A major new telecommunications interoperability hub - the first of its type in the region - was launched in Bahrain yesterday (May 31).

The Global Internet Protocol Exchange (GIPX) is a joint venture between Viva Bahrain and BT (formerly known as British Telecom), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It allows for the exchange of Internet protocol (IP) based traffic between customers of separate mobile and fixed operators as well as other types of service provider, via an IP-based network-to-network interface.

Viva Bahrain chief executive Ulaiyan Al Wetaid said the new GIPX hub would benefit local operators and mobile service providers across the GCC, Jordan and Egypt.

It should also mean customers pay less for services such as high definition voice calling, 4G, LTE and WiFi roaming, as well as other data services, according to the official.

"The Bahrain GIPX will provide end-users in the Middle-East and beyond with more choice, better service and higher quality communication services," said Al Wetaid yesterday at a media briefing held to unveil the hub at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa.

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed, who was also at the meeting, said the new interoperability hub would enable fixed, mobile, legacy and next-generation networks to interconnect in a way that minimises the cost.

"Bahrain is the fourth country after Singapore, US and the UK to have a GIPX that will put us on the global map and help facilitate voice and data traffic for local and regional telecoms operators," he said.

"We are convinced that a Bahrain-based hub will help all operators in the Gulf and Middle East by providing faster connectivity - reinforcing Bahrain's position as an attractive business-friendly country.

"This is a big milestone for Bahrain that shows our commitment to improving the telecommunications sector."

The cost for local and regional operators to register and benefit from the GIPX was not disclosed.

However, BT Global Services Middle East and North Africa managing director Wael El Kabbany said that the hub would help develop the region's information and communications technology sector and help voice and data traffic to travel quicker more smoothly.

The GIPX hub is the result of an agreement signed between BT and Viva Bahrain last year, he added. - TradeArabia News Service