Qtel and Etisalat tie-up

Qtel and Etisalat have joined hands to provide enhanced IP VPN connectivity to their customers in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other GCC countries. The installation of Etisalat’s ninth Global MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) node in Qatar will enable Etisalat’s customers to connect their offices on Etisalat’s backbone between the UAE and Qatar networks. The agreement will enable both companies to deliver “greater coverage, seamless user experience and reliable technology” to their respective customers. The agreement was signed by Abdulla al-Ahmed, Etisalat senior vice president (Business) and Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubaisi, Qtel Qatar chief wholesale and international officer. Al-Ahmed said: “Etisalat is delighted to partner with Qtel in our unswerving commitment to provide robust global connectivity to our customers. Qtel is the preferred partner for business services in Qatar, working with the most prestigious enterprises and the thriving SMB sector. Our strategic partnership with Qtel is aimed to expand our MPLS network in the region. Our collaboration seeks to leverage on the strengths of both companies in providing a fast, resilient end-to-end connection for enterprise customers who have large capacity requirements between the UAE and GCC markets.” Al-Kubaisi said: “Qtel continues to forge new partnerships with regional and global leaders to provide a higher level of service and better experience for all our customers. This agreement enhances the communication links between Qatar and the UAE, and provides a solid foundation for enhanced connectivity and the delivery of advanced business services.” Etisalat has installed MPLS nodes in partnerships with multiple leading carriers worldwide including London (UK), Singapore, New York (USA), Alexandria (Egypt), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Karachi (Pakistan), Amsterdam (Netherland) and Kuwait. Qtel has partnered with a wide range of global data carriers with a presence in the UK, the US, Europe, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and India to increase the range of MPLS services available for business customers in Qatar. Qtel’s MPLS partnerships help meet the business connectivity requirements of global and local customers in the airline, banking, financial markets, oil and gas, logistics and construction industries. The global reach of these carriers - to over 100 countries - make it faster, easier and more affordable for companies with worldwide communication needs to meet their targets with Qtel.