Gulf Bridge International opens terrestrial fiber network from the Persian Gulf to Europe

Gulf Bridge International (GBI) says it has completed what it asserts is the first terrestrial fiber-optic network that connects all of the Persian Gulf countries to Europe. The fiber cable network features diverse routes through Iraq and Turkey. The low-latency link complements GBI’s undersea network (see "GBI undersea cable system ready for service").

The new GBI North Route begins at the cable landing station at Al Faw, in the south of Iraq, then runs through Iraq to Istanbul. From there it connects to Frankfurt in Germany.

“GBI’s route through Iraq and Turkey represents a major milestone for both regional and international communications,” said Ahmed Mekky, board member and CEO of GBI. “This more direct route will lead to faster connectivity via lower latency times, and the diversity we offer will reduce the likelihood of a reoccurrence of the three day internet outages of 2008. This investment is in line with our vision to connect the world to the Gulf and strongly underpins the continued ICT development across a region home to one sixth the world’s population. In addition, Iraq is now emerging as a modern communications hub, with significant implications for the nation’s economy and long-term development.”

Xtera Communications is a major supplier of optical transport technology to GBI (see, for example, "GBI uses Xtera 100G systems for Mediterranean undersea cable link, backhaul").

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.