Ooredoo, Qatar launches first live IPX+ enabled network in the Middle East with Tata Communications

Tata Communications, a leading provider of A New World of Communications, today announces that Ooredoo, Qatar, formerly known as Qtel, has launched the first  IPX+ enabled network in the Middle East using Tata Communications’ IPX+ platform. The implementation enables Ooredoo to capitalise on the latest technology innovations in mobile broadband service delivery and management. 

Ooredoo, Qatar has initially launched voice over IPX+ as the first application, gaining access to Tata Communications’ broad community of IPX+ connected mobile destinations, and plans to consolidate its entire network to an IP-based backbone. Thanks to the scalability of Tata Communications’ IPX+ platform, Ooredoo is able to rapidly support a full suite of services such as signalling, data roaming (GRX and IPX) and LTE Roaming. 

Allan Chan, President of Global Carrier Services, Tata Communications, says, “We are seeing a huge demand for our IPX+ connectivity platform from mobile network operators looking to capitalise on the mobile data explosion, with more than 140 forward-looking operators in 40 countries adopting our service. Our work with Ooredoo demonstrates our commitment to bringing service providers state-of-the-art connectivity solutions around the world.”  

Global mobile data traffic is set to increase 13-fold between 2012 and 2017, reaching 11.2 exabytes per month by 2017[1]. In line with this, mobile network operators are under pressure to address the delivery of data services beyond their networks. Tata Communications’ IPX+ connectivity platform offers Ooredoo global reach, improved quality of service (QoS) and enables transition to all IP-based services, including 4G, more cost-effectively. 

Ooredoo’s on-going collaboration with Tata Communications is delivering significant benefits for the people of Qatar. The IPX+ platform ensures that Ooredoo can manage the ever-growing demand for wholesale voice, roaming and data services in Qatar, by introducing a cost-effective platform that adds greater capability and resilience to network infrastructure. 

Yousuf Abdulla Al-Kubaisi, Chief Wholesale and International Officer, Ooredoo, says, “We’ve had first-hand experience of Tata Communications’ commitment to take connectivity in the Middle East to the next level, having launched the TGN-Gulf subsea cable landing station together in 2012. The launch resulted in the completion of the first fibre optic subsea cable ring around the world. We’re confident that Tata Communications is best-placed to help us migrate to IPX which will enable us to roll out more innovative and tailored services to our customers across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.”   

Since 2010, Ooredoo has been the fastest-growing wholesale operator in the region by revenue. In 2012, the company built landing stations to connect to two important underwater fibre optic cable systems, transforming Qatar into a global hub for international wholesale services, and it continues to expand the range of network facilities available to help Qatar become the best connected country in the region. 

Tata Communications’ IPX+ connectivity platform offers integrated access to multiple data transport options over a converged IP network, supporting multiple services across networks. It brings scalability, flexibility, QoS, and security as required by services or applications. It supports a combination of services, including VoIPX, LTE roaming over IPX, messaging, and more. Its benefits include driving network efficiency, reducing costs for managing specialised, bilateral, isolated interconnects, enhancing customer experience and enabling a faster time to market for new services. IPX Connect is a key component of the LTE Roaming service, and supports data roaming from GRX to IPX.  

Underpinning Tata Communications’ IPX+ connectivity platform is the company’s global MPLS network supported by its wholly-owned fibre optic subsea cable ring around the world which brings the reach and reliability needed to interconnect mobile service communities globally. The company is a Tier I top 5 IP carrier with reach to 74 IPX On-Net PoPs across 40 countries.