Bharti Airtel (Airtel) on Monday said it was partnering with Telecom Egypt wherein, Airtel will get IRUs (Indefeasible Right of Use) on Middle East, North Africa Submarine Cable (MENA Cable) and TE North Cable Systems.

In addition, Airtel will also take large capacities on a long-term basis on two new hi-tech Cable Systems (SMW5 & AAE1), the company said adding that the transactions are aimed to be concluded after the fulfilment of all conditions precedents.

With this, Airtel will be able to further diversify its global network to serve the growth in demand for data services, particularly in emerging markets across South Asia, Africa and Middle East, while also benefiting from the favourable economics of Telecom Egypt’s existing wide cable systems network, the company said.

Telecom Egypt is Egypt’s first integrated telecom operator, and the partnership grants Airtel the right to use fiber pairs of MENA Cable from Egypt to India with access to Saudi Arabia and Oman, and other fiber pairs from Egypt towards Italy.

It also extends beyond MENA Cable, where Airtel will get the right to use a fiber pair from Egypt to France on TE North along with capacities on SMW5 and AAE1 cable systems, it said.

“The partnership including MENA Cable and TE’s network will be a good addition to our global network portfolio and provide us with a high quality and diversified new route to Western Europe and the rest of the world,” Ajay Chitkara, Director and Chief Executive Officer – Airtel Business, said.

In particular, it will provide impetus to India’s emergence as a major regional Internet hub serving customers across SAARC region, with seamless global connectivity. he said.

Airtel’s global network portfolio includes ownership of i2i submarine cable system connecting Chennai to Singapore, consortium ownership of SMW4 submarine cable system connecting Chennai and Mumbai to Singapore and Europe, and new cable system investments like Asia America Gateway, India Middle East & Western Europe, Unity, EIG and East Africa Submarine System.

It also has terrestrial express connectivity to neighbouring countries including Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh and China.

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