Mumbai: As a part of its global expansion in Middle East, telecom provider Tata Communications has partnered with Bahrain's communication provider Bahrain Telecommunications (Batelco). The partnership aims at the global expansion of Tata's MPLS network into the Middle East which is witnessing growth in business and a corresponding demand for global connectivity solutions.

The partnership with Batelco extends Tata Communications' capability to provide MPLS services in 78 countries and with Extended Access Service via IPSec gateways, in over 150 countries. Thus it is strengthening its global footprint enabling multinational companies to connect employees, customers, and partners in all key emerging markets, such as the Middle East, India, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Egypt and South Africa. Radwan Moussalli, Managing Director of Wholesale Data and Enterprise Business for Tata Communications' Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region says, "Our partnership with Batelco allows us to expand our network in the Middle East and serve our customers by leveraging in-region relationships, expertise and local knowledge."

Tata Communications, a member of the $62.5 billion Tata Group, includes a national fiber backbone network and access to network in over 60 cities and 125 pops in India. Along with its global subsidiaries, the company is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India and its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Bahrain based Batelco has invested $1.4 billion in Bahrain's telecom infrastructure since 1981 and its shares are listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange with a total capitalization of approx $3.2 billion as of April 2008.