e&, formerly branded as Etisalat, is a UAE state-owned telecommunications company. It is the 16th largest mobile network operator in the world by number of subscribers.

Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC
Company typePublic
ADXEtisalat
IndustryTelecommunication
Founded30 August 1976; 48 years ago (1976-08-30)
Headquarters,
United Arab Emirates
Area served
Key people
  • H.E. Jassem Mohamed Alzaabi (chairman)
  • Hatem Dowidar (CEO)
ProductsFixed line and mobile telephony, Internet services, digital television
RevenueIncrease AED 53.8 billion[1] (2023)
Increase AED 10.3 billion[1] (2023)
Subsidiaries
Websitewww.eand.com

On 31 December 2021, Etisalat reported consolidated revenue of AED 53.3 billion and net profits of AED 11.1 billion.[2] The total market capitalization of the company currently is AED329 billion.[3] In May 2023, Etisalat reported revenue of AED13 billion for Q1.[4]

Etisalat is one of the Internet hubs in the Middle East (AS8966), providing connectivity to other telecommunications operators in the region. It is also the largest carrier of international voice traffic in the Middle East and Africa and the 12th largest voice carrier in the world.[5] As of October 2008, Etisalat has 510 roaming agreements covering 186 countries and enabling BlackBerry, 3G, GPRS and voice roaming.[6] Etisalat operates Points of Presence (PoP) in New York, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, and Singapore. In December 2011 Etisalat announced the commercial launch of Etisalat 4G LTE Network.[7] In May 2018 Etisalat announced the commercial launch of Etisalat 5G LTE Network, becoming the first telecom operator in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to do so.[8] Etisalat also has "check your mobile number" service code for its user by dialing *101#.[9]

On 24 February 2022, Etisalat Group launched a new brand identity called e&. The group also announced that it will keep the previous branding identity in the UAE and internationally.[10]

History

edit

Etisalat was founded in 1976 as a joint-stock company between International Aeradio Limited, a British Company, and local partners. In 1983, the ownership structure changed – United Arab Emirates government held a 60% share in the company and the remaining 40% were publicly traded.

In 1991, the UAE central government issued Federal Law No. 1, which gave the corporation the right to provide the telecommunications wired and wireless services in the country and between UAE and other countries. It also gave the firm the right to issue licenses for owning, importing, manufacturing, using, or operating telecommunication equipment. This practically gave Etisalat both regulatory and control powers, which completed the monopoly of the telecom giant in the UAE. In order to safeguard the country's economic development, the law made provisions for the development of the telecommunication sector in the country.[citation needed]

The increase of exchange lines from 36,000 in 1976 to more than 737,000 in 1998 was one of the important indicators of Etisalat network's growth and development. Today Etisalat stands 140th among the Financial Times Top 500 Corporations in the world in terms of market capitalisation, and is ranked by The Middle East magazine as the 6th largest company in the Middle East in terms of capitalization and revenues. The Corporation is the largest contributor outside the oil sector to the development programmes of the UAE Federal Government.[citation needed] Etisalat has also won accolades from across the region for its nationalization programme.[11] In November 2013, it was also announced that Etisalat would be the official sponsor of Cyprus First Division side Anorthosis Famagusta.[12]

 
e& Launches World's First AI-Powered Autonomous Telecom Store

e& is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and includes three regional offices – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Northern Emirates. The Northern Emirates regional center is based in Sharjah and covers the telecom's operations in the emirates of Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.[13][14][15]

In the UAE, e& operates where mobile penetration is already among the highest in the world "200%",[16] Etisalat became known for its efforts to roll out its Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) network in the UAE. By the end of 2009, Etisalat had completed the FTTH roll-out for 85% of households in Abu Dhabi, positioning the UAE's capital as the first in the world to be covered by fibre.[17]

Some of the Internet services for home users that Etisalat offers include:

e& also operates iZone, a system of Wi-Fi hotspots in central locations, such as shopping malls, restaurants, and sheesha cafes. iZone can be accessed by either purchasing prepaid cards or using an existing account. Dial-up and ISDN Internet access services are billed by the hour, whereas the domestic and residential cable and DSL connections have a fixed monthly rate depending on speed. Etisalat has launched different internet packages for residential customers such as; Elife 10G and 5G, Ultra Fusion, and eLife Family.[21] Other Internet links, aimed at business users, have traffic utilization plans and relatively high rates when exceeding the allocated bandwidth quota. This has caused bad publicity for Etisalat and is a major source of criticism. [citation needed]

