By: Amr Adel and Rami Sameh
Abu Dhabi - Mubasher: Etisalat UAE has dedicated more than AED 3 billion ($817.4 million) for investments in infrastructure in 2016, the telecom group CEO Saleh Al Abdooli told Mubasher.
The new investments include fiber optic networks, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communications network, and advanced 4G networks (LTE), raising total investments to AED 28 billion ($7.6 billion) in the last six years.
Etisalat has reached the final stages of its plan to expand and renew its networks in the UAE, with plans to spread extra 500 stations in 2016, raising the total number of stations to more than 10,000, out of which 6,000 are dedicated for 4G and LTE networks, Al Abdooli explained his interview with Mubasher.
The CEO also said that the plan will raise the 4G network coverage to 95% of populated areas in the UAE, and that it will also provide unprecedented network speeds in the country, reaching 600 megabits per second.
The plan also helped to widen the coverage of 3G and fiber optic networks to 89% and 97% of populated areas, he added.
The telecom group is also planning to present the 5G mobile network within the next four years, Al Abdooli said, adding that it is expected to be launched by the time Dubai hosts Expo 2020.
Etisalt is operating in 17 markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, according to the CEO, who said that his company is always open to entering new markets, in case it provides a strong good investment opportunity, and after being well studied.
Al Abdooli added that the 2016 strategy is focused on international markets, adding that Egypt is considered one of the most important markets for the group in terms of opportunities for growth and expansion.
He also stated that Etisalat is ready to obtain a 4G license in Egypt in case the Egyptian National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority presents fair and equal terms and conditions.
As for the Saudi market is witnessing a fierce competition, the CEO said that the group is currently working on increasing the market share of Mobily of which 28% is owned by Etislat.
When asked about the challenges currently facing Etisalat, the CEO said that there are no obstacles on the local level for development amidst a healthy working environment, something some international markets lack, where some conditions are not coping with the fast changing dynamics of the telecom industry.
Regarding the financial results, Al Abdooli said that Etisalat achieved positive results in the first half of 2016, with a 16% increase in profits in the Emirati market.
Al Abdooli concluded his remarks for Mubasher by stressing that through cautious and wise investment, Etisalat was able to expand its base from one market and 4 million subscribers, to 17 markets and 163 million subscribers, out of which 11 million are in the UAE.
Translated by: Moslem Ali
