EIM launches Al Shamil high speed Internet over cable network

Etisalat's ISP business unit has taken the move to complement the existing high-speed DSL network, which delivers broadband to the home via the copper telephone infrastructure. The existing cable network, which primarily provides digital television to households, will be leveraged to complement DSL and ensure extensive broadband coverage to households.

Although the cable infrastructure is expanding throughout the country, only homes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that currently have access to cable will be able to register to Al Shamil cable at this time.

'We are at a critical stage in the roll-out of broadband Internet,' commented Maroua Naim, General Manager, EIM. 'With over 19,000 subscribers already using the service, it is essential that the network infrastructure is in place for the next phase of growth. As higher bandwidth applications become available, from video streaming to online learning, we expect the mass market to gradually migrate to the Al Shamil service.'

In terms of user experience and price, Al Shamil over cable will be identical to the current Al Shamil over DSL package. Customers are offered a range of 'always on' high-speed access options.

The standard package, which offers speeds of 384Kbps downstream and 128Kbps upstream, is up to ten times faster than dial-up. Two new packages announced at GITEX 2002 offer speeds of 1Mbps or 2Mbps (Mega bits per second), up to forty times faster than dial-up. All packages are available over DSL and Cable.

Both technologies pose different opportunities that when combined will complement each other and allow EIM to reach significantly more homes.

'Our priority is to get broadband Internet into the home,' added Abdulla Hashim, Senior Manager, Business Development and Sales, EIM. 'To do this we must continuously look at new technologies that allow us to connect the 'last mile' from the edge of the core network, or local loop, to each home throughout the country. Cable is one of those technologies.'

Looking ahead, EIM is also testing a number of other technologies capable of delivering high-speed Internet access to the home.