In addition to its telecommunication service provider and carrier units, e& incorporates a number of additional non-telecom business units under the umbrella of Etisalat Services Holding LLC. These units support the company's operations and even provide services to other operators and organizations in the UAE, namely: training and consultancy services (Etisalat Academy[22]), SIM/smart card manufacturing and payment solutions (Ebtikar[23]), data clearing house services (EDCH[24]), peering/voice and data transit (Emirates Internet Exchange – EMIX[25]), call center (The Contact Centre[26]), cable TV (eVision[27]), facilities management (EFM),[28] as well as submarine cable laying services (eMarine[29]).

Etisalat is a major investor in Thuraya (34.5%),[30] a satellite geo-mobile communication systems provider. In 2006 Etisalat started a major restructuring program that resulted in the de-merger of many of its non-core business units operating under the telecom's centralized and direct management; core services were consolidated and streamlined, reflecting the company's shift from a technology-driven telecom to a customer-focused services provider.[31] As part of the program, Etisalat launched a re-branding campaign, releasing a new corporate logo and identity in May 2006. The restructuring culminated in the incorporation of Etisalat Services Holding LLC, which as of 2008 oversees the operation of Etisalat's non-telecom business units with huge success stories. On 27 March 2016, Saleh Al Abdooli was appointed the Group CEO, extending his responsibility to international operations.[32] Al Abdooli resigned from the organization for personal reasons in May 2020[33] and Hatem Dowidar was appointed as the interim Group CEO who was later confirmed as the Group CEO on 16 December 2020.[34]

On 1 June 2013, Etisalat introduced free local and national HD calls across the UAE.[35] Later that week, corporate, private, public, and government sectors in the country were provided with better business IT solutions when Etisalat launched its first cloud service in the UAE.[36]

  • e&'s telecommunications division in the UAE recently announced a groundbreaking achievement, setting a new world record for the fastest speed on a live 5G network, reaching 30.5 Gbps.[37]
  • This milestone was revealed during a demonstration at the 2024 SAMENA Leaders' Summit, where e& showcased the successful carrier aggregation of high-band and mid-band spectrums (1600 MHz in mm Wave and 300 MHz in C-band), achieving unprecedented network speeds of 30.5 Gbps.[38]

International presence

edit

Etisalat International Investments was the business unit of Etisalat that operated telecom operations outside the UAE and managed the corporation's stakes in telecommunications carriers in Afghanistan, Egypt, Niger, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The International Investments unit, and its management team, were re-structured into Etisalat Group, and Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar was appointed as Group CEO in 2011,[39] followed by Saleh Al Abdooli in 2016.

As of July 2021, Etisalat has presence and operations in 15 countries outside the United Arab Emirates.[40]

As of 2023, Etisalat owns a stake of 14.6% in Vodafone Group one of Europe's largest telecommunication groups.[41] In 2024, the British government warned that e&’s association with Vodafone poses a national security risk. Robert Buckland and Oliver Dowden also urged for measures to address national security concerns. They also asked for the establishment of an independent committee to monitor the risks associated with the stake held by e& in Vodafone. Dowden said the committee should consist of Vodafone employees, while Buckland said the it should be independent of both e& and Vodafone. Buckland said the committee members should be experts in national security, telecoms and human rights, pointing at the UAE’s “history of repressive activity and espionage”.[42]

Etisalat also has a stake in PPF Telecom Group with a percentage of 50.1% which is active in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia as a telecommunications provider under the brand Yettel.[43] In June 2024, Brussels announced its first anti-subsidy investigation, targeting e&’s €2.2bn deal to acquire PPF group’s telecoms assets that was approved by national competition regulators. The European commission was concerned that to complete the acquisition, e& received state funds, amounting to unfair subsidies. Another concern was if the state funds would allow E& to outperform the EU rivals and undermine the competition.[44]

