Operator switches on 700 LTE-enabled base stations; aims for 1,000 by end of year.

Abu-Dhabi-based Etisalat has commercially launched an LTE-FDD network in the UAE that is capable of supporting 100-Mbps connection speeds.

In an announcement on Sunday the operator said it has so far equipped 700 base stations to deliver \'4G\' mobile services, and aims to grow that figure to 1,000 by the end of the year.

"We\'ve witnessed the positive impact of the 3G network – LTE will now bring in new waves of innovation, transforming our customer\'s digital lifestyles," said Etisalat\'s corporate communications chief Ali Al Ahmed, in a statement.

"Advanced telecommunications are a key basis for a developed society, and this 4G network can contribute to developing various sectors including education, finance, healthcare as well as the economic and business sectors, the latter of which will be a direct beneficiary of 4G," added Nasser Bin Obood, acting chief executive of Etisalat.

Furthermore, Etisalat said its LTE infrastructure will be fully integrated with its fibre network, which at present covers the whole of the U.A.E. capital Abu-Dhabi, and which Etisalat plans to extend to the whole country in a bid to deliver high-speed broadband and high-definition TV services.

Etisalat\'s LTE network is the 32nd to have launched globally, according to the latest figures from the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).

The industry body revealed late last week that 237 operators have so far invested in LTE, while 174 confirmed network commitments in 64 countries have been announced.