Business, and Shinichi Koide, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, SoftBank Telecom, represented their companies at the event.

SoftBank Telecom is one of Japan's largest ICT (information and communication technology) solution companies. It has a nationwide, fiber-optic network of more than 13,000 kilometers. Verizon Business owns and operates one of the most expansive IP backbone networks in the world, and provides the industry's best portfolio of global IP and mobile devices, services and solutions for business, government and education customers worldwide.

Killian commented: "Japan is a key strategic market for many global businesses, as well as the headquarters location for many of the world's leading companies. For enterprises operating on a global scale, access to secure and high-quality communications infrastructure is a prerequisite for business success. This announcement is yet another demonstration of Verizon Business' commitment to assisting our multinational customers in achieving their global goals. We are delighted to join with SoftBank Telecom to deliver a seamless, high-quality communications experience that will support the evolving business needs of all our mutual customers, both within Japan and around the world."

Verizon Enterprise Solutions

SoftBank Corp.