Etisalat extends its 3.5G network coverage to 97 per cent of UAE

The increase in 3G sites brings the total to 1100 sites throughout the UAE.

Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat, said: "We aim to present our advanced services to all our customers regardless of where they are based in the UAE. Customers are now able to enjoy Etisalat's 3G and 3.5G service in most areas within the country."

The new 3G sites are spread throughout the UAE reaching over 100 areas within the country. The sites are located at the most prominent and popular areas such as Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills, Muhaisnah, Al Khatem, Wathba, Ruwais, Sweihan, Al Qua'a, Al Wigan, Manama , Siji, Madam, Hamriya and many other areas.

Etisalat was the first in the region to introduce the 3G service to its valued customers in December of 2003. The number of 3G subscribers exceeded a million; the positive response to this service was especially due to the launch of many other services that can be used with the subscription of 3G service. Some of these services include the 3G Data Card which reaches high-speed internet access and Mobile TV service. In 2005, Etisalat again was the first in the region to introduce 3.5G service which is the High Speed Packet Access (HSPA). This service provides high speed internet access surpassing 2 mbps over the mobile phone.

Etisalat covers 100% of GSM network coverage in UAE and intends to increase the 3.5G network coverage to the entire country's populated areas in the future. This determination comes after Etisalat witnessed a huge positive response to the 3.5G service.

The World Economic Forum, in its annual 'Global Information Technology Report 2006-07', has again ranked the United Arab Emirates as the leading country in the Arab world for "Networked Readiness". Etisalat, over the past decades has contributed to UAE's success with its achievements.