The new point of presence is in a carrier-neutral facility, providing the Middle East with a new level of connectivity using PCCW Global’s advanced, resilient and automated Tier 1 network, and caters to the increasing demand of global wholesale and enterprise customers in the region.
PCCW Global’s managing director for the region, Sameh Sobhy, said: “Aqaba is an important strategic location for development. Our goal is to bring the latest, most innovative, fast and robust services to customers in the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] region.”
Naitel, based in Aqaba (pictured) and with an office in Jordan’s capital, Amman, has a carrier-neutral Tier III data centre in the city, which faces the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. Naitel operates Aqaba IX, an internet and peering exchange.
The Gulf of Aqaba is bordered by Saudi Arabia on the east and Egypt on the west. The neighbouring Israeli resort of Eilat is only 5km from Aqaba.
Naitel said: “Our data centre solves global coverage, capacity, and ecosystem connectivity needs by providing cutting-edge data exchange, interconnection, and colocation solutions for companies of all sizes. We are thrived to work with our client to eliminate the gravity barriers and move into the world of digital transformation.”
PCCW Global is not licensed in Jordan and does not provide services to customers in Jordan, but Naitel provides services in Jordan for PCCW Global’s customers outside the country.
According to its website, Naitel provides fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) services in Aqaba at speeds of up to 1Gbps.
Sobhy said: “Network automation makes it possible for users to manage and control their own data resources by accessing a wide variety of cloud services and content on top of our state-of-the-art data network.”
PCCW Global said its Console Connect incorporates network automation software that delivers on-demand access to PCCW Global’s dependable, high-speed global private network, enabling users to quickly spin up network connections when required.
Users are able to order global IP transit services via ther platform and private MPLS links on-demand, bypassing the public internet and directly connecting to cloud providers, content providers, applications partners and any community on the platform.
PCCW Global said development of the new node in Jordan is strategically aligned with its other network expansion and connectivity projects in the region, including the innovative Pakistan & East Africa Connecting Europe (PEACE) cable project.
That cable system, 12,000km long, is on schedule to be completed next year, with the intention of providing the shortest and most direct data route from Asia to Europe.
