Plans to establish a submarine fibre optic link between Kuwait Bahrain, Qatar and UAE are going ahead. Bids for the estimated $80 million telecoms project are expected to be called before 1995.

The project is known as Fibre Optic Gulf (FOG) and will provide the capability to accommodate other participants in the future. The aim is to connect with worldwide scheme Fibre Link Around the Globe (FLAG) which will enter the region through Fujairah. The cost of FOG will be divided between the four countries.

'It is a major strategic move, and will improve diversity from the use of satellites,' says Andrew Hearn, Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) general manager. Batelco will participate in the management of the project for which specifications are currently being laid down.