Etisalat launches regions first Neutral Mobile Internet Exchange: Smarthub IPX

Mobilk - Etisalat announced today the launch of Smarthub IPX, a neutral mobile Internet exchange in its world-class Smarthub facility. The exchange will allow mobile operators, both from within the region and outside, to peer with each other on a neutral basis through the Smarthub IPX. The Smarthub IPX will provide opportunities for mobile content companies to service and reach out to a broader community of users from a single location.

Said Ali Amiri, (designation) at Etisalat, commented, "The amazing growth of mobile data in the region and globally is well known. The Smarthub IPX will allow mobile operators to quickly connect and exchange content specific to mobile requirements. This evolution of the Smarthub brings tremendous value to our Mobile Service clients and portfolio, which includes signaling, SMS, GRX and international voice services. It is an opportunity to make the UAE the regional center for mobile Internet content, undoubtedly the fastest growth area globally."

The neutral mobile peering exchange will attract a growing portfolio of mobile content providers and customers with faster web access. The Smart IPX will also address the growing demand for access to 4G LTE speeds on international roaming.

The Smarthub IPX will be serving customers and partners as well as Etisalat group companies in 16

Countries through the Global MPLS network currently in place.

Etisalats Smarthub is the regions largest IP exchange and access point, supporting regional ISPs and global content providers. Etisalat was recently awarded the Best Middle East Wholesale Operator at the Global Capacity Conference ceremony in Amsterdam. The award recognized the continued execution of Etisalats Smarthub strategy, now distributing Microsoft, yahoo!, Akamai and the worlds most popular websites from the UAE, across the region.