KUWAIT: The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) announced the launch of Kuwait’s new international gateway for connectivity and transit (Iraq Route) in partnership with KEMS Zajil Telecom. In a statement to KUNA on Wednesday, CITRA stated the Iraq Route provides an integrated land-based alternative to traditional maritime routes, offering low latency with a round-trip response time from Kuwait to Frankfurt, Germany, of 78 milliseconds.

It added that the cable’s capacity supports up to 100 Gbps, making it a reliable option for major companies and international service providers. The route enables secure and efficient data transmission from Kuwait to Europe via Iraq.

The announcement comes after Internet services were disrupted in Kuwait due to a cut in the Internet submarine cable linking Kuwait with the international network on Saturday. Kuwait has also experienced interruption in its Internet services in September 2024 after an issue with the international submarine cable ‘Falcon,’ operated by GCX, linking Kuwait and Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

CITRA highlighted that this new route serves as an alternative to maritime routes through the Red Sea, avoiding challenges associated with maintaining undersea cables that impact service continuity. It also provides a flexible and secure solution for uninterrupted data transfer, enhancing the reliability of Kuwait’s digital infrastructure.

CITRA Acting Chairman Abdullah Al-Ajmi was quoted as saying that the Iraq Route strengthens Kuwait’s position as a regional leader in secure and advanced digital connectivity. He noted that the project is another step toward improving the national infrastructure and supporting economic growth and technological innovation.

Al-Ajmi added that local telecommunications companies have started utilizing the new route to enhance the efficiency of their networks and reduce latency, contributing to a better customer experience. He emphasized CITRA’s ongoing commitment to developing Kuwait’s digital infrastructure and reinforcing its leading role in the international digital economy through launching more strategic initiatives and partnerships that promote sustainable development.

Al-Ajmi explained that this strategic initiative was implemented in cooperation with Iraq’s General Company for Communications and Informatics (ITPC) and with the support of Iraq’s Minister of Communications Dr Hayam Al-Yasiri. — Agencies