Accelerates Internet Content Delivery in the region

Abu Dhabi-UAE, 11 March, 2013 - Etisalat today announced an agreement with Level 3 Communications, an international communications company, to host a new Level 3 content distribution network (CDN) node.

The new Level 3 CDN node will be hosted within the Etisalat SmartHub facility. Level 3's global CDN can now connect to Etisalat providing network reach, performance and scalability to its regional customers. The agreement now expands Etisalat's portfolio of services leveraging CDN for video and other bandwidth-intensive offerings.

Etisalat and Level 3's CDN will localize delivery of Internet traffic as a way to meet their customers' massive growth in demand for Internet services. The CDN node in Smarthub reinforces Level 3's commitment to continuing to expand its global CDN reach.

Level 3 CDN services can significantly benefit content producers and businesses by reducing loading times for videos and web pages bringing content closer to the end users. Moreover, CDN solutions help minimize the need for sending local traffic outside the network.

Ali Amiri, Executive Vice President, Etisalat Carrier and Wholesale Services said: "We are pleased to be hosting such a large and well-recognized global CDN provider in the UAE. Etisalat is constantly improving the speed and quality of internet services provided to our UAE and greater MENA subscribers. This is done by constantly implementing advanced technologies like CDN and understanding the exact requirements of the market."

James Heard, Regional President EMEA, Level 3 said: "Etisalat's SmartHub facilities provide access to the Emirates Internet Exchange (EMIX), the exchange which has served the region's most important IP transit facility. This enables Level 3 to reach millions of Internet users on the Etisalat regional network. Level 3 has now expanded its reach into the Middle East highlighting the growing importance of content delivery to the last mile to our customers."

To learn more about Level 3 in the Middle East, please visit www.level3.com/Global-Reach/Middle-East.aspx.

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About Etisalat
Etisalat is the largest telecommunications operator in the Middle East and North Africa region catering to consumers, businesses, international telecommunication companies, ISPs, content providers and mobile operators.

Servicing over 139 million customers in 15 countries in Middle East, Asia and Africa, Etisalat has achieved more than 20% growth in subscriber base in 2012 across its land line, mobile, and Internet services.

Etisalat is now the highest overall rated telecommunications company in the GCC and the 4th highest rated telecommunications company in the world. It has been rated AA- by Standard & Poor, A+ by Fitch, and Aa3 by Moody's.

Etisalat UAE has pioneered the launch of the region's first commercial 4G service on its nation-wide LTE network. In September 2012, Etisalat UAE successfully completed the highest 4G LTE speed test in the world, reaching speeds of 300Mbps.

The corporation offers a variety of hi-tech complimentary services to the telecommunications industry including managerial and technical training, SIMcard manufacturing, e-payment solutions, clearing house services, peering, voice and data transit, and submarine and land cable services.

Press release issued by Corporate Communication Department - Etisalat

For further media information:
Iyad Al Zou'bi,
Corporate Communications - Etisalat 
Tel +971 2 6182622,
Mobile +971 50 6123568
Email: ialzoubi@etisalat.ae

© Press Release 2013