NEWS
Omantel launches 400GbE DCI service with Ciena
The Ciena solution gives Omantel the ability to deploy 100G and , for the first time , 400GbE DCI connectivity over wavelengths up to 800Gb / s to accommodate increasing network traffic .
Oman Telecommunications Company
( Omantel ), one of Oman ’ s leading integrated telecommunications services providers , has announced the launch of a 400GbE DCI service utilising Ciena ’ s Data Centre Interconnect solution .
The service is designed to meet the rapidly rising connectivity demands of Omantel ’ s wholesale , cloud and content provider customers while delivering a superior customer experience through optimised performance .
Omantel ’ s 400GbE DCI service runs on Ciena ’ s 6500 Packet-Optical Platform powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme coherent optics and is managed by the Manage , Control and Plan ( MCP ) domain controller .
“ Our vision is for Oman to be the leading gateway to the region and beyond ,” said Sohail Qadir , Vice President of Wholesale at Omantel . “ We are bringing this mission to life and a recent example is our new 400GbE data centre interconnect service that we developed with Ciena .
“ At Omantel , considering the numerous benefits on technical , commercial and social levels , we acted upon a clear strategy for data centres by partnering with Equinix , the world ’ s digital infrastructure company , to launch MC1 , the premier carrier-neutral data centre in MENA . We are now taking the next step by introducing an innovative new DCI service , the first of its kind in the region .”
Closing of tower acquisition in Oman
Helios Towers , an independent telecommunications infrastructure company , has announced it has closed the acquisition of Omantel ’ s passive infrastructure assets in Oman , adding 2,519 sites to its portfolio for a gross consideration of US $ 495 million .
“ We are delighted to close the acquisition of Omantel ’ s tower assets ,” said Tom Greenwood , Chief Executive Officer , Helios Towers . “ The transaction represents our first in the Middle East and we enter one of the fastest-growing markets for mobile infrastructure in the region with our valued local partner , Rakiza .
“ Since announcing the transaction last year , we have built a talented local team and instilled our business excellence principles and we now look forward to working with Omantel , a great long-term partner and the other MNOs to drive the growth of mobile communications across Oman ,” said Greenwood .
“ We are pleased to complete the sale of our passive tower infrastructure in Oman ,” said Talal Said Al Mamari , Chief Executive
Officer of Omantel . “ This aligns to our strategy to develop world class asset-light , strategic and advanced communication networks in Oman . This transaction helps Omantel to achieve effective deleveraging and focus on optimised capital structure for the company . We believe Helios Towers will bring in extensive savings and efficient passive infrastructure solutions and services for Omantel , which in turn will help efficient telecom sector operations and job growth in Oman .”
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