BT has teamed up with Bahrain-based 2Connect to expand its operations in the kingdom.

The partnership should make it easier and more cost-effective than ever before for businesses in Bahrain to take advantage of BT's global information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities, according to a company spokesman.

'The local partnership model gives businesses access to world-class global network services, while dealing with a trusted local partner, in their own language and currency,' said BT Middle East and North Africa general manager Wael El Kabbany.

'It's a very compelling proposition, which truly brings together the best of both worlds, in combining our strengths.

'We decided that 2Connect was the best partner for us here,' he added.

'Batelco told us they were only a small player, but then compared to us so are Batelco.'

BT has operated in the Middle East since 1985 and serves over 300 customers in the region.

2Connect is a key support partner for BT and the BT Alliance, BT's global partner programme, that allows IT service companies and network service providers to represent BT in their respective markets by marketing and selling the company's portfolio of global networked IT services.

The BT Alliance programme was officially launched last year and 2Connect is the first BT Alliance partner in the Middle East.

The BT Alliance programme comprises over 100 partners globally and is part of BT's strategy to reach and serve customers around the world.

'By joining the BT Alliance, we yet again highlight our mandate to provide unique services and bring high-quality information technology to the kingdom of Bahrain,' said 2Connect founder and managing director Fahad Al Shirawi.

'2Connect's customers will benefit from both our local experts as well as relationship that leverages BT's global leadership in advanced connectivity and a host of complementary and value adding products and services.

'This will offer a higher level of global service to industry across the kingdom, particularly in the fields of financial services, utilities and government services,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service