 
Etisalat global presence
Country Operator
  United Arab Emirates e&
  Saudi Arabia Mobily
  Egypt e& Egypt
  Pakistan PTCL
  Afghanistan Etisalat Afghanistan
  Benin Moov
  Burkina Faso Moov
  Central African Republic Moov
  Côte d'Ivoire Moov
  Gabon Moov
  Mali Sotelma
  Mauritania Mauritel
  Morocco Maroc Telecom
  Niger Moov
  Togo Moov
  Chad Moov

Mobily – Saudi Arabia

edit

One of Etisalat's first international investments was the bid to become the second mobile services operator in Saudi Arabia. Mobily, the brand name of Etihad Etisalat founded in 2005 is currently the second largest mobile service provider in Saudi Arabia with over 20 million subscribers. In less than 6 months the company launched services in 32 cities, Mobily brings coverage to 79.2 percent of the population. Mobily was also the first to build in the shortest period the fastest 3G network in the Kingdom.[citation needed]

Maroc Telecom – Morocco

edit

In July 2013, Vivendi announced it would sell its 53% stake in Maroc Telecom to Etisalat[45] for around billion.[46] Maroc Telecom joined Etisalat Group in 2014 offering telecom and ICT products and services including fixed line, mobile, internet and television. The telecom company is the first global telecom operator in Morocco.[citation needed]

PTCL – Pakistan

edit

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) is the country's largest and multi-service telecom carrier. Etisalat acquired PTCL in 2005 with 26 percent shares including management control from the Government of Pakistan as part of a large privatization initiative.

e& Egypt

edit

In July 2006, a consortium led by Etisalat was granted the rights to develop Egypt's third mobile network, with a winning bid of £E16.7 billion (EUR €2.29 billion).[47] The venture, e& Egypt, competes with existing service providers Vodafone and Orange. On 12 September 2006, it was announced that the network would be built by Ericsson of Sweden, and Huawei of China, at a cost of approximately 1 billion USD.[48]

Etisalat Egypt's network covers and serves over 99% of the population in Egypt, through more than 6,000 base stations, Etisalat Egypt was the first to launch 3.75G in Egypt and the first operator to launch video call services in Egypt.

Etisalat Afghanistan

edit

Etisalat Afghanistan was launched in 2007 after the UAE telecom operator won the license to operate as the fourth mobile services provider in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The operator rapidly became the fastest-growing telecommunications service provider in the country. Etisalat Afghanistan has invested over US million in the Afghan telecom industry, and it is wholly owned by Etisalat Group. In 2012, Etisalat won a 3G license in Afghanistan and launched the first 3G services in the history of Afghanistan.

Etisalat shares 60 to 70 mobile towers with government-owned Afghan Telecom, which seeks to grow its five percent market share.[49]

Mauritel – Mauritania

edit

Mauritel is the leading telecommunications company in Mauritania. Mauritel maintains a market share stabilized at around 60% of the population.

Mauritanian Telecommunications Company (Mauritel) Mauritel, which is 41.2% indirectly owned by Maroc Telecom of Morocco, has reportedly renewed its mobile license in the African country for a further ten years.[50]

Sotelma – Mali

edit

The former incumbent telco Sotelma (branded Malitel) was sold by the Government and ended up in the hands of Maroc Telecom. With the sale of Maroc Telecom, its ownership passed onto Etisalat.

Sotelma provides local and international fixed line telephony, internet, mobile telephone, and other telecom services. Its mobile service subsidiary is Malitel, with more than 6 million customers.

Moov – West Africa

edit

In Africa, Etisalat acquired 50% of Atlantique Telecom's shares in April 2005. Based in the Ivory Coast, AT owns mobile operators in Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, Central African Republic, Gabon and Côte d'Ivoire. In 2007, Etisalat increased its shares in AT to 70% and again in May 2008, to 82%.

Etisalat Group's brand MOOV operates throughout West Africa, in Benin, Togo, Gabon, Niger, Central Africa, Burkina Faso (as ONATEL) and Côte d'Ivoire, Serving over 50 million people. MOOV covers on average 60% of the populated areas in each of its countries of operations.

Subsidiary

edit
  • In strategic collaboration, Vodafone and e& have formalized a relationship agreement that designates e& as a key shareholder in Vodafone. This marks a new phase in their partnership, which originally began in May 2022 when e& made its initial investment in Vodafone.[51]
  • Recently, Vodafone Group confirmed that e&, a global technology conglomerate, has increased its shareholding in Vodafone to 15.01%. This marks an increase from the previous 14.006% ownership by e&.

