GBI and TE SubCom, partners in the project, are working together to prepare the cable for service within the next few weeks.
“We are pleased to have reached this stage with the ‘Gulf Ring’ system alongside GBI and to have been a part of such a vital project for the Gulf region, where new subsea communications systems have been scarce,” said David Coughlan, CEO, TE SubCom.
The GBI cable system will have a capacity of at least 5.18 terabits. GBI has claimed that the system will facilitate a greater sophistication of service offerings in the region, and deliver a degree of resiliency and diversity that has in the past been lacking.
“This achievement is a significant milestone for the Gulf region, which continues to experience unprecedented economic and social growth,” said Rashed Al Noaimi, chairman of GBI.
Several capacity purchase agreements have been made in the run up to the launch, including a contract with Kuwaiti communications company FASTtelco.
