Etisalat launches FTTH connections

[supervisor91]

Etisalat launches FTTH connections



UAE telco Etisalat has launched its new 30 Mbps broadband package, based on Fibre-to-the-Home connections, with over 550,000 homes in the UAE already connected to its new FTTH network.

The new 30 Mbps package is priced at AED 699 (US$ 190.30) per month, and includes free installation, one month's rental waiver, five free email addresses with 5 GB capacity, and eight hours of free access each month to over 350 Etisalat hotspots.

"Etisalat is delighted to announce the launch of the fastest residential internet package in the Middle East," said Mohammed Khalfan Al Qamzi, CEO at Etisalat. "Etisalat is committed to provide the best of technology to its customers by introducing advanced technologies like FTTH in the UAE. Our FTTH network is on a fast track roll-out; Etisalat is getting read to announce Abu Dhabi as the first connected capital in the world in the coming months and aims to connect all the UAE households and premises through FTTH network by 2011, which will become yet another milestone in its own right."

The new connections are also expected to boost adoption of new services such as IPTV, online gaming, e-education, online health check-ups, video conferencing and remote infrastructure management.

[supervisor91]

Etisalat acquires 16.6% stake in SoftAtHome

UAE telco Etisalat has acquired a 16.6% stake in the SoftAtHome initiative, which develops and markets a home operating system designed to help service providers deliver convergent applications for the digital home.

Etisalat has reportedly selected the SoftAtHome Operating Platform (SOP) to deploy its new multi-play solution offering, which includes IPTV (broadcast and on-demand), Personal Video Recording, Internet TV, digital content sharing and broadband access.

The solution will be deployed on set-top boxes and home gateways across the UAE first, followed by other countries where the telco has a presence (spread across Asia, the Middle East and Africa), in a phased manner. Etisalat will leverage the open approach of the SoftAtHome Operating Platform to work with third-party application developers and create new applications for the digital home across the Middle East.

"By investing in our relationship with SoftAtHome, Etisalat plans to strengthen its technology leadership in digital home services in the Middle East, while furthering its vision and commitment to provide pioneering solutions to its customers," said Humaid Rashid Sahoo Alsuwaidi, CEO of E-Vision at Etisalat. "We are delighted to join this new endeavour and help shape the future of the digital home market."

Etisalat will be joining existing shareholders Orange, Thomson and Sagem Communications on the board of SoftAtHome.