This strategic alliance aims to foster collaboration across multiple high-growth sectors, enabling both companies to leverage each other's operational strengths and geographical reach. The primary areas of focus for this partnership include:

  • Enterprise Solutions: Vodafone and e& will explore opportunities to jointly offer cross-border digital services to multinational enterprises and public sector organizations. These services will span fixed and mobile connectivity, private mobile networks, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud-based solutions.
  • Procurement: Both companies will share best practices in procurement and potentially engage in joint procurement activities.
  • Carrier, Wholesale & Roaming: The operators will collaborate to establish themselves as preferred partners in providing access to advanced digital infrastructure.
  • Technology Roadmap: Vodafone and e& will collaborate on future technology developments, including the evolution of Open RAN and other emerging innovations.[52][53][54]

Former presence

edit

Canar – Sudan

edit

Etisalat is one of the founding partner companies of Canar Telecom, a fixed-line telecom services operator. In September 2007 Etisalat has raised its stake in Canar from 37% to 82% at an estimated cost of AED 584.17 million (US million).[55]

Canar was launched on 27 November 2005.[56] The operator is reported to use NGN and Wireless Local Loop (WLL) technologies for its voice, data, internet, and multimedia services. Canar is one of the first operators in Africa to use an NGN network core.[57] In 2016, Etisalat made an exit from the Sudanese market by selling its 92.3% share to the Bank of Khartoum for AED349.6 million.[58][59]

Etisalat Nigeria

edit

Etisalat Nigeria launched one of the first major broadband services in the country – EasyBlaze.[60] The company is known for its innovative products and services such as the Eco Sim and the first network to offer special numbers to Nigerians as their mobile numbers via the 0809uchoose campaign.

From 2012 to 2015, Etisalat Nigeria hosted the Etisalat Prize for Innovation, established to promote African Internet expansion.

In April 2013, Etisalat Nigeria announced it would invest million to expand its network, enabling further potential market growth of 17%.[61] In June 2013, it launched the Etisalat Prize for Literature the first pan-African prize for debut published writers.[62]

In October 2016, Etisalat Nigeria announced 4G LTE with a frequency band 3 (1800 MHz). Speed test results indicate 28 Mbit/s download and 11 Mbit/s upload. This LTE network currently covers some parts of Lagos and Abuja.[63]

In March 2017, Nigeria's telecoms regulator pushed for talks to halt takeover attempts by Etisalat creditors and reschedule its outstanding bln loan.[64] In July 2017, Etisalat withdrew from the market after its debt was not repaid or rescheduled. The local operator has renamed itself 9mobile.[65]

9mobile, is a Nigerian private limited liability company. EMTS acquired a Unified Access Service License from the Nigerian Communications Commission in 2007. The License enables EMTS to provide Fixed Telephony (wired or wireless), Digital Mobile Services, International Gateway Services, and National/Regional Long Distance Services in addition to spectrum assignments in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands. [66]

9mobile was acquired by a UK-based telecommunications company, with Obafemi Banigbe named as the new managing director and chief executive officer.[67]

Etisalat Sri Lanka

edit

Etisalat acquired the Sri Lankan Operation of Millicom International Cellular (MIC), Tigo (Sri Lanka) on 16 October 2009. The acquisition was completed with a total enterprise value of million, out of which million was in cash.[68]

Tigo (Sri Lanka) under the brand name CELLTEL started operations in June 1989 on a Motorola TACS system and was the first cellular operator in Sri Lanka as well as South Asia. In January 2007, Millicom replaced the local CELLTEL brand with Tigo, their international brand. In February 2010, Tigo was rebranded as Etisalat.

