Epsilon joins Etisalat’s SmartHub

Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (more commonly known as Etisalat) has announced a partnership with Epsilon Telecommunications to deploy its Middle Eastern network exchange at Etisalat’s SmartHub data centre at Fujairah in the UAE. Epsilon will deploy its eConnect platform at SmartHub which will support its interconnections, capacity trading platform (eCX) and restoration services. Additionally, the global telecom network exchange will also provide managed co-location services to its customers from Etisalat’s SmartHub. Andreas Hipp, CEO of Epsilon Telecommunications, commented: ‘Etisalat’s SmartHub is a central cross connect point for the Gulf, Middle East and our global business. Local operators are looking for our support in delivering cross-border connectivity rather than routing traffic via Europe. There is also growing demand for our capacity trading platform eCX across the region. We are establishing our first Middle Eastern Network Hub in Etisalat SmartHub in Fujairah because it is really a crossroads for international connectivity.’ SmartHub is already working with network operators including PCCW Global, Level 3, China Telecom Europe, and content providers like Microsoft and Yahoo.