Telecommunication and Data Networks in RAK
The whole UAE is providing its citizens with a highly efficient and cost-effective communications network. Both telecom operators active in the UAE federation are operational in Ras Al Khaimah as well.
Emirates Telecommunications Corporation - Etisalat
Etisalat was the sole telecom operator in the UAE from 1976 to 2006, when the market was liberalised. In 2006 Etisalat ranked the sixth largest corporation in the Middle East.
Etisalat services include Internet access, ATM, LAN and WAN networks, ecommerce services, prepaid phone cards, mobile phone services, cable television and local telecommunications. Its mobile network is based on the GSM standards. Etisalat’s network has been the backbone of the UAE telecommunications network.
Etisalat offers fixed line services over its Next Generation Network, and provides mobile users with a range of services and applications such as GPRS, 3G, BlackBerry and MobileCam. Etisalat provides broadband internet access to the entire UAE and is currently working on rolling out triple play services, which will incorporate high-speed Internet, TV and fixed line offerings all via one cable. In addition to voice and data networks Etisalat also has many other offerings including the E-Vision cable TV network.
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company - du
The monopoly of Etisalat ended in December 2006 with the launch of second telecom operator called “du”. The Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), is a public joint-stock company, its main shareholders are the Federal Government (40 per cent), Mubadala Development (20 per cent) and Emirates Telecommunications and Technology Ltd
(20 per cent), a subsidiary of Dubai Technology and Commerce and Free Zone Authority (TECOM). Twenty per cent of the company was offered for public subscription early in 2006.
Under the agreement du is permitted to offer fixed-line, mobile and internet services and rolled out GSM services in metropolitan and commercial zones by the end of 2006, while fixed line and broadband service were be introduced during 2007. The company has set itself the target of acquiring 30 per cent of the UAE market within three years.
Related Links
www.etisalat.ae
www.du.ae
