Sep 30 2010
The Gulf Bridge International (GBI) has signed an agreement with Interoute and a Middle East submarine cable operator to develop a fiber-optic cable system that will interconnect all countries present in the Arabian Gulf region. The cable system, to be launched in 2011, will also offer onward connectivity to Asia and Europe.
Certain sections of the fiber-optic cable system will provide speeds of a maximum of 5 terabits per second to meet the increasing demand for Internet services in the Gulf region. Interoute will be provided with production capability on the GBI fiber-optic cable system in cities and countries where it is located. Interoute will respond to the GBI agreement on the next-generation networks in North America, transatlantic routes, Europe and Africa.
Interoute’s VP business development, Ian Bedford stated that there is a clear need to boost the cable systems in the Gulf region. He added that the company is pleased to work with GBI to develop a durable communication bridge between North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
GBI’s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Mekky commented that the Internet traffic between Middle East and Europe is increasing at a rapid rate and along with Interoute, the company would address the demand and offer durability and diversity.