Saudi digital infrastructure provider Center3 has appointed Epsilon Telecommunications as the official reseller of its one-IX internet exchange platform, expanding international access to peering infrastructure in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam as Saudi Arabia strengthens its position as a regional and global connectivity hub.
The partnership will allow international network operators, cloud providers, content aggregators and digital service providers to connect and exchange traffic across Center3's internet exchange platforms through Epsilon's international connectivity infrastructure.
The agreement is designed to make Saudi Arabia's internet exchange ecosystem more accessible to global digital infrastructure participants, supporting the country's ambitions to attract international connectivity and digital services.
Epsilon to provide international access to Center3's one-IX platform
Under the agreement, Epsilon Telecommunications will serve as the official reseller for Center3's one-IX platform.
The arrangement gives global connectivity customers a route to access Center3's internet exchange infrastructure through Epsilon's established international connectivity platform.
Internet exchanges allow participating networks to exchange internet traffic directly rather than routing it through third-party transit providers.
This can reduce unnecessary traffic routing, improve network efficiency and potentially lower latency and connectivity costs, depending on network architecture and peering arrangements.
By extending access through Epsilon, Center3 aims to make its Saudi-based exchanges more accessible to international operators and digital service providers seeking connectivity within the Kingdom.
The announcement does not disclose the commercial terms of the reseller agreement or identify specific customers expected to join through Epsilon.
Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam form the connectivity footprint
The partnership covers Center3's internet exchange platforms in three major Saudi cities: Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.
Together, these locations provide multiple points for networks and digital service providers to establish peering relationships within Saudi Arabia.
The geographical distribution is relevant because different exchange locations can serve distinct connectivity requirements, including domestic traffic exchange and access to international network routes.
Through Epsilon's platform, global participants will be able to access and peer across Center3's IX infrastructure in these locations.
The announcement does not specify whether the agreement involves new exchange facilities, additional physical infrastructure or upgrades to existing platforms.
It also does not disclose current exchange traffic volumes, participating network counts or available port capacities.
Partnership targets cloud and content connectivity
The agreement is aimed at several categories of international digital infrastructure customers.
These include global network operators seeking peering arrangements, cloud providers requiring efficient network interconnection, content aggregators distributing digital services and other service providers looking to improve connectivity into Saudi Arabia.
For cloud and content companies, access to local internet exchanges can help support more efficient traffic delivery by enabling direct interconnection with participating networks.
For telecommunications operators and internet service providers, additional peering opportunities can improve routing flexibility and reduce reliance on indirect traffic exchange arrangements.
The practical benefits will depend on which networks participate, the traffic exchanged and the commercial and technical terms of individual peering relationships.
Center3 advances Saudi Arabia's connectivity hub ambitions
Center3 is positioning the agreement within its wider efforts to establish Saudi Arabia as a global digital connectivity hub.
The partnership focuses on expanding the international reach of existing internet exchange infrastructure rather than announcing a new data centre or submarine cable project.
By working with an international connectivity provider, Center3 can extend the commercial accessibility of its one-IX platform to customers that may not already have direct arrangements with its Saudi facilities.
The approach could help attract additional networks and digital service providers to the country's interconnection ecosystem.
However, the announcement does not include targets for new exchange participants, traffic growth or international customer acquisition.
Source: MEA Tech Watch Press Reporter
