Etisalat Now Serves more than 6.3 Million Mobile Users

Reaches 150% of UAE Population Etisalat has announced that its mobile customer base has crossed 6.3 million customers, making it the number one telecom operator in terms of mobile penetration in the world. This achievement has been accomplished through a combination of best-of-breed technology, a commitment to providing the best services, and the presence of a workforce with immense experience.

Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat, said: “At Etisalat, we are proud of this landmark – achieving one of the highest mobile phone penetration levels in the world. Etisalat’s success story has been evident year after year, as we have been commended for our various achievements, capturing the attention of experts and analysts the world over. Over the past years, Etisalat has become a strong competitor to many of the biggest telecommunications corporations worldwide by following a policy of setting industry standards and matching the best of breeds operators worldwide even in the absence of local competition.”

“With Etisalat’s extensive network, the UAE has become one of the most advanced countries in the world in terms of Network Readiness and excellent connectivity. Even with the presence of the second telecommunications operator in the country, Etisalat continues to record impressive growth rates. Etisalat has maintained its competitive edge through consolidation of services, development of many pricing strategies, customer reward promotions, and the launch of innovative new services”, he added.

Al Haddad promised that Etisalat customers will always enjoy the newest and best telecommunication technologies. He also pointed out that Etisalat has played a major role at a regional level in terms of mobile services. Today, its achievements have grown from being the first operator in the region to launch GSM Mobile services in 1994, to being the pioneer in launching 3G services in 2003.  In December 2004, Etisalat also became the first operator in the region to launch high-speed internet service over mobile (3.5G HSPA technology).

3G & 3.5G Services

Al Haddad stated that Etisalat’s 3.5G network has the widest coverage in the UAE. Etisalat now covers 97% of UAE’s populated areas with 3G & 3.5G network. Through the 3.5G network, Etisalat offers some of the latest technologies & innovations including:
High Speed Mobile Data Modem

Etisalat has launched the latest mobile Data USB Modem, available for the first time in the country. The new USB modem and the latest version of the PCMCIA data card both bring speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second (Mbps) in the downstream and up to 1.9 mbps in the upstream. Smaller than a standard PC mouse, this USB modem can be used with both laptop and desktop computers with USB ports, enabling true connectivity for the user.
MobileCAM

Etisalat 3G MobileCAM provides anytime, anywhere access to video footage and video call services to a home or office. Etisalat 3G MobileCAM also allows customers to hold a conversation as the camera device has an installed microphone and speaker. The service permits users to nominate 20 pre-set users to view one MobileCam.  A unique PIN number protection also offers the option to add or bar individual users, guaranteeing privacy.  Etisalat 3G MobileCAM also has an automatic night mode option, an option to record footage, zooming and pan-tilt functionality and provides an all-round view.

Mobile TV service

Unprecedented success also met Etisalat’s Mobile TV service – which is available for all Etisalat customers. With 15 different channels to choose from, it allows mobile users with 3G enabled handsets to watch popular news, sport and entertainment content from some of the most popular Television channels, live on their phones. Today the service boasts over 230,000 subscribers.

In addition, Essa AlHaddad said that Etisalat has performed well in many areas of mobile technology by launching new services, constantly enhancing existing services, and introducing value added services to individual and business customers alike.

BlackBerry service

Etisalat launched the BlackBerry service in May 2006, and was the first operator to offer this service in the Region. This powerful business tool is also offered for individuals in a service that can be linked to common email accounts such as Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail. Today more than 30,000 business users and consumers enjoy a connected lifestyle while on the move. Balancing work with life, and getting the best out of both.

Pushmail

Etisalat customers can send and receive emails from their mobile phones using Etisalat Pushmail service. This service complements Etisalat’s other push email services, providing customers access to their email anywhere at any time.

Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer service is available to all of Etisalat’s mobile phone subscribers that enable customers to transfer credit from one Etisalat mobile account to another for free.

This is another example of how our services constantly add convenience to our customers’ lives.

Greetune

Etisalat was the first operator in the region to enhance its Greetune service for both consumers and corporate customers. The Corporate Greetune service for business customers enables them to have their own tones and promotional messages as a ring back tone on the company’s mobile phones, which could be played for particular groups at different days or time using the features of Grouping and Scheduling. Etisalat is the first operator in the region to offer its corporate customers the capability to use ring back tone feature to increase their brand awareness and open another channel for them to communicate with their customers.

November 17,2007