[Tianjin, China, Dec.16, 2015] Huawei Marine today announced that it has partnered with Ooredoo Maldives to deploy a Nation-wide Fiber Optic Submarine Cable, which will support the country’s broadband policy and give the Maldives the most advanced ICT infrastructure in the SAARC region.

The nationwide submarine cable utilizes Huawei Marine’s 100G Technology and stretches across 1,200 km, and will bring key enhancements to the quality of internet connectivity across the country. Combined with an escalated network capacity for delivery of high bandwidth services, the new submarine cable will provide Ooredoo with an enhanced resilient network that can fully address the country’s increasing communication needs across developing islands and new resort locations.

Speaking at a ceremony to launch the Ooredoo’s National Submarine Cable Project in the Maldives, Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Umar Naseer said: “The Government has a strong vision of making Maldives one of the most digitally advanced countries in the region. Ooredoo’s National Submarine Cable will greatly contribute towards the delivery of this vision, and we thank Ooredoo for their support in bringing the benefits of digital to all our people.”

“As the internet continues to bring remarkable value to individuals, families and businesses around the world, we firmly believe that it is the right of each and every individual to be connected to the abundant benefits of the internet,” said Vikram Sinha, CEO of Ooredoo. “With this is mind, we are proud to take this revolutionary step that will enable us to connect our communities to a fast and reliable broadband internet and support their digital lifestyles from wherever they are in the Maldives.”

The National Submarine Cable Project will further strengthen the role Ooredoo is playing in developing the Maldives’ telecommunication infrastructure, and connecting the nation to a digital future. Ooredoo continues to be at forefront of introducing the latest technologies from the global telecommunications market to the people of Maldives, taking the lead in introducing 2G EDGE, 3G & 4G LTE networks to the Maldives. As Ooredoo ventures into new areas such as fixed line internet and mobile money, the submarine cable will allow the company to address growing traffic volume arising from the surge in use of mobile broadband and fiber access to home and business.

For this, Huawei Marine will deploy its highly advanced fiber optical technology to increase capacity and network flexibility. Ma Yanfeng, VP of Huawei Marine said: “We are honored to partner with Ooredoo to deliver state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure to the island region which will facilitate connectivity and stimulate economic development. Huawei Marine’s leading-edge solutions continue to be the preferred choice of international telecommunications carriers providing critical resilient networks to regions around the world.”

Ooredoo’s Nationwide Submarine Cable is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.