Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 30 | Page 55

COUNTRY FOCUS: BAHRAIN NETWORK LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT INNOVATION Batelco has launched the Batelco Gulf Network (BGN), the new international cable system that provides the GCC region with an additional option for regional and international connectivity solutions. The BGN also supports Bahrain’s vision towards positioning the country as a major hub for ICT and data movement in the MENA region. The BGN cable runs over the state-of-the-art Optical Transfer Network (OTN) and meets the demand for reliable high bandwidth connectivity and capacity serving the different needs of international services and supporting up to 8.8Tbps and beyond. Batelco Bahrain CEO, Mohamed Bubashait, said that Batelco’s strategic plans to develop a world class advanced infrastructure is in line with the kingdom’s vision and aspirations to maintain Bahrain’s position as a leader in the region’s ICT industry. Moreover, the BGN offers customers a new choice for international connectivity solutions to and from the region. SUPPORTING SPORTING EVENTS Batelco is the official telecommunications partner of Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and has provided a full range of communications services for the 2018 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Batelco’s communication network at the BIC facilitates world-class connectivity for the teams, media organisations, corporate guests and visitors to the show. The provisioning included dedicated high-speed internet and voice connectivity which catered for the voice and data needs both locally and internationally. Batelco also provided global telecommunication solutions which were used by the teams to transfer data back to their home-base after each day of testing or racing. In order to ensure business continuity both on site and externally, Batelco’s network technical team were present at the BIC www.intelligentcio.com “ THIS SUPERIOR NETWORK WILL BOOST BAHRAIN’S PRESENCE AS A KEY HUB FOR TELECOM SERVICES. He said: “Batelco chose to invest in the BGN as a fully owned and operated international fibre optic cable system, thus providing the country and region with a new state-of-the-art cable system that will enable meeting the growing demand for data services and applications.” Batelco Chief Global Business Officer, Adel Al-Daylami, added: “As part of its comprehensive plans Batelco was keen to establish a robust national and international throughout the event in case any support was required, while Batelco’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) personnel were monitoring the networks continuously to immediately resolve any communication disruptions. Batelco and the BIC have enjoyed a strong partnership over many years and understand that first-rate performance is crucial at all times with the two organisations striving continuously to promote Bahrain on the international stage. During the race days, Batelco was aware that the world was watching and was fully committed to playing its part in portraying Bahrain as a world-class location capable of providing mission critical communication solutions. The ongoing participation of Batelco demonstrated the company’s commitment to the advancement of Bahrain’s economy by being present in vital projects that contribute significantly to the kingdom’s prosperity and development as a leading business and tourism hub. n Batelco Chief Global Business Officer Adel Al-Daylami infrastructure and this network is one of the initiatives which supports the company’s vision toward building a cloud-centric foundation to foster innovation in the kingdom and region.” The BGN will facilitate the introduction of new and innovative services which will greatly boost Bahrain’s and the GCC’s communications capabilities and enhance the development of businesses in the region. “We are also confident that this superior network will boost Bahrain’s presence as a key hub for telecom services and look forward to building on this strong platform to ensure its success,” said Bubashait. “ BATELCO WAS AWARE THAT THE WORLD WAS WATCHING AND WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO PLAYING ITS PART IN PORTRAYING BAHRAIN AS A WORLD-CLASS LOCATION. INTELLIGENTCIO 55