HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a fully-fledged fixed-line operator and ICT service provider with extensive local and international network coverage, services and infrastructure, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with aamra networks limited (aamra), the leading internet and infrastructure service provider in Bangladesh, to stimulate network integration and expansion using SDN technology.

Serving OTT and corporate customers’ cloud business in Bangladesh

Asia has gained the capability of being a new large market in the cloud business. The cloud technology has been helping corporate/OTT (over-the-top) customers in the region with high connectivity and computer literacy. Given that the software-defined network (SDN) is an integral component for cloud-based IT infrastructure, the collaboration between HGC and aamra will enable them to demonstrate their world-class network resources and capabilities to expand their network footprints while utilizing digital technology to support customers such as MNCs to drive regional business expansion with the on-demand and zero-touch services, as well as secure, quick, sustainable and easy flexible cloud connectivity provided.

The collaboration of HGC and aamra stresses the goal of accelerating customers’ digitalisation journey through inter-carrier network orchestration between the ASEAN and global communities on the HGC international marketplace by SDN which follows the MEF standard. Customers will be able to achieve secure direct connect to public cloud such as AWS, Alibaba Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, centrally and on programmatically efficient network configuration; improve and monitor network performance, as well as facilitate their business operations and project management, and leverage cloud service to empower resources and maximize the benefits to their customers. This is especially important for banking and financial institutions that require data transport without going over an open network to adhere to the regulation policy.

Embrace digital network penetration between the East and the West

Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is one of the world’s top 10 countries with the largest number of mobile phones in use. Global network infrastructure is the foundation of a digital economy, where network softwarization and virtualization are the main drivers of the next-generation technology like 5G and IoT. The collaboration will enhance digital penetration in the local corporate market and in key verticals, such as public and private organizations, RMGs (ready-made garments), banking and government, and open up opportunities in the rapidly developing market.

Transforming the global network through a SDN platform covering PoPs worldwide is both companies’ continuous key focus and strategy. This alliance will enable local customers and MNCs based in Bangladesh and ASEAN to access HGC’s 30 PoPs in locations including Hong Kong, Myanmar, Singapore, London and Los Angeles, as well as aamra’ s data centres, and PoPs national wide. This will ensure reduced latency and enhanced end-to-end quality while directly connecting the network of MNCs from different industries such as manufacturing and banking to HGC’s global network infrastructure.

Syed Faruque Ahmed, Chairman of aamra said, “I am excited to announce our collaboration with HGC for SDN services. This will bring a revolution in Bangladesh’s IT and ITES sectors. The advent of SDN technology marks a major shift in Bangladesh's IT sector; from hardware to software-based automation and network management, ensuring seamless connections to Global Internet Exchanges and Data Centers worldwide. aamra is proud to be a part of this initiative.”

Ravindran Mahalingam, HGC’s SVP of International Business, said: “HGC is delighted to collaborate with aamra, one of the leading tech conglomerates in Bangladesh. Having been dynamically expanding our digital transformation initiative with inter-carrier SDN interoperability, HGC is dedicated to leading the market through delivering flexible networking infrastructure, as well as diversified ICT solutions to satisfy global requirements for quality, value and reliability and to expand its footprint across continents. We will continue to extend our alliance in ASEAN and South Asia communities to provide customer-centric solutions, to meet the increasing multimedia consumption demand from OTT operators and corporate customers.”