By Sarmad Qazi
Qatar-based Gulf Bridge International (GBI) has signed an agreement with Iraq Telecommunications and Post Company (ITPC) for the landing rights of fibre optic cables in Iraq.
GBI, the Middle East’s first privately-owned submarine cable operator, signed up with ITPC, a leading telecommunications provider in Iraq, on Thursday to obtain the licence for the former’s advanced fibre optic cable system.
The company’s ambitious international cable system of undersea cable network is to connect the Gulf states in a ‘Gulf Ring’ system, in addition to onward telecommunications connectivity to the Far East (East Route) and Europe (West Route).
After signing the agreement, GBI chairman Rashid al-Noaimi said: “The landing of GBI’s new undersea telecommunications cable is a historic event, as it is the first cable to be landed in Iraq. This step will certainly improve Iraqi economic performance especially the telecommunication sector, motivate the development process and facilitate various business investments.”
The cable is expected to contribute in developing telecommunication services for both individuals and companies in Iraq, while providing high capacity Internet services especially with Gulf countries, and will help in reconnecting Iraq with the rest of the world through high speed, reliable cable networks.
Iraqi ambassador to Qatar Jawad al-Hindawi, who was present on the occasion, said: “The agreement reflects strong Qatari-Iraqi relations, and it opens doors for more co-operations in other fields in the future. We look forward for the best mutual investments between Iraq and Qatar, as well as our people’s interest.”
Other senior officials present included GBI vice-chairman Hamad al-Mannai, chief executive officer Ahmed Mekky, and from the Iraqi Ministry of Communication and ITPC technical under-secretary Amir Oryan Khadr Khadr , director general Qasim Mohamed Jasim al-Hasani, and assistant legal adviser Thaer Nafea Ahmed.
Al-Hasani said: “The landing of the GBI cable in Iraq will provide unprecedented services, and will support other sectors which will benefit from the rapid and immediate communication the GBI cable will offer.”
GBI officials said its international cable system offers options to upgrade to a true 64x40gbps per fiber pair system, enabling real-time communications for telecommunication operators and major industries.The signing ceremony took place at the Qatar Science and Technology Park, a tour of which was extended to the Iraqi visitors as well. |
