Du announces faster services, same tariffs

Du announces faster services, same tariffs

Telecoms operator takes steps to become region’s leading telco, on a par with European companies.

July 4, 2010 1:53 by Samuel Potter

One of the UAE’s two telecoms provider has pledged to dramatically increase the broadband speeds it provides subscribers, reports Gulf News.

Du, the smaller and younger of the two telecoms companies operating in the UAE, will make to move next month, according to the report. A senior executive announced the news, saying that speeds could be increased by up to 16 times from August 1 for businesses and August 15 for homes.

Du believes the initiative and pricing will place it on top of the pile in terms of regional companies, and possibly even on a par with European companies. At present in the UAE, almost all customers have no choice of fixed line service providers, so initially the changes will only benefit those in Du areas. But recent reports claim that the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in the UAE and rival telecoms company Etisalat are preparing for a shared infrastructure agreement that would see both Du and Etisalat be able to use the fixed line network across the length and breadth of the country. In such a situation, Du’s faster speeds could prove to be a watershed moment for all consumers.

“Over the last three years, Du’s endeavour has been to provide – tailor made solutions to its customers. We believe that with this announcement not only are we providing attractive pricing but providing a stimuli to the UAE’s economy. Our business broadband packages, broadband unlimited professional and broadband unlimited premium will lower the business’s total cost of ownership, by offering up to 16 times faster speeds at existing prices bundled with the best international calling rates to the world which will enable higher productivity and contribute to the efficiency of businesses in the UAE,” said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer at Du.

According to Gulf News, under Du’s Surf & Talk package, broadband and landline services can be accessed by customers at bandwidths starting from 8Mbps (AED 199 a month), 16Mbps (AED 259) and 24Mbps (AED 349). From August onwards, the content will be delivered that much faster. Du is also offering a ‘Surf, Talk and Watch’ package that includes landline, broadband and Du TV at a single price. The packages start from AED 249 a month for 8Mbps, AED 309 for 16Mbps and AED 399 for 24Mbps.