Description ATEL Communications distributes communications network equipment to businesses in Southern California. The company specializes in systems used to enable office phone networks, messaging, call centers, and call accounting. While it deals primarily in products made by NEC, it also sells systems from vendors including 3Com, Mitel, and Hitachi among others. ATEL also offers such related services as voice and data cable installation and telecommunications consulting. ATEL serves such clients as hospitals, school districts, and city governments. The company was founded in 1985 by owner Steven Handelman.