Bahrain-based telecommunications company 2Connect has said it plans to offer managed IT solutions to Saudi Arabia when it opens a new office in Riyadh.

In a statement the company said that 2Connect IT Services is the first step in becoming a regional entity. From the Riyadh office the company plans to offer a range of IT services including managed security, managed network environments and a range of unified communication products.

“In the [Middle East] region, the only country with enough competition to allow for cost effective connectivity, that will enable us to treat a wide area network as if it is a local area network, is Saudi,” Fahad AlShirawi, managing director, 2Connect said.

“As we look for network operators to partner with in KSA, our venture is already garnering considerable interest from clients in both Bahrain and Saudi,” AlShirawi added.

A recent media report has predicted a huge rise in the use of wireless technology in Saudi Arabia as more consumers sign up for the increasingly competitive mobile broadband deals that are being offered.