The California-based firm’s entrance marks milestone in US investment in the Libyan market
Tripoli, Libya – 26th July 2021
Hatif Libya, a LPTIC subsidiary company, has signed a groundbreaking agreement with California-based Infinera to expand and develop Libya’s optical transport network. The project will provide access to internet and mobile services in areas not reached previously by the network and improve the quality and reliability of services for all customers.
The need for secure digital transport capacities has increased with the rapid development of the telecommunications sector in Libya and the growing demand for mobile phone services, internet, and digital transformation.
The project leverages universal switching and transport capabilities, enabling the national network to dynamically switch traffic over diverse paths to ensure the continuation of services in the case of interruptions caused by physical damage to cables or power outages. To do this, Infinera will deploy Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON) technology.
The agreement was signed today by Mohamed Belras Ali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hatif Libya, and David Heard, Infinera CEO. The ceremony was attended by Abdelhamid AlDabaiba, Head of the National Unity Government, Faisel Gergab, LPTIC Chairman, and the U.S. Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland.
This partnership accelerates opportunities for joint economic cooperation between Libya and the U.S. in the field of communications and information technology. This first step presents a new frontier for investment and collaboration, expanding beyond the traditional energy and security sectors.
The project also provides Libya the ability to benefit from its strategic location in linking Europe and Africa
Once completed, the network will deliver capacities and cyber protection for 60 sites throughout the Libyan territory using advanced optical equipment and technologies to reach operational capacity of 600 GB on the coastal strip and 200 GB in the southern region, which can be expanded and developed to reach 9 terabytes.
Mr Abdelhamid AlDabaiba, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, delivered a speech in which he stated, “We express our happiness at the signing of the agreement between Hatif Libya and the U.S.-based Infinera. We consider this an important step in strengthening Libyan-American economic relations that will encourage the return of American companies to complete stalled projects. Furthermore, such agreements increase our confidence that we are on the right path towards integrating state institutions through digital transformation to provide digital services for all Libyans. Digital transformation will create equal opportunities for all Libyan citizens so that they can participate in the development process and improve their standard of living.”
Faisel Gergab, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Libyan Telecommunication Holding Company (LPTIC), said: “The partnership with Infinera boosts LPTIC’s commitment to providing improved connectivity services and is an important milestone in our strategic goal of digital transformation. This contract will strengthen the telecommunications sector in all regions of the country and will help revive our economy. We see this early cooperation as a signal of what’s ahead for the telecommunications sector, and we fully intend to pursue more partnerships with the U.S.”
Gergab continued: “It’s very important to us that this project contributes to stability and democracy in Libya, and we are supporting the High Electoral Commission ahead of December 24 elections by facilitating voter registration and auditing polling operations, to help pave the way to a peaceful, democratic transfer of power.”
Eng. Mohamed Belras Ali, Chairman of Hatif Libya said: “My colleagues and I at Hatif Libya, which is the backbone of the telecommunications sector, are pleased that our national network is equipped with the latest technologies and provides alternative paths for traffic. The network is secured from external intrusions and with capacities that will meet the increasing demand for services. We are pleased with our partnership with Infinera and aspire to provide best services to all our valued customers.”
David Heard, CEO of Infinera, said: “We are pleased to announce this strategic partnership with Hatif Libya, which represents a key foundation of the Libyan telecom sector. Working together, we can build a telecommunications infrastructure that will meet current and future needs. We are looking forward to establishing a successful long-term relationship based on our technology innovations, industry expertise, and committed partnership. We are thrilled to be entering Libya and to be working closely with our Libyan partners to deliver a best-in-class solution.”
The U.S. Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, praised today’s contract signing and added: “The United States will remain a major supporter of Libya in all fields and seeks to be a strong economic partner. We see that Libya is increasingly open for business, including American business made possible by increasing political stability and political progress. We stand by the Libyan people as they seek a democratic, prosperous, stable future.”
-End-
Additional Information
About Hatif Libya
Hatif Libya is a subsidiary of the Telecommunications Holding Company (LPTIC) and is the backbone of the sector. Hatif was established in 2008 for the purpose of operating and maintaining sovereign the national network to reach 214 villages and cities that spans 16000 km and provide its services to all of Libya. The company is seeking to implement more projects to increase the connection of land and sea cables locally and regionally, which gives a strategic dimension to Libya.
About Infinera
Infinera is a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions that enable carriers, cloud operators, governments, and enterprises to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. Infinera solutions deliver industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications. To learn more about Infinera, visit www.infinera.com, follow us on Twitter @Infinera, LinkedIn and read our latest blog posts at www.infinera.com/blog.
For further information:
Media Office of the Holding Company for Communications
Nureddin Wefati
Tel: +218 91 220 3491
PR Archives: Latest, By Company, By Date