Dubai, March 8, 2007: - E-Vision confirmed receipt and delivery of the unique in-home IPTV solution developed by French world leader in video technologies, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS). This Hybrid Cable / IP MPEG-2 device brings the power of IPTV to homes across the UAE, the first time this service is available anywhere in the world. The new hybrid set-top boxes are now being deployed across the UAE giving E-Vision customers a superior experience whether they are connected via cable or IP.

 The new set-top box platform enables E-Vision to keep its existing user interface and interactive applications while also providing a flexible platform for future content and services. It will ensure that customers, regardless of whether they connect via cable or IP, will find exactly the same high quality combination of programme guide, menu, content and services.

 The set-top box platform is the first to share an improved version of E-Vision's existing user interface and electronic programme guide. Significantly, the new hybrid cable/IP set-top box will support E-Vision's plans to extend the reach of its TV services, beyond its cable network, to customers with ADSL broadband connections.

Hybrid set-top boxes support both Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) and Internet Protocol (IP) standards allowing broadcasters and network operators to leverage both traditional one-way broadcast as well as two-way interactive IP delivery.  With the new hybrid cable/IP set-top boxes E-Vision will be able to extend its TV offering to any home within the UAE with a broadband connection.

-Ends-

About E-Vision:
E-Vision was established in April 2000 as the cable television provider for the UAE, and is a subsidiary of Etisalat. E-Vision's services currently reach 300,000 homes across five emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain and Ajman, covering over 500,000 citizens.

Press release issued by Corporate Communications Department - Etisalat

For further media information, please contact:
Ahmed Bin Ali, Vice President Corporate Communications, Etisalat
Tel: 02 6182173
Fax: 02 6334448
PRD@etisalat.ae
www.etisalat.ae

© Press Release 2007