Egypt, India cooperate in maritime cable domain

CAIRO - 6 August 2018: Telecom Egypt signed on Monday with India's Airtel company a memo of understanding to enhance cooperation in the maritime cable domain.

As per the memo, the Indian company will get IRUs (Indefeasible Right of Use) on Middle East, North Africa Submarine Cable (MENA Cable) and TE North Cable Systems, Telecom Egypt said in a statement.

In addition, Airtel will also take large capacities on a long-term basis on two new hi-tech Cable Systems (SMW5 & AAE1).

The memo will enable Airtel to further diversify its global network to meet growing demands on data services, particularly in emerging markets across South Asia, Africa and Middle East.

It will also help the Indian company benefit from the favorable economic solutions presented by Telecom Egypt as regards existing wide cable systems network.

Telecom Egypt is Egypt’s first integrated telecom operator, and the partnership grants Airtel the right to use fiber pairs of MENA Cable from Egypt to India with access to Saudi Arabia and Oman, and other fiber pairs from Egypt towards Italy.

Under the agreement, Airtel will get the right to use a fiber pair from Egypt to France on TE North along with capacities on SMW5 and AAE1 cable systems.

“The partnership including MENA Cable and TE’s network will be a good addition to our global network portfolio and provide us with a high quality and diversified new route to Western Europe and the rest of the world,” Ajay Chitkara, Director and Chief Executive Officer – Airtel Business, said.

In particular, it will provide impetus to India’s emergence as a major regional Internet hub serving customers across SAARC region, with seamless global connectivity, he said.

Airtel’s global network portfolio includes ownership of i2i submarine cable system connecting Chennai to Singapore, consortium ownership of SMW4 submarine cable system connecting Chennai and Mumbai to Singapore and Europe, and new cable system investments like Asia America Gateway, India Middle East & Western Europe, Unity, EIG and East Africa Submarine System.