New partnership expands digital paths for the region

• Mobily signed an MoU to acquire fibre from Sparkle’s cables.
• The partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a digital hub.
• Stakeholders like ISPs, OTT platforms, and enterprises gain scalable, low-latency solutions.

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What happened

Mobily has partnered with Sparkle to enhance connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia using Sparkle’s submarine cable systems. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Mobily is acquiring fibre capacity on key routes, including Chania, Palermo, Milan, and Marseille. This deal boosts Mobily’s international network and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a digital hub.

Sparkle CEO Enrico Bagnasco said the partnership will reinforce the Kingdom’s role in regional digitalisation and improve global connectivity. Mobily SVP Wholesale Thamer A. Alfadda highlighted how the collaboration supports data centre expansion and diversifies content for OTT platforms and hyperscalers, enabling innovation and growth.

The agreement builds on previous efforts to create a robust, low-latency network with scalable capacity, benefiting ISPs, content providers, and enterprises. This marks a key milestone for both companies in improving digital infrastructure and supporting regional technological advancement.

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Why it is important

This partnership is significant because it strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a key digital hub connecting Europe and the Middle East. By leveraging Sparkle’s submarine cable systems, Mobily enhances its international network and provides faster, more reliable connectivity. This development supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to modernise its economy and promote digital growth.

The agreement also benefits global stakeholders, including ISPs, OTT platforms, and enterprises, by offering scalable, low-latency connectivity. It aligns with industry trends, where robust subsea cable networks are crucial for meeting growing data demands. Similar projects, like Google’s Equiano and Meta’s 2Africa, highlight the increasing importance of these systems in global connectivity.

Additionally, the deal encourages regional innovation, supporting the expansion of data centres and content delivery networks. As Mobily and Sparkle collaborate to boost digital infrastructure, consumers and businesses will gain access to better connectivity, fostering economic growth and technological progress.