Emirates Telecommunications Corporation

Senior exec says company inundated with applications, cheaper service still available.

UAE telco close to buying majority stake in Korek Telecom - chairman.

UPDATE 1: Operator spends $75m on Ivory-coast based telecoms player; plans to boost India stake

UAE telco says revenues up by 5% to more than AED30bn, mobile subscribers rise to 7.74m.

Increased competition at home has seen telecom operator seek overseas expansion.

Waiting lists are 100-strong and limited stock is selling out the day it hits shelves.

Analysts warn that ME markets will continue to adjust as it seeks optimum price levels.

Morocco still remains a marginal market for investors due to poor infrastructure, poor legal framework & excessive red tape.

Survey reveals customer loyalty gap as regulator mulls more competition.

'The UAE is to be covered 90% by fibre optic network by 2011' - Etisalat chairman.

Licence is first in the region, at least 13 channels provided straight to subscribers' mobile phones.

Poll finds 11.3% think du and Etisalat will cut prices to attract customers.

Telco chief says competition in fixed line internet access will be 'next big thing'.

Language firm Sakhr says agreement will convert PC text into audio for Etisalat users.

Telco invests in system to provide latest comms technology to UAE homes.

Sale of cellular operations for $155m to be completed by Oct 20 - Millicom.

Company CEO says focus is on expanding its services in telecom markets abroad.

UAE telecom company says new phone will cost AED300 and have mobile broadband.

Call charges cut to allow worried customers to check on families after earthquakes strike.

UPDATE 6: Emaar falls 3.8% and Sorouh loses 4.3%, while Etisalat eases 0.4%.

UPDATE 6: Air Arabia, Deyaar lead Dubai decline while Qatar, Oman indices end higher.

UAE telco views North African market as one for future growth despite Meditel miss.

9.6 million messages will be sent to UAE phones to warn about text and email scams.

India's Central Vigilance Commission looking into the legalities of Swan Telecom’s mobile licence

Accused of spying on its BlackBerry subscribers’ emails, Etisalat is facing a rising chorus of disapproval from its customers.

Report says Kuwait's sovereign wealth fund would look at serious offers providing an attractive return.

"Reach out. The world's waiting," Etisalat implores visitors to its website. What it doesn't mention is that if you are using a Blackberry to "reach out" - which is lately the bizarre Americanism for communicating - your emails could well be sent on to a third party.

BlackBerry customers still have a lot of questions, says Damian Reilly.

Arabian Business poll reveals customers' anger over spyware allegations.

UAE incumbent to outsource its Indian network operations to Reliance Communications

Jamal al-Jarwan says the telecom firm is keen on Zain stake at the right price.

Telco seems eager to embark on spending spree after expressing interest in Zain majority stake and bidding for a mobile licence in Libya

Firm bids for fixed and mobile licence, looks to boost customer base into North Africa.

UPDATE 1: Emirates Telecoms Co makes a second quarter net profit of AED2.41bn ($656.1m).

Expert says software developed by surveillance firm SS8

Five channels in HD; Abu Dhabi TV, Luxe, Fashion TV, Showtime and Al Jazeera Sports.

UAE operator joins forces with telecom supplier to work together in region.

UAE Internet users report 509 different webpages were flagged as 'inaccessible'.

Subscribers can now use Nokia Mail for Exchange to access email and enjoy unlimited internet access for AED 195 per month

UAE telecom major to target young generation with new service to rival MSN.

Etisalat chief sets the record straight on profits, products and price wars.

Etisalat will complete fibre to the home cables for 712,000 customers by end of year.

UPDATE 2: Orascom chief urges Egypt's regulator to release details of FT offer.

UPDATE 3: Share swap deal sees 1.5m subscribers added to customer base.

EXCLUSIVE: Much of company revenue comes from international calls.

Etisalat still in talks with Iranian regulator for telecom licence - chairman.

Regulator’s figures suggest almost two Sim cards per person

EXCLUSIVE: UAE's plan to ban access to 'offensive' internet sites moves forward.

UPDATE 1: UAE telecom operator reduces cost of owning popular phone from May 5.

2010 before all customers can switch from Etisalat to another provider - TRA.

