IP and content distribution services will be increased in the Middle East with telecommunications operator Saudi Telecom and Level 3 Communications, a provider of fiber-based communications services, agreeing to provide enhanced connectivity to the region.

The agreement will also offer US and European customers of the two communications providers access to a new broadband market in the Middle East.

The network expansion also means Middle East customers will be able to distribute content on Saudi Telecom and Level 3 international networks.

As part of the deal, Level 3 is providing Saudi Telecom (STC) with increased IP 10Gbsps ports at various points of presence (POPS) across Europe.

Saudi Telecom has the largest international network in the Middle East and Africa, according to Saudi Telecom VP of wholesale business Saad Demyati.

"Saudi Telecom is the only Middle East operator today that has international connectivity by way of both multiple submarine cable systems and a terrestrial cable system via the recently launched Jeddah-Amman-Damascus-Istanbul (JADI) link," Demyati said.

 "Our relationship with Level 3 allows us to offer the reliable, high-quality global connectivity and end-to-end solutions our customers increasingly demand, with the unique benefit of access to a fully redundant and scalable Tier 1 network."