E-Vision to launch four new Interactive services

Emirates Cable TV and Multimedia (E-Vision), the leading Cable Company in the UAE, announced today plans to launch four new services that include Video on Demand (VoD), which allows customers to enjoy the latest movies from the convenience of their homes at any time possible; e-Learning, which allows customers to follow a series of courses through their television sets; Messaging System, which allows E-Vision to communicate via its customers through the television; and Multi-user games, which provides customers with the chance to enjoy games through a television network.

Humaid Rashid Sahoo, Chief Executive officer - E-Vision, revealed E-Vision's plans during the third annual Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference 2006 that was held in Jordan from 6 to 7 June 2006. He also highlighted the United Arab Emirates' experience in establishing a successful cable TV industry.

He said:

"E-Vision continuously works on bringing added value services closer to its customers. The services are expected to enhance our customers' TV experience as it provides them with the opportunity to learn and communicate while still enjoying their time from across their TV set."

Sahoo also presented E-Vision's experience in establishing the UAE's Cable TV industry, its challenges and technology advancements, and the key pillars for the success of any Pay TV Company.

"We are proud to share the UAE's practical experience in media and telecom convergence," said Humaid Sahoo. "E-Vision, as the first Cable TV operator in the UAE, has worked closely with its parent company, Etisalat, to develop a unique case study that will definitely benefit all telecom industries around the world. Our success in establishing a cable TV operation that works side by side with the telecom operator is a result of Etisalat's future vision for converging telecommunications and TV entertainment," he added.

E-Vision's relationship with Etisalat, which has moved the company ahead of the challenges imposed by triple and quad-play, drew much attention from international telecom companies that are currently working on providing converged services.

"The main pillars for the success of a Pay TV Company lay within three main criteria - price, technology, and customer servicing," humaid added. "Companies can continuously compete over prices and technology to reach out to their maximum market potential, but the only way for them to secure leadership position within the industry is through continuously developing and advancing their customer servicing approach."

The third Media and Telecommunications Convergence Conference 2006 witnessed over 330 regional and local key players representing media and telecom sectors. The two-day conference, which was organized for the third year in a row by the Arab Advisors Group, tackled vital issues related to the development and the convergence of each of the telecom and media industries.