Alcatel-Lucent ranks UAE provider as best on call compeletion, call set-up, call drop.

UAE telco sees 13% increase in revenues against backdrop of global economic slowdown

Etisalat confirms limited period offer worth up to AED 100 after recharge for pre-paid Wasel customers.

If the rate of acquisitions by GCC operators slows over the coming months it will allow valuable time for telcos to focus on extracting revenue from completed deals.

Company announces milestone at launch of the BlackBerry Storm smartphone in the country

Mohammed Al Qamzi reveals first quarter revenues positive despite downturn.

Customers can now send multimedia messages to any mobile number in the world.

Service upgrade from UAE-based telco sees customers able to send messages to most mobile users worldwide.

Industry analysts say companies should rethink acquisition policy amid global crisis.

Telecoms company says plans to bring next generation to Mideast in H2 of 2009.

Warnings from Etisalat and QTel about the growing threat to customers from scams suggest that telecoms related fraud is on the increase.

Etisalat announces that the long-awaited iconic phone from Apple is now on sale.

Each feature different international calling plans bundled with loyalty reward points

Industry insiders also predict AED500 monthly charge prior to launch of phone later in Feb.

Telecom giant inks agreement with Apple to bring popular phone to the region.

Telecom major earns $386.6m in Q4 versus analysts' estimates of $580-781m.

Telecom major makes plans after winning Iran’s third mobile licence - chairman.

EFG-Hermes research note says fourth quarter earnings for Etisalat, du likely to be flat.

UAE-based operator targets 1 million subscribers in first year of operations

UPDATE2: Consortium including Etisalat wins tender for Iran's third mobile phone licence.

50% discount on messages sent from January 5 till end of February 2009.

Etisalat is branching out from its core business into the information and communications sector.

A visual summary of the news and launches that made headlines in the world of technology recently. (Getty Images)

A new partnership agreement with Jump TV and the UAE’s telecom operators, Etisalat and du, will enable state-owned media company Dubai Media Incorporated to offer mobile and internet TV services to its viewers.

UAE telecoms giant enhances mobile services due to pressing need for better internet connectivity.

Chief exec talks openly about competition from du, regulatory constraints and pricing controversies

Agreement with France Telecom will see companies cooperate on digital home services.

Telecoms giant signs up to Ministry of Education pact to provide internet access to schools.

The inaugural event hosted by YourBusiness took place on the 20th October at the Park Hyatt to a gathering that included companies each with a vested interest in the GCC region, and in the growth of the small business market in particular.

With plans to deploy fibre-to-the-home across the UAE and ambitions to grow its business in countries including Nigeria and Pakistan, Etisalat is fulfilling its promise to become one of the world's leading telecom operators by 2010.

Over 10,000 customers download the free troubleshooting application in just one month

Mobile services launched in Nigeria on Friday

Operator says deal will help strengthen brand equity in the region.

GITEX: UAE telecom in talks with vendors and OEMs, move will provide customers 'great value'.

Etisalat is showcasing an extensive range of promotions at this year's show.

Telecomms leader announces new services in partnerships with Avaya and Microsoft.

Winner of mobile TV licence bids limited to UAE and Gulf firms also by year-end.

Mohammed Hassan Omran, chairman of Etisalat, explains how the company is improving services in its home market, while striving to become a truly international telecomms player.

BusinessOne package comes with no volume restrictions to avoid excess usage costs

Etisalat adopts theme of 'Explore' for GITEX Technology Week

Etisalat, university and BT join forces to set up Middle East technology first.

Cost of rentals reduced by 70% to encourage businesses to select Etisalat IP connectivity network

Telecoms operators cut international call rates for Eid holiday

Head of international investment says Etisalat in advanced talks on taking majority stake of unnamed operator

Acquires 45% stake in Swan Telecom in a deal worth $900 million

UPDATE 6: UAE telecom says it has agreed to buy 45% of Swan after morning of speculation.

Payment gateway network expands outside the UAE to target companies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

New partnerships for the company’s technology to be disclosed in the coming months

Television content provided through an initial partnership with MBC

Will mobile TV in the Gulf threaten cultural and religious norms as it moves towards prime time?

