GTT, GBI partner for Middle East fiber network connectivity

U.S.-based international telecommunications services provider GTT Communications, Inc. (NYSE: GTT) and Gulf Bridge International (GBI) have announced a partnership aimed at improving connectivity in the Middle East.

The collaboration will see GTT adding new points of presence (PoPs) in the Middle East, starting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. Other PoPs are expected to follow. The new PoPs will enable customers to use GTT's global network to gain access to GBI's fiber-optic network infrastructure across the Middle East. GBI, meanwhile, will gain connectivity to the United States and Europe.

"We are very pleased to partner with GBI on this initiative," said Rick Calder, president and CEO of GTT. "Our clients include some of the largest enterprises in the world. The launch of these new PoPs will enable us to extend our network reach in the Middle East, furthering our goal of connecting our clients to any location in the world and any application in the cloud."

"In addition to its alignment with our future growth plans, this expansion further supports GBI's transformation to a global multilayer service provider," said Amr Eid, chief executive officer of GBI. "GTT's leading Tier 1 IP network will broaden GBI's reach and allow us to deliver new, innovative services, both within and outside the Middle East."

GBI's infrastructure includes an extensive submarine network throughout the region (see "GBI undersea cable system ready for service").

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