Integrated telco currently building one of the largest FTTH networks in Dubai’s landmark new projects

du – the UAE’s integrated telecom service provider and the first company to roll-out a Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) programme in the region is on its way to record continued success. The integrated teleco, who currently owns one of the largest FTTH networks in the world, is further expanding its network roll-out to cover unique and landmark developments such as Burj Dubai, Dubai Palm Islands, the World and Dubai waterfront projects. Future growths and expansion plans were discussed at one of the interactive sessions at the du stand during MECOM 2008.

du is the sole FTTH provider for most of the new real estate developments in New Dubai. Many Emaar, Nakheel and Dubai Holding mega projects are already enjoying du’s FTTH services in major developments since 2000.*

Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: “We were the first company in the MENA region to launch fully converged triple play services over FTTH in 2003 and also the first telco to launch IP based TV over FTTH network in the same year. I would also like to add that du was awarded the Cornerstone award for the ‘Best International Deployment of FTTH’ in 2006.”

During the course of the session at MECOM 2008, Mustafa Kaddoura, Vice President, Fixed Access Network Planning and Business Solutions, du, explained: “We have been at the regional fronts of offering fully managed services since 2000. Currently, we have 300,000 FTTH passed homes with more than 50,000 active customers using VoIP and IP TV in addition to high speed broadband using a fully converged network**. More than 30,000 IP phones have been deployed to 2000 du corporate customers during this period as well. Our managed multi-tenancy IP Telephony service is one of the largest deployments in the world.

All residential units within du’s “footprint” are currently served via FTTH. These are Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Marina, Emirates living, Discovery Gardens, International city, Arabian ranches, Burj Dubai and many other iconic projects.

What is FTTH?

Fiber to the home (FTTH), also called "fiber to the premises" (FTTP), is the installation and use of optical fiber from a central point directly to individual buildings such as residences, apartment buildings and businesses to provide unprecedented high-speed Internet access. FTTH dramatically increases the connection speeds available to computer users compared with technologies now used in most places. (Source: www.techtarget.com)

on 31 December 2005, du acquired the business and assets of Sama Communications Company, DIC Telecom (International Operations) and its technology division from TECOM Investments FZ LLC. Under this deal, du acquired a subscriber base of 19,100 containing both Enterprise customers and a consumer base. This gave the company a solid foundation to launch its strategic vision for integrated telecommunications services across the UAE.

**Passed homes are homes wired using Fiber Optics that easily connected to du’s network

About du

du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in

some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide Fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.

Among du’s many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind ‘WoW’ recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.

du’s retail network, currently numbering 16 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers.

du is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by TECOM Investments and 20 percent by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

du was recognised as the ‘Best Brand’ for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007.

www.du.ae