Batelco selects Ciena to build the new Batelco Gulf Network

Batelco Gulf Network Cable System to Connect all GCC Countries & Beyond

MANAMA, Bahrain & HANOVER, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2017-- Batelco, Bahrain Telecommunications Company, the leading digital services provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has selected Ciena’s (NYSE: CIEN) Converged Packet Optical Platform as the foundation for the new Batelco Gulf Network (BGN). The BGN runs over a state-of-the-art Optical Transfer Network (OTN) to meet the demand for reliable and cost effective high bandwidth connectivity and capacity for Batelco customers and international carriers’ wholesale needs, supporting up to 8.8Tbps and beyond.

The BGN cable system will be connecting all the countries across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) in the Arabian Gulf region. Consumers and businesses across the GCC are consuming more OTT (Over-The-Top) content such as HD video and services from local and international providers, driving demand for additional high-speed connectivity services.

The BGN terrestrial fibre cable extends 1,400km and is managed by Batelco with full control and manageability and can be interconnected with other regional and global cable systems for access to onward connectivity to Europe, Asia, Africa and the rest of the world.

Batelco Chief Global Business Officer Adel Al-Daylami said that Batelco chose to invest in the Batelco Gulf Network as a fully owned and managed terrestrial fiber optic cable network, thus providing the country a new state of the art international gateway that will enable Bahrain to meet the growing demand for data services and applications.

“The BGN is a reliable alternative to more vulnerable submarine cables, all with scalable capacity and the shortest inter-Gulf latency. This new partnership with Ciena will enable us to achieve all of this,” Mr. Al-Daylami added.

Ciena Vice President and General Manager EMEA, Keri Gilder said,

“Ciena is delighted to partner with Batelco on the Batelco Gulf Network, which will enhance communications and deliver world class networking services for customers, and position Bahrain as a regional leader and innovator in telecoms services. Ciena is committed to supporting Batelco through our extensive global experience and expertise, and comprehensive professional services in the region, to deliver highly secure and reliable connectivity to Batelco and its customers.”

About Batelco

Batelco Group is headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain and listed on the Bahrain Bourse. Batelco has played a pivotal role in the country's development as a major communications hub and today is the leading integrated communications’ provider, continuing to lead and shape the local consumer market and the enterprise ICT market. Batelco has been growing overseas via investing in other market-leading fixed and wireless operators. Batelco Group has evolved from being a regional Middle Eastern operation to become a major communications company with direct and indirect investments across 14 geographies, namely Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Maldives, Diego Garcia, St. Helena, Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands.