The UAE's leading telecom services operator Etisalat has announced the launch of Smarthub IX, a regional internet exchange and IP transit facility that enables regional and global Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to access global internet content.

Etisalat said it is the largest capacity, content, internet and data hub in the Middle East.

Smarthub IX will connect multiple diverse regional and international networks to other IX’s across the globe, mainly Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Singapore, New York and Los Angeles, it stated.

In the Middle East, Etisalat’s Smarthub is the largest regional content hub, hosting and providing regional connectivity for Yahoo!, Microsoft, Blackberry, Akamai, CDN Networks as well as the region’s most watched video streaming services, said a senior official.

The latest announcement complements the introduction of Smarthub IPX, the global standard for mobile operator peering based on GSMA standards.

Ali Amiri, the executive VP, Carrier & Wholesale Services, said, "Etisalat’s Smarthub is the largest regional center for internet content providers, IP Transit services and international capacity, adding a peering exchange will further enhance UAE’s position as a regional communications and content hub."

"Smarthub IX will enable Cloud, video and ecommerce providers to get closer to their customers in the region," stated Ali Amiri.

He pointed out that content providers wanted reliable, easy and cost effective access to network operators who want easy access to content.

"The launch of Smarthub IX has addressed this need among providers and is a natural evolution in the Smarthub journey," Ali Amiri said.

According to him, Etisalat is the first in the region to offer IP Transit through Emix, the UAE’s internet exchange, the region’s most important IP transit facility.

"Smarthub IX will further enable the region’s largest ISP’s to reach out to global markets as well as them connecting to the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service