Ooredoo to Build Global Media Solution for Al Jazeera

Broadcast and Communication Infrastructure will support Al Jazeera's Bureaus around the World

Ooredoo and Al Jazeera Media Network today signed a major new agreement to build an exclusive global media solution, in one of the largest and most significant implementations ever announced by a broadcaster.

Following the agreement, Ooredoo will build and develop a global broadcast and communication infrastructure that will connect Al Jazeera's main hubs in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia and Africa, as well as linking various bureaus around the world.

The agreement was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Al Jazeera Media Network, and H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo; and signed by Mostefa Souag, Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, and Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo, said: "Al Jazeera is a globally-recognised brand, and Ooredoo is proud to be building the infrastructure that will enable the company to take its coverage to the next level. In winning this competitive bid against some of the world's largest technology companies, we are showing that Ooredoo is a world-class provider of cutting-edge business solutions."

Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Al Jazeera's Chairman, said: "One of Al Jazeera Media Network's objectives is to become a world class network operation. This global media cloud project and initiative will help the network achieve this goal by bringing the journalists and editorial workforce on a common communication platform. The partnership with Ooredoo, the leading Telecom Operator in Qatar, will leverage the news capabilities of the channel and enhance user experience. It is the right step in securing the assets of Al Jazeera, which is media and delivering it to the audience interference free".

The proposed solution will be built using capacity on international fibre optic cables, incorporating geographical diversity and resilience.

With world-class connectivity, the solution will enable Al Jazeera to share video, reports and breaking news instantly with colleagues around the world, to prepare for high definition broadcast on Al Jazeera news channels.

The solution will be based on a mix of SDH and MPLS technologies. While the SDH network will provide high capacity synchronized circuits for critical video services, the MPLS network will provide cost effective circuits for medium priority services.

Ooredoo will provide support as an end-to-end service provider for the implementation of the Media solution and for its operation. Using Ooredoo's biggest, fastest global network, it will provide unprecedented connectivity and security. The company is striving to be "better for business" with a host of dedicated solutions for leading companies in Qatar's most important strategic industries.