The news follows an existing long-term strategic partnership between the two that started back in 2009 and was renewed in 2014.
“Over the last few years, MTN has built a pan-African and Middle East network to support MTN customers’ growing needs for data and connectivity,” said Jens Schulte-Bochum (pictured), MTN Group COO. “MTN has been satisfied with BICS’ services over the last ten years. We are very happy to benefit from the market position and expertise of one of the world leading carriers, in full complementarity with the capabilities we are developing.”
Under the terms of the extended partnership, MTN will progressively insource the transport and management of its traffic within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, while BICS will remain MTN’s preferred provider for international voice and messaging services globally.
In addition, BICS will also continue to be MTN’s primary provider of mobility services until MTN develops a platform of its own. Both parties will also leverage MTN’s assets and customer base in the MEA region, such as infrastructure services.
“BICS is pleased to accompany MTN in developing their regional capabilities while remaining their primary partner for international carrier services, and to extend our relationship towards new and innovative services,” added Daniel Kurgan, CEO, BICS. “We are hereby fostering a partnership that will leverage complementary footprints, assets and expertise.”
Last month, BICS launched a new internet of things (IoT) application built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) that automatically on-boards devices no matter where they are in the world. The offering combines BICS’ worldwide multi-network cellular coverage solution with a module from CESANTA, an IoT vendor, to allow AWS customers to expand their IoT footprint to over 200 countries.