Wasel and new GSM customers will enjoy special benefits during the holy month.

UAE operator Etisalat has launched its latest wireless mobile USB modem, the E170, with a download speed of 7.2 Mbps.

For many regional telecom operators, making acquisitions or merging could be the key to their survival.

Du and Etisalat poised to be told to allow access to websites in new TRA internet policy.

Etisalat leads other world telecommunication companies in latest study by Informa Telecoms & Media

UPDATE 1: Largest Arab telecom firm sees Q2 net income jump to $817mn, at top end of forecasts.

Largest Arab telecom firm sees Q2 net income jump to $817m, at top end of forecasts

New software launched by Etisalat will help customers troubleshoot connectivity issues

Popular social content sharing service StumbleUpon becomes latest UAE website to be banned.

Social content sharing site StumbleUpon barred by UAE ISP

A glut of Middle Eastern ICT events recently is leading to conference fatigue among the region's telecom professionals.

Africa is a continent of unrivalled opportunity for the telecoms sector.

UAE telecom bans internet phone service, latest in string of web restrictions.

Etisalat to launch fastest leased line service in the region with 1Gbps business offering

Mobile banking gives the vital access to money services for the unbanked population in developing countries.

UAE telecom just latest Abu Dhabi corporate to seek rating in bid to help expansion overseas.

UAE telecom evaluating possible bid for Africa's largest mobile phone operator, chairman says.

UAE telecom posts Q1 loss of $16.8mn as revenues rise 18% and firm's subscriber base reaches 1.76mn.

Mobility and communications solutions can help SMBs overcome challenges of operating in the Gulf says Etisalat VP

UAE telco looking at acquisition or new licence to enter India, chairman says.

UAE account holders able to access others' personal information using Etisalat service.

Telecom equipment maker applies for information needed to bid in auction, newspaper reports.

Largest Arab telecom sees Q1 net income rise 15.5% to $577.3mn as UAE users rise 4%.

Hundreds of thousands of customers expected to be connected by year-end

Telecom provider in talks with Indian companies to enter world's second-largest mobile market.

UAE telecom operator says its holding has dropped to 26.25% from 35%, as required by its licence.

Pilot project launched in association with Mashreq, Tata Communications, Idea Cellular and HSBC India

Al Raha Garden's high-speed fibre-to-the-home network expected to be complete by 2011

Saudi regulator gives green light to telecom to purchase internet service provider.

Etisalat launches customer reward programme to retain customers, while du relaunches one dirham offer to attract new subscribers

ICT centre at Kahlifa University to research and spinout new network technologies

Gulf markets decline on back of losses suffered in US last week, led by telecom operators and banks.

Etisalat yesterday unveiled a new software subsidiary, based in Bangalore, which will develop applications for the telecom sector

Enhanced mobile broadband service to offer greater download cap for Etisalat customers

Applications for pricing changes rejected owing to potential breaches of price control policy

Normal internet access restored after Gulf and Mediterranean cables repaired, reports Etisalat.

With competition becoming an integral part of the Middle East telecom market, Delta Partners' Victor Font assesses the level of competition and how regional Telcos are squaring up for the fight.

14,000km telecoms network will connect India and western Europe via the Middle East.

Emirati telecoms say damaged cable off UAE coast not causing further disruption.

UAE telecom says it has been informed damaged undersea cable could take up to two weeks to repair.

Etisalat says it is ready to offer VoIP once regulators set rules

UAE operator profit misses analysts' forecasts in Q4, profit growth rate declines year-on-year.

DFC's Etisalat store has a ‘new age' concept, courtesy of Imagination. By Charlotte Butterfield.

UAE operator doubles stake in Canar to 82% as it continues aggressive international expansion.

Mark Sutton takes a look forward into 2008 to see how the pace of change in the information and communications technology will pick up, and how it will affect businesses, and consumers, across the region.

International call rate cut and wi-fi opened to all on the occasion of Eid Al Adha

UAE operator purchases 16% of Excelcomindo for $438mn from Rajawali Group.

Telco heavyweights discussed changing market conditions at Telecoms World Middle East in Dubai. CommsMEA reports.

BT’s trading platform will give Gulf global connectivity.

