Etisalat rolls out 3.5G innovations at GULFCOMMS

Intended for individual and business mobile users, the new services rely on Etisalat's 3.5G network, which covers 97% of the populated areas of the UAE. Etisalat was the first operator in the region to launch 3G in 2003, and 3.5G (HSPA) in 2005.

Etisalat's Video Call is one of the key services on the advanced network, which enables customers to see each other while on a call. Any Etisalat customer with a compatible 3G handset is able to make and receive video calls. With the extensive agreements Etisalat has in place with other operators internationally, users are also able to make international video calls to customers of over 55 operators worldwide.

The Mobile TV service was launched earlier this year, and has already proven a great success, with over 131,000 subscribers in the UAE. This is considered to be one of the most successful Mobile TV implementations in the Middle East region, and the service is backed by attractive packages. Mobile TV subscribers can access 14 channels that cover news, sports and entertainment in different languages.

A new addition to the Mobile TV service is Video On Demand (VoD), which will enable Etisalat customers to register to watch an episode of a show or a particular channel and at a particular time of the day or week. This brings greater flexibility, and has already proven extremely popular with subscribers who signed up for the service during the Gulf Cup football tournaments and the ICC World Cup cricket matches.

Etisalat has introduced a number of devices aimed at bringing its customers a better online experience even when they are on the move. The recently-launched Etisalat Super Speed USB Modem enables users to plug their Etisalat SIM card into a modem, connect to a laptop or desktop computer using the USB port and access the Internet over the 3.5G network. Users can also send SMS through the modem. The device is available for purchase at Etisalat Business centres, authorized retail outlets and GITEX Shopper at the Dubai Airport Expo.

Another option for Internet on the move is the PCMCIA 3G Data card, which can be used with a laptop computer to access the Internet, as well as to make and receive calls and SMS. The data card offers speeds of up to 7.2mbps in areas where there is 3G coverage.

Etisalat's pioneering MobileCAM, which allows 3G customers to place a call to the device to access and control the camera remotely, is on display at the Etisalat stand. MobileCAM enables security and peace of mind for home owners and businesspersons who need to maintain visual contact with their homes, offices or facilities even when they are on the move. The device is being sold at a promotional price between September 6 and September 13th at Etisalat outlets.

Etisalat's 3G Router enables broadband connectivity and total connectivity with a SIM card, which can be used with the device to provide connectivity even to multiple individuals, such as in an office environment. The 3G Router can bring multimedia connectivity to all users, and redefines the telecommunications possibility from a desk.