Telecom Vendors

Microsoft and Facebook announced plans to build "MAREA" - a new subsea cable across the Atlantic. The new MAREA cable will help meet the growing customer demand for high speed, reliable connections for cloud and online services for Microsoft, Facebook and their customers. "MAREA" is named after the Spanish word for "tide," and will be capable of 160 terabits per second of bandwidth and will stretch more than 4,100 miles of ocean in a submarine cable system. It will have eight fiber pairs, with a total design capacity of 20 Tbps per fiber pair. The applicants have not yet made decisions about the initial lit capacity of the system. The parties have cleared conditions to go "Contract-In-Force" with their plans, and construction of the cable will commence in August 2016 with completion expected in October 2017.

Nokia, once the world's foremost phone maker, on Wednesday, May 18, announced its return to the fiercely competitive handsets and tablets market years after being crushed there by Samsung and Apple.

Ericsson has committed to developing Ericsson Emergency Wallet, a mobile financial services solution, for deployment in the immediate aftermath of disaster or crises to support humanitarian organizations and affected populations.

E-marine, the principal provider of submarine cable solutions in the Middle East, officially launched its newest cable-laying vessel in Dubai on May 19, to support its ambitious expansion plans and boost capacity to maintain vital cable infrastructure in the Middle East and East Africa region.

Digital transformation has given rise to smart technologies, disrupting the way we work, live and play. Bringing to life new innovations, this year's CommunicAsia2016, EnterpriseIT2016 and BroadcastAsia2016 returns to Marina Bay Sands Singapore from 31 May - 3 June 2016.

Qualcomm Incorporated announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., is working with Google on an initiative bringing the power of Android OS embedded directly into the car. The initiative aims to help car makers create powerful infotainment systems using Android as a common platform, making it easier to add connected services and applications while delivering a safer and more intuitive driving experience. The goal is to accelerate innovation in the car with an approach that offers openness, customization, and scale.

Sterlite Technologies' Telecom Software Division Elitecore announces the version release of its NetVertex PCRF v6.6. The platform empowers CSPs with service agility, faster monetization and optimization, a key enabler for the operators to enhance customer experience.

Accenture launched its Digital Acceleration Center in Dubai Internet City, which will support the United Arab Emirates' vision for a nation powered by innovation, digitization and smart technology by helping with the creation of digital companies.

Ericsson took home two prestigious awards at the 5G World MENA 2016 Awards Ceremony for Fastest LTE Network and the Best Innovation In HetNet Development during a ceremony held at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai. Ericsson's Head of Mobile Broadband in Region Middle East, Rakesh Lakhani received the awards on Ericsson's behalf.

GTT Communications and GBI jointly announced that they have formed a strategic relationship to provide enhanced services and connectivity in the Middle East.