Instalment plans offers BlackBerry for AED32 per month

UAE telecom says considering new investments after Zanzibar Telecom takeover last month.

With Dubai expected to have a population of about 2.5 million by 2010, as well as attracting up to 15 million tourists a year by the same time, there is likely to be growing pressure on the emirate's infrastructure, including its mobile phone networks.

Etisalat's bid for stake in Omantel hinges on conditions set by Omani government

$267m investment in 3.5G network in KSA in response to unprecedented demand

Cyber terrorism and law enforcement top bill for MEITSEC 2007

There is seldom a quiet week in the MENA region's comms sector. In the past couple of weeks alone there have been some major announcements from regional telecom companies, mainly about foreign expansion, with some key deals announced.

Etisalat extends 10% extra credit offer, says non-expiring credit offers customer reassurance

UAE operator says no announcement allowing non-UAE nationals to own stocks in company.

Third-largest Gulf telecom firm buys additional 17% of Zanzibar Telecom, bringing share to 51%.

UAE operator signals interest in buying stake in telco, part of which gov't of Oman is looking to sell.

Commercial and regulatory constraints have been largely blamed for inhibiting the commercial deployment of FTTx access technology across the globe. CommsMEA explores the business case for Middle East operators.

Exponential growth in the Middle East telecoms sector ensures Dubai's annual GULFCOMMS expo remains a must-attend event for the industry's major players. CommsMEA rounds up the major developments from this year's show.

Arrival of a third telecom operator in the Emirates not a significant threat, according to official.

Operator considering a voluntary retirement scheme to reduce staff at Pakistan affiliate.

Etisalat, Batelco and Zain all remain in the running for country's second mobile phone licence.

Results of the auction for Qatar's second mobile phone licence are expected in four weeks.

As one of the latest companies to take a leap of faith onto the green bandwagon, Etisalat has urged its six million customers to recycle old mobile phones.

With just two internet providers in the UAE, how long will it be before the gap in value-for-money is closed?

Etisalat has confirmed a deal with Virgin Megastore that will see the telco gain a presence in each of the entertainment retailer's UAE stores.

Afghanistan's largest mobile operator Roshan is bracing itself for increased competition in the war-torn country. With formidable rivals such as Etisalat and MTN now on its doorstep, Roshan's forthright CEO Karim Khoja oozes confidence.

Partnership agreement to enable payment of government services over mobile phones.

Etisalat and the SMARTHub Financial Services Group of the Philippines have announced a strategic partnership to launch an international money transfer service.

While the world's big telcos talk about emerging market opportunities, operators from ME are going global.

The UAE telecoms company says it is mulling raising its stake in the Pakistani telco from 26% to 51%.

Mohammad Hassan Omran outlines the telecoms powerhouse's plans to become a truly global force.

Mohamed Al Ghanim, head of the UAE telecomms regulator, is tasked with ensuring competition works effectively. GBS Times speaks to the regulatory chief about the authority's strategy and forthcoming plans.

UAE telco operator selected as operating partner for Nigerian telecommunications company.

Leading UAE telecommunications service provider showcases mobile commerce technology to network subscribers at GITEX Technology Week.

Mohammed Al Qamzi, CEO of Etisalat, is on a roll this year.

Etisalat aims to showcase its capabilities in a number of technical and product areas at GULFCOMMS 2007.

Predicts Salik and bill payment amongst other possibilities in near future.

The Apple phones are being bought in the US with AT&T contracts then hacked to work on Gulf networks.

This year's GITEX will be the first featuring two fully-fledged telecom operators from the UAE, Etisalat and du.

Regulator extends deadline for country's second mobile phone licence by two weeks.

Saudi Telecom is joining regional rivals to bid for a 26% stake in Kuwait's third mobile network operator.

UAE operator says bid for stake in Kuwait's third mobile phone operator 'makes a lot of a commercial sense'.

Five companies are to bid for three new mobile network licences in an auction this Thursday.

Abu Dhabi-based firm to pitch for both mobile and fixed line licences in Qatar.

3G technology has been present commercially for more than three-and-a-half years, and as operators' high-speed networks become an integral part of their transport networks, it appears 3G is being utilised as a capacity booster for voice services rather than a carrier of mobile data content.

