FEATURE
What were the main reasons
you decided to select Ciena’s
Converged Packet Optical
Platform as the foundation for the
new Batelco Global Network?
We have selected Ciena’s Converged
Packet Optical Platform as the
foundation for the new BGN as it is
a leader in providing future-proof
technology to meet the growing demand
of our customers. Furthermore, Ciena’s
expertise enables us to achieve our
vision and commitment in ensuring
BGN is a reliable alternative to more
vulnerable submarine cables, all with
scalable capacity and the shortest inter-
Gulf latency.
We strongly believe this partnership caters
for the growing digital economy, which is
underpinned by the efforts of the Kingdom
of Bahrain and the GCC in the field of
communications. Batelco’s comprehensive
plans are designed to support the
establishment of a robust national and
international infrastructure.
We are committed to strengthening our
delivery to contribute towards Bahrain’s
presence as a major ICT hub, and we
hope to build on this platform to ensure
future success.
Has Batelco seen an increase
in demand for high-speed
connectivity services? If so, what
are the reasons behind this?
Consumers and businesses across the
GCC are consuming more OTT (Over-
The-Top) content such as HD videos and
services from local and international
providers, driving demand for additional
high-speed connectivity services.
deploy cutting-edge technologies with
guaranteed speed, performance, reliability
and scalability.
Can you explain the importance of
the Batelco Global Network
to Bahrain?
We are the leading digital solutions
provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain with
a commitment to enhance customer
experience. At Batelco we serve both
the corporate and consumer markets
through the delivery of cutting-edge
fixed and wireless telecommunications
solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio of
solutions for the residential, business and
government segments in Bahrain include
all IP fixed and 4G LTE wireless Home
Internet networks, 5G and MPLS based
regional data solutions.
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Issue 09
With an on-going commitment to roll
out Smart Home and Smart City digital
solutions, Batelco is playing a crucial role in
the Kingdom’s prosperity and development.
Why is the BGN a reliable
alternative to more vulnerable
submarine cables?
The BGN features alternative pathways
for submerged underwater routes, and
with the introduction of the protection
enhancement, customers can enjoy high
reliable worry-free solutions allowing
them to run their operations smoothly and
facilitating the introduction of new and
innovative services.
What is the importance of having
‘the shortest inter-Gulf latency’?
Additionally, the Middle East telecom
sector is witnessing an exponential growth
of opportunities for operators to transform
their revenue models through the
introduction of new and innovative digital
services related to data, content, OTT
communications, IoT, 5G, eCommerce,
mobile payments or managed services.
However, in order to create these new
revenue streams, service providers need
to build the platform on which they can
Batelco’s digitisation and connectivity
goals are in line with those of the
Kingdom of Bahrain to transform how
businesses operate as well as transform
the lives of residents, enabling everyone
to connect, work and live better through
the delivery of technology-based
products and solutions.
Adel Al-Daylami, Chief Global Business
Officer, Batelco
Low latency, when coupled with reliable
and scalable capacity, enables a myriad of
new use cases, especially as applications
are increasingly migrating to the cloud
data centres, so having the lowest latency
allows operators to differentiate their
service offerings, while allowing end-users
to benefit from and leverage the improved
overall network performance. ◊
www.intelligentdatacentres.com