Albania and Egypt will be connected through an underwater cable system, with high capacity. This is thanks to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between 4iG Group Plc, the info-communications company based in Budapest, and Telecom Egypt, the first integrated telecommunications operator in Egypt and one of the largest submarine cable operators in the region.

With an open access model and multiple branching units, the system is set up to be a new European cable entry point with a different transit passage compared to the already existing Mediterranean routes to the main internet point of presence (PoP) such as the ones in Frankfurt in addition to numerous potential Points of Presence in Eastern Europe.

Albania is privileged with its strategic location as one of the prominent gateways and entry points to Eastern Europe. Backed with a secured cross-borders terrestrial infrastructure, it will facilitate onward connectivity and access to various key destinations.

The agreement enables 4iG Group to enter as a new player in the market for intercontinental data transmission infrastructure between Europe and Asia, and Europe and East Africa.

The agreement, was signed in Cairo by the MD & CEO of Telecom Egypt and the Chairman of Board of 4iG Plc.

Gellért Jászai, Chairman of Board of Directors at 4iG, stated:

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Telecom Egypt represents a significant milestone for 4iG Group. Leveraging our extensive experience in the Central and Eastern European transit business, this partnership marks our entry into a new and strategically important business field: intercontinental connectivity. The Group further strengthens its presence in the regional market with the establishment of a new data gateway in Albania for the Balkans, and the expansion of international optical transit routes will create new opportunities for cooperation with countries in the region.”

The two companies aim to gain a significant share of the huge and rapidly growing market of data traffic between Europe and Asia, and also between Europe and East Africa.

Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Telecom Egypt, commented:

“We are pleased to cooperate with 4iG, which sets the ground for adding a brand-new diverse entry point to Europe, facilitating the routing of the African and Asian traffic to the main Points of Presence in Europe. This goes in line with Telecom Egypt’ strategy to diversify the Mediterranean basin crossing options through open and resilient routes from Egypt to Europe to increase our partners connectivity options. Our continuous endeavors to collaborate with industry mega industry players stems from our keenness to offer seamless connectivity options to our partners and ultimately to the end users both regionally and globally. The subsea cable system will be leveraging the newly-launched open and neutral ecosystem, “WeConnect”, as an enabler ensuring seamless cross-connection with multiple subsea systems and offering our customers robust connectivity solutions and access to Egypt’s rich infrastructure. “

With an established history of over 165 years, and a vast expertise in pioneering the subsea intercontinental connectivity, Telecom Egypt is the partner-of-choice for a growing 160 major subsea cable players worldwide. The company spares no effort to develop a varied portfolio of offerings using cutting-edge solutions to keep pace with the increasing global demand for international connectivity and diversity.

About 4iG

4iG Plc, a Hungarian majority-owned company based in Budapest, Hungary, is the leading telecommunications and IT group in Hungary and the Western Balkans, and one of the leading companies in the knowledge-based, digital economy. Listed on the Budapest Stock Exchange, the Group's fresh and innovative approach and its position as Hungary's leading IT systems integrator make it a leading business service provider in the region's digital transformation. 4iG's dynamic expansion strategy has made it a dominant player in the Hungarian and Western Balkan telecommunications markets. The Group is continuously expanding its services, expertise, and portfolio to meet the changing needs and demands of the telecom and IT markets. The 4iG Group employs more than 8,000 people. www.4iG.hu

About Telecom Egypt

Telecom Egypt is the first integrated telecom operator in Egypt providing all telecom services to its customers including fixed and mobile voice and data services. Telecom Egypt has a long history serving Egyptian customers for over 160 years maintaining a leadership position in the Egyptian telecom market by offering its enterprise and consumer customers the most advanced technology, reliable infrastructure solutions and the widest network of submarine cables.  Aside from its mobile operation “WE”, the company owns a 45% stake in Vodafone Egypt. Telecom Egypt’s shares and GDRs (Ticker: ETEL.CA; TEEG.LN) are traded on The Egyptian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. Please refer to Telecom Egypt’s full financial disclosure on ir.te.eg

For more information, contact: 

The investor relations team

Email: investor.relations@te.eg