UAE telco operator announces reductions on its BlackBerry 8100 and 8700 handsets.

Major regional operators such as Etisalat and du will be out in force at GULFCOMMS 2007 as the event once again plays host to key telecommunications players from across the region.

Etisalat counters claims that it was partly responsible for du failing to meet licence obligations.

The peddling by European network vendors of the benefits of HSDPA as an upgrade to WCDMA appears to have paid off with more than 140 networks around the world considered HSDPA-ready. In the Middle East, the proportion of HSDPA deployments is definitely smaller, though the converted are making a strong case for the benefits accruing from the upgrade.

UAE operator posts profits of $1bn for first half of year thanks to rise in subscribers and global expansion.

One year after it first began offering the device, the company boasts 14,000 subscribers to its BlackBerry service.

Bank merger mania is about to engulf the Middle East, says James Bennett.

Mobile operator says its first bid will be for Egypt's second fixed-line network licence in 2008.

12 firms have been named eligible to bid for the country's second mobile licence.

The subscriber base for Egypt's third mobile operator is fast approaching 1 million customers after 50 days.

UAE telco Etisalat has boosted its BlackBerry offering with the rollout of a new device, a new light user service package and the cutting in price of one of its existing BlackBerry handheld devices.

Last month, Etisalat brought cricket fans in the UAE a tempting offer -- the opportunity to watch the Cricket World Cup from their 3G mobile phones.

Etisalat Egypt's subscriber base tipped the 300,000 mark at the end of May, inside its first month of operations as part of its bid to reach 10 million subscribers within its first three years of participating in the market.

Ambitious overseas expansion plans hope to boost coverage to 90% of Egypt by 2009.

The Emirates' telco is set to spend the money on expanding the network over the next three years.

The UAE telecoms provider sets its sights on taking almost a third of the Egyptian mobile market.

Abu Dhabi bourse calls for companies such as Etisalat to widen their shareholder base.

UAE telco Etisalat has soft launched Egypt's third mobile phone network this week, making it the first operator to launch 3G in the populous North African country.

UAE already has a 10-year management contract in place in Africa.

400,000 individuals book Etisalat number ahead of commercial launch.

I recently travelled to Cairo to chat with the folks at Etisalat, who at the time were fervently preparing for the soft launch of the operation on May 1.

UAE telecoms operator praised for its support for this year's Youth Environment Conference.

$12.3m deal marks further foreign expansion as Qtel loses its Qatar monopoly.

Qatar's launch of a second operator will end the region's last-remaining mobile phone monopoly.

Local telcoms regulator aims to improve coverage by evaluating both Etisalat and du.

Nokia Siemens Networks is looking to begin implementing WiMax in the region within the next couple of years, the company announced last week.

The UAE operator has delayed its launch of a mobile operation in Egypt until May.

Abu Dhabi's MECOM telecoms and networking exhibition is gearing up for its inaugural show this month, and is aiming to establish itself as the premier comms-related event in the Middle East.

Downtime is not an option for IT departments, with more and more mission-critical internal business processes relying on IT. Duncan MacRae discovers it is in the CIO's best interests to prepare for the worst.

Etisalat is preparing to launch an automated IVR (intelligent voice recognition) service next month, which will support two additional languages over and above English and Arab, which are already supported.

Alex Shalaby was appointed CEO of Egyptian market leader Mobinil in November 2005 following the departure of Osman Sultan to head up the UAE second all-service operator du. In the time since Shalaby has been CEO, the liberalisation programme in Egypt has developed rapidly, and continues to prove challenging, Shalaby asserts.

The UAE telecoms giant has suspended its acquisition drive for six months in order to integrate its assets.

Better technology is attracting more online fraudsters to the Middle East.

Mobile email is more dangerous than it sounds: think sore thumbs, drug-like addiction, potential lawsuits...

UAE operator Etisalat is urging its business and consumer customers to hold off on deploying Microsoft's Vista OS until it has upgraded its own desktop security package.

Friends and Family package will offer 20 per cent discount on three chosen overseas numbers.

