Qatar Telecommunications (Qtel) and Tata Communications today announced a strategic alliance that will strengthen both companies’ network reach in the region and internationally.

Under the terms of the agreement, both the companies will align their infrastructures and work together to provide secure, scalable and flexible connectivity solutions including Ethernet, MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) and a wide variety of managed services to their global customers.

Ahmed Al-Derbesti, executive director, International Services, said: “Qtel has a clear strategy in place to deliver the strongest possible communications framework for the growth of business in Qatar today. Partnership with companies like Tata Communications, which is a recognized leader in communications solutions, is a core part of that development strategy.”

The agreement complements the ambitious growth strategies of both companies. Qtel looks to provide its clients with world-class communication services and the capacity to expand internationally. Tata Communications continues to build connectivity into emerging markets, to better serve its customers, a statement said.

Eng Khalid Al Mansouri, executive director of Qtel’s Business Solutions, said: “This is a landmark agreement which will help to position Qtel at the heart of one of the most robust communication networks in the world today.”

Vinod Kumar, president and COO of Tata Communications, said: “Joining hands with Qtel is a winning proposition for Tata Communications as it lends an invaluable perspective to our mission of delivering seamless connectivity and flagship communications services to customers with diverse and widespread network needs.”

Over time, the agreement will enable Tata Communications to deliver Layer 2 Ethernet over SDH, Ethernet over MPLS and a range of configurations including unique Dedicated Multipoint Ethernet services to its international network of customers through Qtel.

In return, Qtel customers will have access to a range of new MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum) certified services, delivered via Tata Communications’ major networks of submarine cables, which are among the most significant in the world, and its Tier-1 IP network that spans across five continents, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service