Following the network extension agreement signed in Nairobi last year between the two companies, Interoute will now provide a network route from GBI’s landing station in Mazara Sicily to Interoute’s Milan PoP via Caldera. The second agreement will see the two companies integrate networks giving GBI access to major European centres such as Milan, London, Paris, Marseilles, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
“The global demand for internet increases year on year, and there is a real need for strong, resilient internet connections between Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” said Gareth Williams, CEO at Interoute.
GBI will complete its 5Tbps ring system around the Gulf later this year with this new deal extending the company’s global connectivity.
"With our launch only a few months away, we have now secured extensive coverage across Europe, beyond the physical reach of the GBI Cable System," said Ahmed Mekky, CEO and board member at GBI. "This will enable both of our companies to offer the most comprehensive coverage between Europe and the Middle East."
The European network agreement will give GBI access to Interoute’s voice and data networks, which will be designed and deployed with 100Gbps capability.
Mohamed Elagazy, SVP of strategy, business development and international relations at GBI, said that Interoute’s advanced network made it an obvious choice of partner in Europe.
“Interoute has a very sophisticated network in western Europe and can take GBI and its customers to all the major cities that we would like to reach,” said Elagazy. “The vendors Interoute uses, such as Infinera, are also very compatible with what we are trying to do.”
Following the agreement, GBI will turn its attentions to extending its links east into Asia.
“Our cable now reaches Mumbai, where we hope to go on to reach Chennai and Singapore,” said Elagazy. “Our goal is to have an express route that will take us all the way from Singapore to Milan.”
