[ncc-regional-middle-east] Peering

Hello,
 
I used to work in the Internet arm of STC, and as far as I know STC
doesn't have any plans to peer with gulf ISPs. They have already setup
what they call "Saudi Internet Exchange", but they are really selling
transit traffic to the middle-east. I believe that most of the gulf is
now connected. 
With regards to CITC, their plans don't include Gulf peering, especially
when that means that the content control for Saudi Arabia will be
bypassed.
 
Since the ISU function (as an International Gateway for Saudi) has now
been integrated into STC, the doors are now open for the two new
competitors to do International peering (ITC and Bayanat,) so they could
potentially peer with the gulf.
 
Does that answer your question?
 
Regards,
Osama I. Al-Dosary
 


________________________________

	From: ncc-regional-middle-east-admin at ripe.net
[mailto:ncc-regional-middle-east-admin at ripe.net] On Behalf Of Timo
Liuska
	Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 9:14 AM
	To: ncc-regional-middle-east at ripe.net
	Cc: Kais Al-Essa
	Subject: Re: [ncc-regional-middle-east] Peering
	
	
	Hi, 

	There has been indeed discussions about building a local
internet exchange ever since the local ISP's could select where to get
their international capacity (around last Ramadan). Before that,
KACST/ISU was effectively acting as an internet exchange in Riyadh and
Jeddah. As far as I know, CITC is one of the key parties in the decision
process who is going to build it and when. So far I haven't seen any
final decisions about it, but hopefully they'll get the decision done
quickly.


	Best regards,
	Timo

	
	-- 
	Timo Liuska <tic at isu.net.sa>
	Senior Network Consultant, Nixu Middle East FZ-LLC
	Network Operations Center / Internet Services Unit
	King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology



	On Jul 26, 2007, at 21:26 , Kais Al-Essa wrote:


		

		Hello all,

		

		It was interesting to attend the 1st MENOG meeting in
Bahrain. I'm looking forward to such annual meetings.

		One of the interesting topics for me as an ISP Technical
Manager is Peering Points.

		

		During the meeting, I didn't see any single initiative
about a peering project in the Gulf. However, I've heared about some
attempts or projects, but was unable to get anything solid.

		

		Therefore, I'm sending this e-mail to the group in order
to enquire if anyone knows for sure about any peering activities between
Gulf Countries for Internet traffic and if there is anything going on
with Saudi Arabia in particular. I personally heared that STC is working
on something soon, but again, nothing was solid and I was unable to
obtain clear information.

		

		Regards..

		

		Kais Al-Essa, Founder and Operations & Technical
Services Manager

		Sahara Net

	
_______________________________________________________________________

		<http://www.sahara.com/> 
		<image001.jpg>

		



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