Boeing, AT&T; Join in Huge Bid

WASHINGTON — American Telephone & Telegraph announced today it has joined forces with Boeing to bid on a sweeping government phone contract worth an estimated $4.5 billion.

The alliance boosts AT&T;’s chance of winning the 10-year contract, which most of the nation’s big phone companies are seeking, to build and maintain the most advanced-ever high-speed voice, video and data communications network. Under the plan announced by the two companies, AT&T; will bid as the prime contractor, but Boeing will participate in the design, development and marketing of the new system.