STF Mag Issue 122 Feature: Outlook 2022

FEATURE OUTLOOK 2022

BY GREG VARISCO AND DAVE CROWLEY

The Outlook for 2022 in spite of the corona virus difficulties seems that new international networks are being developed to expand services to under-served markets utilizing low latency routes and improving Global Hub connectivity. An example of the Indian Ocean Region’s continued development is the new TEAS-Trans Europe Asia System due to be completed during 2024.

TEAS comprises the installation and operation of a new fiber optic cable system based on a Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) subsea cable system, integrated with terrestrial segments to form an ecosystem utilizing two new and unique routes that span from India across the Middle East tying into major technology hubs in Marseille and Milan/Rome. TEAS is specifically designed to support large capacity users that need low latency and high availability solutions and applications.

The ecosystem will include greenfield technology hubs, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the growing technology hubs throughout India. The ecosystem will be paired with a dedicated greenfield subsea cable system that is designed and fit for purpose based on researched and validated global key customer segments operating in Europe, The Middle East and Asia region.

TEAS will provide a true Open-Access cable system as well as the terminating cable stations, supporting its customers demand for increased security, carrier neutral points-ofpresence (POP), high capacity, high speed, and low latency for a safe passage to serve global multi-national corporations (MNCs) with mission critical data centric operations in The Middle East, Europe and Asia since the optical design does not require any optical re-generation between Mumbai and Marseille or Milan/Rome.

The ecosystem includes fifteen (15) cable landing stations (CLS) designed to include industry development requirements for multiple backhaul routes, provision by several different carriers, IP access, peering for cloud providers and high-capacity internet, and four (4) Power Feed Huts directly connected to DC’s serving as the CLS.

In addition, TEAS is implementing a Remote Fiber Testing System (RFTS) that allows network operations managers to be proactive and monitor networks through use of Domains to deliver the highest levels of QoS, while ensuring the optimal network security and reliability.

TEAS’s business model is to provide the infrastructure including pro-active maintenance support to its key carrier clients and foundational customers, therefore it does not provide lit services, but facilitates the means to connect, communicate, collaborate and participate.

Cinturion is leveraging its outsourcing business model and past project experience to work through existing strategic alliances with global industry experts to ensure the successful completion of TEAS.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

TEAS possesses attractive industry fundamentals, which are driven by significant and increasing global demand for data in the Middle East, North Africa and near Asia. The project strategically targets the increasing demand hub of global Hyperscalers and International Carriers with links to Europe’s major hubs.

Recent reports issued by industry analysts forecast strong growth in the Middle East and near Asia region in terms of ICT spending to grow 1.9% (Telecom services and IT) and estimated to reach around US$209.5 billion by 2022.

TARGET CLIENTS

TEAS sees opportunity with international and domestic connectivity clients, capturing global and Middle East and near Asia backup data hosting opportunities. As such, Cinturion is in discussions with potential customers and anchor clients for fiber pair capacity, specifically targeting:

1. OTT content providers

2. International Carriers

3. Large Capacity Enterprises & Governments

PROJECT STATUS

Design and construction of the subsea cable contract has been executed with SubCom, with DRG Undersea Consulting serving as Engineers and Project Managers for the wet plant consisting of 14,500 Kms and BTC Networks based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia serving as the Project Management Office (PMO) for the terrestrial builds consisting of 3,500 Kms. The construction of the cable will be executed concurrently with an estimated Ready-For- Service (RFS) date of 2024.

TEAS is attracting attention from global investors and lenders with a global fund-raising group presenting the opportunity to investors to provide up to US$300 million of senior secured debt to finance the construction of the project.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Greg Varisco, Richard Marshall and John Mariano are the Founders, with Greg serving as the CEO of Cinturion currently based in Houston, Texas and Bill Marra is the Chief Commercial Officer based in New Jersey outside of New York City, with Sammy Thomas as the Chief Financial Officer and Dave Crowley as Sr. VP EMEA. STF

Greg Varisco

GREG VARISCO is Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors of CINTURION. Mr. Varisco is a senior management executive and has provided professional services to the telecom and energy industries for more than +30 years on advanced network design, development, integration and implementation; market research and analysis; mergers and acquisitions; international contracting and business development; strategic business planning; project management. He has led the development of several domestic and international business initiatives in various business/company environments (start-ups, turnarounds, public, private and Fortune 100 organizations). He has fulfilled the responsibilities as Director, President, CTO, COO and CEO.

David Crowley

DAVID CROWLEY is Executive Vice President/EMEA of CINTURION. David Crowley is a highly experienced executive in the worldwide network industry. He brings over 30 years of experience with unique and valuable perspectives regarding network design, architecture, capacity management, traffic engineering, deployment, scheduling and support for some of the world’s largest network infrastructures. He has managed the planning and deployment of complex subsea and terrestrial network projects. Mr. Crowley has served executive roles with several companies across the industry, most recently as Chief Technical Advisor to Microsoft and serves on the Board of several companies.

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