Bharti Airtel has signed an agreement with the UAE-based Etisalat to set up a multi-service regional network infrastructure node. The companies will set up the infrastructure nod at Etisalat’s Smarthub facility in the region.
The new multi-service regional network infrastructure node includes Airtel’s Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) services supported by its global network, the Indian company said in a statement.
This will allow Airtel to provide advanced data and wholesale services to its customers in West Asia and Africa and enhance in-region connectivity through Etisalat’s regional network. It will also provide a platform to Etisalat to reach out to key global business hubs such as Africa and India, it added.
“The facility will offer Airtel array of regional connectivity options both in and out of the region. This partnership will also enable direct routing of traffic between the Middle East and Africa, Asia and Europe,” said Ali Amiri, Executive Vice President (Carrier & Wholesale) at Etisalat.
Etisalat’s Smarthub is the region’s largest capacity, content, internet and data hub in the Middle East. Smarthub provides regional access for global service providers and global access to the region, it added.
“With a commitment to provide best in class services to all its customers and strong focus on emerging markets, Bharti Airtel has made significant investments in creating a globe spanning network infrastructure. The collaboration with Etisalat will further help us to cater to the growing bandwidth demands of our enterprise and carrier customers in the region,” said Ajay Chitkara, CEO, Global Business, Bharti Airtel.