By: Amr Adel
Abu Dhabi – Mubasher: Emirates Telecommunications Group “Etisalat” is planning to invest up to AED 3 billion in developing and upgrading its infrastructure in 2017, the company’s CEO has said.
In 2016, Abu Dhabi-listed Etisalat had invested the same figure in its networks and infrastructure.
Speaking to Mubasher in an emailed interview, Saleh Al Abdooli revealed that his company’s new investments will entail upgrades to mobile networks, the fibre optics network, and infrastructure through investing in technology like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
By the end of 2017, Etisalat’s total infrastructure investments will have reached AED 31 billion over the past seven years, the top official indicated.
Etisalat’s continued investments have contributed to improving results in terms of network coverage which reached 99.58% for its 3G network and 97.78% for its 4G LTE coverage, while its Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) penetration is seen at 93.28% or 1.81 million homes, he added.
Etisalat’s FTTH penetration has made the UAE among the world’s top countries in terms of fibre optics coverage in 2016, according to Al Abdooli.
As for Etisalat’s 5G network, the CEO revealed that his company was close to completing its infrastructure needs for the network which are in line with international 5G standards, adding that Etisalat was coordinating with IT service international partners to conduct a series of 5G tests to ensure that the new network is ready to use.
By 2020, Etisalat aims to make its 5G network “one of the fastest, smartest and most advanced networks in the world to ensure that visitors enjoy an exciting, digitally enhanced experience,” the top official said in an emailed statement.
Etisalat has launched a sub-brand named “swyp” through which it aims to attract the younger generation, particularly those with ages ranging between 15 and 29, Al Abdooli revealed, indicating that the new brand, which will not be competing with Etisalat, aims to meet the ever-changing demands of this age-range.
Responding to a question on Etisalat’s support for the UAE’s digital transformation vision, the top official said that over the past few years, his company has been focusing on developing smart cities by providing integrated smart services.
Through its Etisalat Digital unit, the Abu Dhabi-based telecom operator is working on providing the perfect platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
Through Etisalat Digital, we are working on connecting startups with Etisalat’s experts so they can benefit from digital technologies and contribute to creating new products and income-generating sources, Al Abdooli said.
Etisalat Digital provides digital solutions including cloud, cyber security, digital marketing, digital payments, loT and big data, and analytics, and “is best positioned to provide end-to-end digital vertical propositions to enable smarter education, healthcare, city, transportation and economy,” according to the company’s official website.
Commenting on the UAE Group’s investments across its wide-ranging markets, Al Abdooli revealed that this wide range enables Etisalat to achieve growth, although its markets are not devoid of fluctuations and challenges, which require a constant business review of operations and investments.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Etisalat is one of the world’s leading telecom groups in emerging markets with over 163 million subscribers in 17 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Translated by: Nada Adel Sobhi
