Al Raha Gardens the first area to connect to FTTH network

This makes Etisalat one of the first international operators to use this technology in order to make it available in homes.

This project is executed in cooperation with ALDAR Properties that is developing Al Raha Gardens.

This technology has revolutionized the access to fixed-line services, high speed internet service, and cable TV which Etisalat offers through E-Vision. The service is now available upon subscription.

The FTTH Technology is a more secure technology and enables better quality delivery in key areas such as TV, Telephony, and High Speed Internet Service, bringing customers' speeds of up to 60Mbps.

This improved service is due to no interference signal through fiber optic technology.

Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat, said:

'We are very excited about the opportunities that are now possible with the implementation of FTTH technology in homes. With this technology, customers will be able to enjoy many services including fixed-line calls, television services over the internet protocol IPTV (Advanced digital TV), many other services that require high speed internet service, telephony, and other high-bandwidth online experiences such as gaming and video-on-demand (VOD). Customers will be able to indulge in this through only one consolidated connection insuring high quality and standard of services'.

Ousama Ghannoum Marketing & Media Director ALDAR Properties, commented, 'Part of the delivery on our projects is ensuring that the occupiers have access to services that will enhance the lifestyle offering. We are pleased that this network will be able to provide such an efficient service to Al Raha Gardens'.

Al Haddad added: 'Al Raha Gardens is the starting point for Etisalat in its plan to make the FTTH service available across the country. The Next Generation Network will be deployed in several stages across the UAE and expected to be complete by 2011. The second stage of deployment has already started in Abu Dhabi and work in Dubai and Sharjah will commence within the coming months'.

'We expect that by the end of 2008, our customer base with direct FTTH access will be in the hundreds of thousands.' he concluded.