Bahrain Telecommunication Company, trading as Batelco, has partnered with e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) to connect Manama Internet Exchange (MN-IX) with SmartHub Internet Exchange (SH-IX) to provide a seamless peering experience for customers, enabling a two-way data path utilising the robust global network remotely.
The collaboration will allow customers access to both internet exchange platforms through remote peering, eliminating the need for a physical presence, said a joint press release. The companies will also be able to utilise each other’s global network remotely, leading to a growth in their respective virtual populations on the exchange.
Both MN-IX and SH-IX are built on a Tier III Data Centre that hosts strong internet exchange platforms in a seamless and holistic digital environment, the release said.
“Batelco continues to develop its Manama-IX platform to further expand its digital network across the region. The two-way partnership will help grow Batelco and e&’s regional footprints to better cater to the ongoing demand for internet traffic within the region,” said Hani Askar, Chief Global Business Officer at Batelco.
Ali Amiri, Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, e&, said: “Today SmartHub IX stands out as an innovative regional Internet exchange, connectivity, and mobility platform that caters to our international clients’ critical business requirements. As a result of our efforts, customers can now access best-in-class 4G and 5G connectivity requirements as well as extend their core infrastructure in the Middle East.”
