Cisco and Bahrain Internet Exchange (BIX) have agreed to work on a project to help build a nationwide Next Generation Network (NGN) platform, it was announced.

The project is expected to accelerate Bahrain's national development priorities as well as boost its presence in the Gulf region.

Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and minister responsible for the telecommunications sector Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatala Al Khalifa said one of the project's first priorities will be to reduce the cost of international Internet connectivity as well as provide high-speed Internet services at a lower cost.

'Cisco and BIX also aim to collaborate to enhance broadband services and further support the drive to increase the availability of local Internet websites for businesses in the region,' he said addressing a Press conference at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir.

He said BIX has also launched two other major initiatives.

These are to build Bahrain's cable landing station which will connect it to the new submarine cable being laid across the GCC and develop the optical infrastructure of the Electricity and Water Authority to transform it into a national communication highway utilising Cisco's pioneering Internet protocol over dense wavelength division multiplexing technology.

The minister said Cisco aims to work with BIX on a number of projects including the building of an IP NGN and IP Multi-Protocol Label Switching core network for integrated network services throughout the country.

'This will help Bahrain stay at the forefront of technology updates and market transformations in order to be able to harness new trends and translate them into new business opportunities for its citizens.'

Cisco Emerging Markets senior vice president Duncan Mitchell said technology thrives within Bahrain and the government understands the fundamental role ICT plays in continually improving productivity and competitiveness, leading to sustainable economic success and increasing standards of living.-TradeArabia News Service