Du partners with Alcatel-Lucent to boost converged service offerings in the UAE

Demand for high-speed broadband access, IPTV services, mobile video and more is expanding dramatically in the UAE. By deploying state-of-the-art IP routing technology from Alcatel-Lucent, Du will eliminate the need to manage multiple networks, simplifying network operations. Under the terms of the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent started deploying an industry-leading solution (IP/MPLS), as well as providing Du with a set of comprehensive professional services that include project management, network design, installation and commissioning, software integration and operations.

"Convergence of fixed and mobile networks is a logical evolutionary step in our growth story. This stems from the increasing propensity of our customers to access everything from a single device," said Osman Sultan, CEO, Du. "We believe Alcatel-Lucent is well positioned to share our vision in bringing the most cutting-edge services available in the UAE, with industry-leading intelligent solutions which will delight and surprise our customers, and further enhance our network efficiency."

Here's how Alcatel-Lucent's solutions will help shape Du customers' experience:

Power Du's next generation multiscreen TV service, which will enable Du's customers to access Du TV on their smartphone, tablet or PC, using Wi-Fi or 3G to create a true 'TV everywhere experience'. It will be powered by Alcatel-Lucent's Multiscreen Video Platform.

Ensure Du's coverage from a 4G LTE perspective, using IP-based technology. It will provide transmission services solutions for projects from small-medium enterprise size up.

Empower business customers by offering end-to-end and high tech solutions that need bandwidth up to 1Gbps and beyond.

Dramatically boost the speed, performance and availability of Du's home services, business and mobile broadband services.

Beyond just consolidating services onto a single network, Du will be able to take advantage of intelligence within Alcatel-Lucent's routers to deliver enhanced residential video and business network services, with the support of capabilities such as video optimization and Application Assurance, which can guarantee that services are delivered with the right quality levels.

Ben Verwaayen, Alcatel-Lucent's CEO, said, "The UAE is a very dynamic market, and we are thrilled to expand our position as the leading IP vendor in the country. The new IP network we have deployed for Du gives them an important and simplified tool for addressing the explosion in broadband data, and the embedded intelligence allows them to offer differentiating services to their customer base."

Under the terms of the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent is deploying its industry-leading IP/MPLS solution, based on its 7750 Service Router (SR), 7705 Service Aggregation Router (SAR) and 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM). Alcatel-Lucent will also provide Du with a set of comprehensive professional services including project management, network design, installation and commissioning, software integration and operations.

Last month, ALU and Du successfully deployed the first phase of the network with several sites across the three main regions (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain) now carrying mobile traffic.