Level 3 Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:LVLT) has expanded its relationship with Etisalat, whereby Level 3 will provide IP transit services and high-speed IP (HSIP) to connect Etisalat to several cities in Europe and deepen the company's connections between the Middle East and Europe.
Etisalat is seeing rapid growth in the demand for broadband, fueled by the company's investments in next-generation mobile (LTE) and fixed-line (FTTx) infrastructure. Level 3's services will enhance Etisalat’s ability to service broadband customers and support Etisalat's business through increased route diversity for its high-speed Internet ports.
"Level 3 will now join our other European partners in helping Etisalat to deliver an unsurpassed experience in terms of IP transit connectivity," says Ali Amiri, executive vice president of Carrier & Wholesale at Etisalat UAE. "Etisalat is committed to delivering superior service to its customers through intelligent network architecture, and by expanding our work with Level 3 we're better able to support that mission. This agreement further strengthens our position as the region's premier Smart Hub solution provider and reinforces our ability to service our global client base."
Level 3 has made investments to serve its Middle East customers, in terms of ongoing network infrastructure expansion and by providing regionalized sales support with Level 3's Direct Sales Partners, such as the Apex Group.
"Our work with Etisalat is a great example of the benefits of scalable interconnectivity across Level 3's European network--a network that includes more than 380 points of presence across the continent and supports connectivity to the Middle East and beyond," explains James Heard, president of European Markets at Level 3. "In line with our commitment to expansion, Level 3 continues to invest in its network to better serve the demands of this growing region."