Australia-based telecom firm Telstra has launched a new point of presence (PoP) in the UAE in a technology partnership with Etisalat, a pioneer company in next generation networks technology.

Announced at Capacity Middle East in Dubai, a leading annual wholesale conference, the new PoP will be housed in Etisalat’s UAE SmartHub facility and will enable Telstra customers to benefit from reduced latency and increased network availability across the Middle East.

Bernadette Noujaim Baldwin, Telstra’s head of Connectivity & Platforms Portfolio, Global Enterprise & Services, said the company was committed to expanding its network footprint across key regions and into new markets that are of high value to its customers.

“The Middle East is an emerging economic and technological powerhouse, with IDC predicting almost double digit year on year growth in IT expenditure, which is expected to hit more than $270 billion in 2015 alone,” she said.

“In light of these economic conditions, it is drawing in businesses that require a stable local network with international reach. It’s critical these organisations have access to integrated, robust and seamless connectivity options and we are pleased to extend our network into this region to address such demands.

“Additionally, the new PoP enables Telstra to take advantage of the Bay of Bengal Gateway (BBG) cable, which will enter service later this year and become one of the fastest routes from the Middle East to East and South-East Asia,” Baldwin added.

Ali Amiri, executive vice president Carrier & Wholesale Services, Etisalat said: “We are delighted to welcome Telstra, Etisalat's long term technology partner, to the SmartHub and we look forward to continued cooperation with them.”

“Thanks to the robust capabilities of Etisalat’s SmartHub, global operators such as Telstra have recognised the value of collaborating with Etisalat to deliver the network quality and seamless services that only our combined international and regional strengths can offer.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Telstra to deliver new opportunities and connections across the Middle East and around the world,” Amiri concluded.

Etisalat’s Smarthub is the largest capacity, content, internet and data hub in the Middle East. Smarthub provides regional access for global service providers and global access to the internet for the region. – TradeArabia News Service