Beyon has signed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) commitment agreement with Kuwait’s Ministry of Communications and the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) for Kuwait’s Fixed Telecommunications Network Development Project.
The project is one of Kuwait’s major digital infrastructure developments, with expected investments exceeding $2.68 billion (KWD825 million) over a 50-year partnership period.
The initiative will focus on the development, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of Kuwait’s fixed telecommunications network through a specialized company that will manage wholesale infrastructure operations in line with international standards.
The project includes the redevelopment of Kuwait’s national telecommunications infrastructure, including upgrades to last-mile access networks and transport and backhaul systems and the implementation of Next Generation Network (NGN) technologies.
It also includes the gradual replacement of the existing copper network with fiber-based infrastructure.
Under the agreement, the project company will provide high-speed fiber connectivity to 90 percent of plots across Kuwait within the first five years of operations.
The infrastructure will support symmetrical internet speeds of up to 10Gbps, supporting applications related to cloud services, artificial intelligence, smart cities, and digital government services.
The project will be financed and developed by the project company and is also expected to create specialized employment opportunities for Kuwaiti nationals.
The project structure also includes plans for a future public offering of 50 percent of the project company’s shares following full operational commencement, allowing Kuwaiti citizens to participate in the ownership of the company, while public sector entities in Kuwait will retain ownership stakes.
The agreement was signed at the Government Communication Center of the Council of Ministers in Kuwait by HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Beyon Chairman, Eng. Mishal Al-Zaid, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications, and Ms. Asma Al-Mousa, Acting Director General at the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP).
The signing ceremony was attended by HE Mr. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Kuwait Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture, and HE Dr. Yaqoub Al-Sayed Yousef Al-Rifai, Kuwait Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Public Private Partnership Projects, and HE Mr. Salah Ali Al-Maliki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the State of Kuwait, alongside several senior officials from the participating entities.
Kuwait Minister Omar Saud Al-Omar stated that the agreement represents an important step in the development of Kuwait’s digital infrastructure and supports the country’s plans to strengthen its digital economy and telecommunications capabilities.
The project will establish infrastructure capable of supporting future digital services, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, and advanced government services, while improving the efficiency and sustainability of telecommunications operations.
Eng. Mishal Al-Zaid emphasized that the project represents a comprehensive upgrade of Kuwait’s fixed telecommunications network through a modern operating model based on an independent infrastructure company. He added that the project is expected to improve network reliability, reduce service disruptions, and support the delivery of more advanced digital services.
The project supports the objectives of Kuwait’s National Development Plan, particularly in areas related to infrastructure development, digital transformation, and economic diversification.
Project advisors Tri International Consulting Group, Kamco Invest, and Al Tamimi & Company worked with the Ministry of Communications and KAPP during the project development and investor selection process.