Etisalat Lanka operates a GSM/EDGE supported network using 900 / 1800 MHz. The company on 5 May 2011 launched HSPA+ services over 2100 MHz, becoming the first LTE ready mobile network in the country.[69] Dual Carrier HSPA+ services were launched on 15 August 2012 by Etisalat Sri Lanka, the first operator in South Asia to do so.[70]

Etisalat Lanka was recently mentioned in the UNCTAD Information Economy Report of 2012 for the Android Eco System it had been able to develop in Sri Lanka. It was commended for its inclusive policy and several other innovations done in the market such as the AppZone (Sri Lanka's first independent 3rd party app store and the Book Hub, Sri Lanka's first eBook store) Many governments are now looking at this eco system and how it can too be implemented in their respective countries.[citation needed]

In April 2018 CK Hutchison Holdings and Etisalat Group have entered into a definitive agreement to merge their mobile telecommunications businesses in Sri Lanka. Upon completion of the transaction, CKHH Group will have the majority and controlling stake in the combined entity.[71] CK Hutchison completed the acquisition of Etisalat Lanka on 30 November 2018.[72]

Acquisitions

edit
  • e& Telecommunications Group, a leading global technology company, has acquired the Turkish cloud services provider, GlassHouse, through its fully-owned subsidiary, e& enterprise.[73]
  • A definitive agreement has been signed between e& enterprise and Mediterra Capital, a private equity firm specializing in investments in Turkey, to acquire 100% ownership of GlassHouse for a sum of $60 million.[74]
  • This acquisition enhances e&'s ability to leverage GlassHouse’s cloud expertise in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia markets.
  • GlassHouse is known for its focus on data backup and business continuity solutions. The company has achieved strong double-digit growth in revenue, with more than 80% of its earnings generated in US dollars. Additionally, e& holds a 14.6% stake in Vodafone, a leading UK telecommunications firm.
  • In 2023, e& reported a consolidated net profit of AED 2.3 billion ($630 million), reflecting a 7% growth compared to the previous year.

Controversies

edit

VoIP ban

edit

The United Arab Emirates blocks many popular voice over IP services like Skype. The only licensed VoIP service is BOTIM, which is operated by Etisalat.[75]

BlackBerry controversy

edit

In July 2009, Etisalat pushed an update to BlackBerry devices operating on the telecom's national network, citing performance improvements. However, it was later discovered[76] that the update contained eavesdropping software, developed by the US-based software development company SS8, which specializes in electronic surveillance. It is reported that the software enabled the company to monitor and forward communications on BlackBerry devices to their servers.[77][78] Research in Motion, BlackBerry's developer, acknowledged[79] that the patch was a form of spyware, and issued a removal patch on 20 July.

On 27 December 2009, both Etisalat and du have been mandated by the UAE telecom regulator to start filtering BlackBerry users' web access and block illegal content.[80] Due to concerns with the security and the provisioning of legal interception for Blackberry non-voice services, on 1 August 2010, the Telecommunication Regularity Authority of the UAE instructed Etisalat that all Blackberry e-mail, internet and messenger functions must be suspended on 1 October 2010.[81] However, an agreement between Blackberry's developer Research in Motion and UAE's telecom regulator has been reached, and the announced BlackBerry services suspension has been canceled.

Etisalat Iran

edit

In January 2009 Etisalat in consortium with Tamin Telecom (a subsidiary of the Iranian Social Security Organization (SSO)) won the bid for running the third mobile services operator in the Islamic Republic of Iran.[82] The license included an exclusive two-year agreement for 3G services provisioning, but in Sep 2009 the license was revoked and given to its local partner, Tamin Telecom.

Etisalat had planned to invest over billion (AED 18.39 billion) over a period of five years,[83] but following the license suspension all plans for launching operations in Iran have been put on hold.

Etisalat India

edit

In 2009, Etisalat announced that its Indian unit, erstwhile Swan Telecom (owned by Dynamix Balwas Realty and Reliance Communications),[84] headquartered in Mumbai, is renamed to Etisalat DB Telecom India Pvt. Ltd.[85] The business unit has been awarded Unified Services Access License in 15 telecom circles (Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu (including Chennai), Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), Madhya Pradesh and Bihar). The brand name was "Cheers Mobile".

In April 2010, Etisalat began signal testing in Chennai [IND 922], Delhi & NCR [IND 913], Maharashtra & Goa [IND 919], Mumbai [IND 916], and Gujarat [IND 914]. In May 2010, Etisalat was in talks to buy a 25% stake in Reliance Communications,[86] but the deal was not finalised.

