Etisalat has invested Dh6 billion in deploying fibre optic technology that helped it to launch the triple-play E-life package

Dubai: Etisalat said it began the final phase of trials on the fourth generation mobile broadband services - Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, in order to commercially launch the service in the third quarter of 2011.

Etisalat has invested Dh6 billion in deploying fibre optic technology that helped it to launch the triple-play E-life package.

Etisalat officials briefed the local media on the development today, discussed the benefits of Etisalat’s ongoing strategy for continuous development the ICT sector to ensure the UAE remains on par with developed nations around the world.

Etisalat also showcased its ongoing strategy to boost the nation’s telecommunication infrastructure in the UAE. The launch of LTE services will position the country amongst the world’s firsts in introducing this groundbreaking technology.

Ali Al Ahmad, Chief Corporate Communication Officer at Etisalat, said the UAE is the first country in the Middle East to launch the LTE service in the UAE. The first phase will cover all key Emirates in the UAE through 800 base stations.

Al Ahmad also emphasised Etisalat’s long-term investment strategy to continue providing the UAE with competitive advantage on a global level and propelling the nation’s ICT sector, making it one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Furthermore, Al Ahmed highlighted the role of these investments which will pave the way to a new era of communications. Etisalat has recently completed the fiber-optic network deployment covering the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the first capital city in the world to be fully covered by such an advanced network, along with launch of LTE technology that will enhance the economic and social development of the country and helps offer services which can meet customer’s demands.

LTE is one of the latest innovations in mobile broadband technologies in the world, with a peak downloading speed of up to 150MBps. Simply put, LTE is a natural evolution from earlier generations of mobile broadband that will deliver users the benefits of faster data speeds and new services.

LTE loads data at super high speeds reaching more than 150 Mbps, making it a revolution in mobile phone applications. Mobile communication began with pre-GSM technology, followed by GSM (2G) which was introduced in the early 1990s. It offered better quality and more security, therefore becoming instantly and extremely popular amongst users.

Third generation network (3G) paved way for new technologies in the data sector, providing speeds of up to 7MBps. During the last quarter of 2010, Etisalat made the latest upgrade with the introduction of high-speed HSPA+ technology that delivers customers data downlink speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps.

Ali Al Ahmad concluded: “LTE, the fourth generation mobile technology, has been implemented by Etisalat in the age of the popularity of smartphones and tablet devices to meet customers’ ever-increasing demand for richer services and connected lifestyles. Etisalat’s 4G services will bring significant benefits and opportunities to customers and businesses alike with higher throughput and efficiency. In addition, it will bring limitless broadband access to customers anytime, anywhere.”