Ooredoo to build media cloud for Al Jazeera

Doha, Qatar — Ooredoo and Al Jazeera Media Network signed a major new agreement to build a global media cloud, 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 Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Al Jazeera Media Network, and Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo; and signed by Mostefa Souag, Acting Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, and Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo.

The proposed cloud will be built using capacity on international fiber optic cables incorporating geographical diversity and resilience.

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

The cloud 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.

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 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.”

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”.