DALLAS, Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement can be attributed to AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson:

"Following a meeting this week with the President, as well as conversations with Congressional leaders, I am more convinced than ever that a budget deal to avoid the 'fiscal cliff' must and can be found. This will require a compromise involving an increase in both tax rates and revenue in return for real and significant steps to reform entitlements and rein in federal spending. Now is the time for our nation's leaders to put aside partisan or philosophical differences and act for the good of the country as a whole. Failure to address this will result in severe market disruptions, a return to negative economic growth, and businesses pulling in investment. This can and must be avoided. It is no exaggeration to say that the future economic well-being of all Americans is riding on the outcome."

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.