Dubai, UAE, 08 May 2012: In another exciting telecom first for the region, du is proud to announce that it has successfully completed a 100 Gigabit transmission per wavelength (over long distances) trial with Huawei on its Optical Transport Network (OTN). This is a first on optical coherent networks, the current bandwidth of which is 10/40G per wavelength. du is also the only operator in the Middle East to completed these trials on a live network.

This enhanced bandwidth will ensure more flexibility and efficiency in wavelength utilisation of du's network, making it future-ready in terms of internet, data content, mobile broadband and LTE. The 100G enhancement will allow services to be transmitted at a higher rate over a longer distance, either within the UAE or to connect them with other countries.

The successfully completed trial is the first 100 Gigabit per second (Gb/s) coherent field trial in the Middle East. It is also the first trial of backhauling 100G per wavelength over a long distance and also over a live network, in which high data rates or service tests can be done over a high bandwidth fibre optic technology. In total, 700km of fibre was tested, split into two routes of 200KM and 500KM.

"We are very proud to be the first operator in the Middle East to successfully complete such a test. There are operators in Europe who have done this test over a live, long distance network, but so far we are the first to do so in the region," said Hatem Bamatraf, Executive Vice President - Network Development and Operations, du. "By upgrading to 100G per wavelength we will add further value to our network, increasing and optimising the use of our bandwidth to cope with the increase of high capacity rate (to be transported over Terabits) services, such as the internet and du TV, giving our customers a seamless experience no matter which of our services they use."

"With a number of regional firsts being set within our industry over the last year, it is an incredibly exciting time as UAE consumers begin to realize faster, more enriching telecom services," commented Mr. Lv Jun, General Manager of Huawei UAE. "This trial's success will further build on that vision by opening up the pathway to more advanced trials and future network deployments."

Increased bandwidth will cater to du's future high rate services, such as long-term evolution (LTE), amplified internet demands, and interconnecting with other international operators. 

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About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world's population. For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com

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About du
du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 3rd quarter of 2011, over 4,937,900 people in the UAE had chosen to become du mobile customers.

Among du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind 'WoW' recharge card (which offers customers the choice between 'more credit', 'more time' and now the 'more international' recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world-class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du's retail network, currently numbering 44 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://shop.du.ae du shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.

du is 39.5 per cent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 per cent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 per cent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

© Press Release 2012