Dubai, UAE, 23 September 2010: Reiterating its position as a leading telecom service provider in the region, du has now the unique distinction of being the first telecom operator in the UAE, and among the few operators in the world, to successfully test and launch the fastest mobile broadband speed of up to 42.2 Mbps. This was achieved following successful tests and upgrades, done by du in collaboration with du's technology partners Huawei and Qualcomm.
Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, du,said: "We recognize that mobile data is the new frontier, and we firmly believe that high-speed mobile data networks will be key enablers for the growth and future of our communities. We anticipate growth of new ecosystems and applications, which will trigger a lot of mobile data usage and traffic, and thus contribute significantly to the progress of the UAE. Customers can be assured that du will be the undisputed leader in the adoption and deployment of next- generation solutions, which will make life easier and better."
Commenting on this milestone, Hatem Bamatraf, Senior Vice President of Network Development at du, said:"The upgrade of our mobile broadband network from HSPA+ to support DC-HSPA+ doubles our current mobile broadband downlink peak rate of 21 Mbps - a major milestone for us. We are proud to announce another UAE first with the launch of the fastest mobile broadband speed experience with up to 42.2 Mbps downlink speed to meet the growing demand for broadband access on the move".
The upgrade of du's network to 42.2 Mbps will not only delight our mobile broadband customers providing them with the fastest Internet on the go, but will also enhance the overall efficiency of our network. At launch, 98% of the populated areas in the UAE will enjoy an unprecedented speed of 42.2Mbps.
Special data cards supporting upto 42.2 Mbps will be introduced soon.
du's ultra high speed mobile broadband network will enable customers to have a superior mobile broadband experience including the fastest internet browsing, downloading music or watching mobile TV or any other relevant propositions that uses our ultra fast mobile broadband network.
In addition, this ultra high speed network roll-out will reinforce du's current position as one of the leading operators in the region providing the best value-for-money and advanced fixed and mobile broadband services to both individual and business users. du achieved a major milestone of covering 99% of the UAE's populated areas within 3 years of operations.
Huawei UAE's General Manager Mr. Lv Jun said: "We would like to congratulate du for achieving this key milestone. Huawei's HSPA+ solution with dual-carrier technology which has been chosen and deployed by du makes du one of the fastest and the most advanced network in the region. The enhanced HSPA+ network is set to give du's mobile broadband customers a higher level of user experience, thus supporting du's brand promise of 'adding life to life' through communication."
Hani Yassin, Qualcomm's Director of Business Development and Technology for the Middle East and North Africa, said: "Qualcomm is committed to the HSPA evolution roadmap. Dual Carrier -HSPA+ is gaining traction globally and we are pleased to collaborate with du and Huawei in bringing this advanced technology to the UAE."
du will continue to deploy the most advanced technologies to facilitate its network expansion, which is a critical element of ongoing efforts to strengthen and consolidate its position as the UAE's most innovative telecommunications provider.
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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 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du 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 '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 33 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, more than 3000 authorized dealers Or through du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one stop shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of the service bills.
du is 39.5 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 percent 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.
Awards to date
• du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK's EuroWeek
• du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.
• du corporate brand launch campaign awarded a Cristal MENA award in 2008
• du declared 'Best Brand' at Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2007 for innovative branding and outstanding brand success
• Second place in the New Brand Launch category at the GMR Effectiveness in Marketing Awards 2007
• Silver Award for the best website in the ICT category at the UAE Web Awards 2007
• du WoW TV Commercial awarded amongst the best 50 TV commercials in mobile telecom category in the world for 2007
For further information, please contact:
Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager, Channels Communications
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae
Gregory Henderson
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Tel: +971 4 3676 324
Mobile: +971 55 495 6487
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: gregory.henderson@dubai.mslpr.com
© Press Release 2010
