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Ultra-Low Latency Network Enables Breakthrough in Digital Healthcare
Zain Omantel International (ZOI), the Middle East’s leading global wholesale carrier, in collaboration with Zain Kuwait and strategic partners, has enabled a Guinness World Record-breaking remote robotic surgery conducted over a distance of more than 12,000 kilometres between Kuwait and Brazil.
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The landmark procedure marks a major milestone in digital healthcare transformation, demonstrating how ultra-low latency, highly resilient connectivity can support real-time, life-critical medical applications.
Surgical Team in Kuwait Operates on Patient in Brazil
The historic telesurgery involved a surgical team based at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in Kuwait performing a live robotic operation on a patient located at Hospital Cruz Vermelha (SCOLLA) in Brazil, with near real-time responsiveness.
See a video of the robo-surgery here.
The project was delivered through close collaboration between ZOI, Zain Kuwait, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health (MOH), the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), and international technology partners.
Record-Setting Performance Achieved Over Global Network
The remote surgery officially set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance between a surgeon and a patient during a live robotic procedure.
ZOI provided the international transport services linking Kuwait, Marseille, and São Paulo (Equinix SP4), while Zain Kuwait delivered the local access networks required to support the operation.
The joint network architecture achieved:
- 199 milliseconds (0.2 seconds) end-to-end latency
- Average bandwidth of 80 Mbps
- Packet loss of just 0.19%
This record-low latency enabled surgeons to precisely control the robotic system in real time, despite the vast geographic separation.
Guinness World Records Recognition in Kuwait
The achievement was formally announced at a press conference held at Zain Kuwait’s headquarters, where a Guinness World Records representative presented certificates to the Minister of Health, the surgical team, Zain, and KFAS.
The representative confirmed that the teams at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in Kuwait and SCOLLA at Hospital Cruz Vermelha in Brazil had officially set the global record.
ZOI Highlights Importance of Purpose-Built Digital Infrastructure
Commenting on the achievement, Sohail Qadir, CEO of Zain Omantel International, said the project underscores the power of strategic investment in digital infrastructure.
“ZOI’s investment in advanced digital infrastructure enables local innovation at a global scale, creating a foundation for low-latency applications and services worldwide,” Qadir said.
He noted that the success of the operation reflects the impact of coordinated delivery between local access networks and international backbone infrastructure.
Engineered Network Ensures Precision and Reliability
The surgery was conducted on a purpose-built global network designed for predictable latency, with multiple diverse routes placed on standby to ensure continuity in the event of disruption.
“This level of precision over 12,000 kilometres is only possible when every element of the network is engineered for consistent low-latency performance,” Qadir added.
“Our responsibility was to guarantee a stable and predictable international route, allowing the surgical team to focus entirely on patient care. The record is significant, but it ultimately demonstrates what is possible when strong partnerships and advanced digital infrastructure come together.”
Expanding the Frontiers of Healthcare and Beyond
The successful procedure highlights the growing role of telecom infrastructure in enabling next-generation applications such as remote surgery, telemedicine, and real-time digital services.
Backed by Zain and Omantel, ZOI continues to provide customers with faster market access, enhanced resilience across multiple routes, and confidence that their most critical data traffic is prioritised and protected across a global footprint.