The Department of Finance (DOF) in Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of a payment consolidator to process transactions for Abu Dhabi government departments

Du customers will be able to order their SIM cards from February 11, according to du CEO Osman Sultan

Sharjah Municipality has largely automated its entire network of parking machines, thanks to an innovative use of the cellular GPRS network from Etisalat. NME reports.

... or is it half empty, given that the telecom operator's call costs will be the same as Etisalat's?

Today's Sharjah-based Al Khaleej newspaper has an interesting news report on how the UAE's Council of Ministers has approved a draft law stating that part of Emirates Post Holdings will float on the stock exchange.

Regulatory Authority has announced that the telecom operator Etisalat and new operator du reached an agreement on matters relating to interconnectivity.

The UAE’s second telco provider has said that its service will cover 85% of the emirates when it launches this year, but will have to rely on Etisalat for the remainder.

Du may not launch services in the UAE until March this year, months after it had originally planned to, and could face heavy fines by regulators for the further delays the emirates’ second telecoms operator has announced.

du, the new national telecom operator in the UAE, has moved a step closer to launching its services after putting pen to paper on an interconnection agreement with incumbent operator Etisalat.

UAE entrant extends number booking campaign to January 10

Regional IT users lack awareness of security threats, delegates at an e-security forum were warned this month

Etisalat and Cisco have teamed up to enable the UAE telco operator to provide managed information and communications technology (ICT) services to its customers.

With the arrival of its first competitor du drawing closer, UAE incumbent telecom operator Etisalat is increasingly putting the focus on the consumer, one of its senior executives claimed last month.

Over 30 years Etisalat has serviced the UAE with the latest in mobile technology, growing to become one of the region’s great success stories. James Bennett talks exclusively to chairman Mohammad Omran.

The UAE market will not be opened up for the provision of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services

The inaugural GULFCOMMS event that took place as part of the hugely popular GITEX annual show between November 18-22 marked the full recognition that telecoms, and IT within the telecoms sector have well and truly come into their own.

Greek market does hold some interest for Etisalat

...

The successful conclusion of yet another GITEX exhibition has reaffirmed the sophistication of the Middle East marketplace and, just as importantly, its significance to the global ICT industry. While other technology trade shows have scaled back in recent years, GITEX 2006 hosted a larger number of exhibitors than ever before to celebrate its 26th birthday in style. Consequently, the show experienced an unprecedented level of news and announcements from the mass of exhibitors on display. Fear not, for Channel Middle East was there to bring you all the major talking points from GITEX 2006.

Etisalat is increasing the level of network services it provides to business customers after expanding its partnership with Orange

...

...

The Middle East channel is waking up to the sales opportunities surrounding the growing demand for push email solutions. Mobile device vendors are marking their channel territory as they look to develop the winning route-to-market that will allow them to dominate a sector destined for stellar growth. Stuart Wilson reports.

Young filmmakers in the UAE are gradually beginning to receive support from the government and the corporate sector to make movies. Although the lack of it has not stopped a young generation of talented Emiratis from surging ahead with their dreams, support will make a big difference to the quality of movies produced. Digital Studio meets some of the people who are stirring the flames of the cinema movement in the UAE.

Bids for stakes in Greek, Sri Lankan and Yemen operators

Etisalat has been reprimanded by the UAE’s Telecoms Regulatory Authority (TRA), which has instructed the operator to withdraw promotional offers relating to its 30th anniversary celebrations saying they violated telecom law.

Systems security used to be about keeping the bad guys out, but as threats have evolved identity management and authentication have emerged as key to successful policing

...

...

Holding firm will house eight specialised units

...

If you recognise the term ‘push e-mail’ but aren’t sure just what it refers to or how it can improve the productivity of your mobile staff, keep reading as Windows explains all...

Alex Marklew of CommsMEA takes a look back at the key events in the Middle East communications industry in 2000.

In conjunction with the region’s PTT’s. ISPs and network consultants, satellite operator Astrolink is hoping to deliver speeds of up to 226Mbits.

The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (ETISALAT) has moved a step closer to its ambition of becoming a centre for Internet traffic after buying STM-1 level capacity on the Flag Telecom cable between the United Arab Emirates and Japan.