Etisalat’s SmartHub helps expand East African connectivity

Etisalat has announced that Safaricom, Kenya’s largest telecommunications operator, will join the SmartHub network to expand its world class global multi-services network.

Safaricom will use the East Africa Marine System (TEAMS), a 5,000-km fibre-optic undersea cable linking Kenya’s Mombasa with Etisalat’s SmartHub in Fujairah, which is the capacity and content hub in the UAE.

Ali Amiri, Executive Vice President, Carrier & Wholesale, Etisalat said: “Today’s announcement reiterates the importance of the UAE and Etisalat as the hub for East Africa internet connectivity. The East African Marine System (TEAM’s) cable is an important part of the SmartHub network, providing high-speed connectivity for East Africa.

“We are delighted that Safaricom, is using the integrated capabilities of the Etisalat SmartHub and East African Marine System (TEAM’s). We both believe that the development goals of Africa must be supported by greater internet connectivity and joining our SmartHub community is a major step forward.”

Bob Collymore, Safaricom CEO said: “The growth of broadband in East Africa is directly related to the recent undersea cable developments. We are delighted to be working with Etisalat to enhance our high quality communication services. Kenya is increasingly the hub for regional telecom services for East Africa and linking of our two hubs is a strategic move that will benefit consumers and corporate customer alike.”

The East African Marine System (TEAMS) is a 5,000-km fibre-optic undersea cable which links Kenya’s coastal town of Mombasa with Fujairah in the UAE. Safaricom will connect to Etisalat’s capacity hub and access the content hub within the SmartHub facility.

Etisalat will be participating in Capacity Middle East, an event for the Middle Eastern and international carrier communities, to be held from March 3-5, 2014.