The roll-out of du services across the UAE is forecast to prompt cheaper broadband prices, more "bundled" telecommunications packages and better customer service, analysts say.
Etisalat currently has the monopoly on fixed-line telecoms, with du restricted to offering subscriptions in just a few areas. Fixed-line services include primary landline subscriptions, broadband and internet protocol television (IPTV) connections.
However, a recent change in UAE telecoms regulations means Etisalat and du will soon be able to provide fixed-line services throughout the UAE, which is expected to spark greater competition and lower prices among the operators.
"I think you will see prices coming down for broadband," said Irfan Ellam, a telecoms analyst with Al Mal Capital.
"Fixed-line rates could potentially come down too."
Mr Ellam said the two operators would soon be competing across four areas: mobile; fixed-line; IPTV; and broadband.
They are expected to offer more "bundled" packages featuring three or four of the different services, he said. "Each individual component, they'll be competing on. They'll be trying to market triple or quad-play packages."
The twofour54 media zone was set to become the first area in Abu Dhabi where it will be possible to choose between the two providers, it was announced this week.
Osman Sultan, the chief executive of du, said the deal was "a significant moment for us in the run-up to the nationwide launch of our fixed services".
No date has been announced for the nationwide roll-out, but analysts said such a move would be good for consumers.
Simon Simonian, a telecoms analyst at Shuaa Capital, said the launch of du's fixed-line services "will be positive" for the consumer.
"The consumer will have choice. Both companies will have to be more creative in differentiating their product offerings," he said. "Whether on the customer experience or customer service, each company will have to raise the bar."
bflanagan@thenational.ae
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
US%20federal%20gun%20reform%20since%20Sandy%20Hook
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Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
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The Cairo Statement
1: Commit to countering all types of terrorism and extremism in all their manifestations
2: Denounce violence and the rhetoric of hatred
3: Adhere to the full compliance with the Riyadh accord of 2014 and the subsequent meeting and executive procedures approved in 2014 by the GCC
4: Comply with all recommendations of the Summit between the US and Muslim countries held in May 2017 in Saudi Arabia.
5: Refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of countries and of supporting rogue entities.
6: Carry out the responsibility of all the countries with the international community to counter all manifestations of extremism and terrorism that threaten international peace and security
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially