Qatar Telecommunication acquires stake in NavLink

Doha: Qatar Telecommunication Corp (Qtel) yesterday announced it has acquired a strategic 38.2 per cent stake in NavLink, a leading provider of managed data services to businesses in the Middle East.

This investment will allow Qtel to strengthen its existing strategic relationships with AT&T and NavLink, such as the recently announced world-class data centre in Doha that hosts the first Middle Eastern node of AT&T's global network.

"This deal is a major step forward in our strategy to become a significant player in the region's Enterprise Data Market and to provide our customers with true world-class network solutions," said Nasser Marafih, chief executive officer of Qtel.

"Working in partnership with AT&T and NavLink means we can provide our corporate customers here in the Middle East with advanced business solutions and at the same time deliver unparalleled reach out into the global market through AT&T's global network."

This investment is seen as a cornerstone in Qtel's plans to provide state-of-the-art wide area network, managed hosting and disaster recovery services to corporate customers. It will allow Qtel to establish a presence and enhance its business-to-business throughout the Middle East, a statement issued by the company said.

Geoff Webster, vice-president for Strategy and Business Development, said the Middle East is an important market for AT&T, and the company identified it as one of great growth potential. "We believe this new investment strengthens our ability to serve multinational customers in the region."

George Chammas, Nav-Link's co-president and CFO said: "Qtel's strategic investment will enable NavLink to accelerate its plan to deploy the AT&T global network in the Middle East and North Africa."