UAE Internet bandwidth crosses 7.5 Gbps with capacity of 49 STM1 links

Capacity expanded to keep pace with growing Internet user base & for operational redundancy

Dubai, June 10, 2006: Etisalat today announced a significant increase in Internet bandwidth in the UAE with another 12 STM1 links being provisioned to meet user needs taking the total number of links to 49. The increased capacity of 7.5 Gbps (Gigabits per second) is the highest bandwidth capacity available with any single provider in the region. The expansion in capacity has been done with a view to accommodate the growth in Internet usage in the UAE and help in maintaining redundancy of operations.

The increase in bandwidth will ensure an unmatched quality of service and a world class Internet experience to consumers in the UAE. This capacity expansion with increased links to major global Internet hubs will benefit customers by helping to avoid disconnection to the Internet in the event of any disruption and ensure that traffic is re-routed to other links if disruptions occur in a particular link .

According to Abdulla Hashim, Assistant General Manager, eCompany, "The demand for increased bandwidth is being driven by our customers who have started to embrace the broadband culture. Etisalat's focus on home broadband users with Al Shamil and SME businesses through the BusinessOne broadband service has created compelling alternatives for UAE consumers to choose an appropriate broadband service for their various needs. "

"The expansion will also cater to customers of EMIX (Emirates Internet exchange) which is the region's leading Internet Hub .This increase in bandwidth is part of Etisalat's commitment to support its customers by providing them with a world class infrastructure and adequate bandwidth capacity."

According to Ali Amiri, Executive VP, Carrier & Whole-sale, Etisalat " Etisalat has been very proactive in upgrading its capacity and the quality of its bandwidth infrastructure to provide our enterprise customers and the common public with enough capacity to meet their varying needs. By the end of 2006, Etisalat is planning to increase its working capacity even further to reach 10 Gbps in keeping with our growth forecasts."

The increased capacity is also being done in anticipation of uptake from consumers and enterprises with new and innovative services from Etisalat which will shortly be unveiled in the UAE. The 12 new links have been commissioned on the new SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable to cater for the rapidly growing demand for international high-speed connectivity. This is the third cable system in addition to SEA-ME-WE-3 and FLAG and demonstrates Etisalat's intent to broaden the distribution of bandwidth in the UAE in order to ensure redundancy of operations.

-Ends-

Note to Editors:
About eCompany
eCompany, Etisalat's e-powerhouse, is the leading provider of ICT solutions for finance, retail, business and government sectors. The intent of eCompany is to strengthen relationships with customers and partners and provide them with high-value solutions through a single point of contact. It has the facilities to provide a complete portfolio of Internet offerings, value-added services, consulting and project management. eCompany's vision is to be the customer's first choice for Internet services and e-business solutions in the region.

Press release issued by Corporate Communications Department - Etisalat

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