In 2010, following the billion 2G spectrum case, Etisalat DB, the Indian subsidiary of the company, was stopped from buying a stake in a Chennai-based company due to objections raised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Etisalat DB was not allowed to buy back the 5.27 percent stake held by Chennai-based Genex Exim Ventures since the home ministry raised objections based largely on security concerns. The MHA had pointed out four issues that needed to be resolved before allowing the company to come into Etisalat DB, a company that got scarce 2G spectrum at allegedly throwaway prices.

It raised objections about Etisalat's presence in Pakistan and its connection with Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.[87] Etisalat owns a 26% stake in Pakistan Telecommunications and has a subscriber base of 3 million in Afghanistan. The MHA has also expressed concerns about the telecom surveillance software Etisalat had used in a Blackberry service it had introduced in the UAE and recommended that the company should not be allowed to offer Blackberry services in India.[88]

On 22 February 2012, Etisalat announced that it will cease operations in India post-cancellation of its licenses by the Supreme Court of India. It issued notice to its subscribers, giving them 30 days to change operators. On 5 September 2012, Etisalat announced that it would not bid for spectrum in the November 2012 2G spectrum auction. In a released statement the company said, "Etisalat Group has decided not to participate in the auction as it is not willing to re-participate after being canceled its owned licenses. Following the publication by the Department of Telecomm (DoT) – India’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the information memorandum for the planned auction of spectrum in 1800 MHz and 800 MHz bands, the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat) wishes to confirm that it has decided not to participate in the auction".[89]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Etisalat Annual Report 2023" (PDF). eand.com. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Financial Highlights". e&. 14 February 2016. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  3. ^ "Etisalat Group | Share Information".
  4. ^ "Arabian Post Feature". Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Etisalat – Carrier & Wholesale". etisalat.ae. 10 October 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  6. ^ "International Roaming Service". etisalat.ae. 10 October 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Apple's iPad 3 is incompatible with the Middle East 4G". dubaiblog.it. 29 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Etisalat launches first commercial 5G network in MENA". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  9. ^ Rogers, Abby (23 April 2024). "How to Check Mobile Number in Etisalat". Mobile App Blogs | Maven Digital. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  10. ^ Salian, Neesha (24 February 2022). "UAE telecom major Etisalat Group rebrands as e&". Gulf Business. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  11. ^ "Corporate Profile". Etisalat. 10 October 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  12. ^ "Etisalad to sponsor Anorthosis Famagusta". Anorthosis Famagusta official website. 25 November 2013. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  13. ^ "etisalat by e& rolls out AI-powered self-service store in Dubai – and with trade-in option too". gulfnews.com. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  14. ^ Salim, Sahim. "UAE: Buy phones, mobile plans at world's first unmanned telecom store". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  15. ^ "e& Launches World's First AI-Powered Autonomous Telecom Store". Telecom Review. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  16. ^ Motorola il iDEN (3 January 2010). "UAE hits 200% mobile penetration rate". Intomobile.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  17. ^ "etisalat fibre-optic network to top Dh5b". Gulf News. 10 November 2009. Archived from the original on 31 July 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  18. ^ "Al Shamil – Broadband Internet for Home". Etisalat.ae. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  19. ^ "eLife – Double Play". etisalat. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  20. ^ "Etisalat launches UAE's first cloud gaming service | Gamestream". gamestream.biz. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  21. ^ Digital, Aun (12 February 2024). "Best Home Internet Packages and Plans in Dubai 2024". Digital Marketing News and Insights | Blog – Aun Digital. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  22. ^ "Etisalat Academy :: Business Training UAE | Technical Training UAE". Etac.ae. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  23. ^ "Welcome to Ebtikar Card Systems". Ebtikar.ae. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  24. ^ "Emirates Data Clearing House (EDCH)". Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  25. ^ Bilal Mohammed & Digital Evolutions. "Emix – Emirates Internet Exchange". Emix.ae. Archived from the original on 28 November 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  26. ^ "The Contact Centre". Contactcentre.ae. Archived from the original on 30 October 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  27. ^ "e-Vision website". Evision.ae. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  28. ^ "Etisalat Facilities Management". Etisalatservices.ae. Archived from the original on 20 August 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  29. ^ "E-Marine PJSC". Emarine.ae. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  30. ^ Hui Pan; Paul Polishuk, eds. (2004). African and Middle Eastern Telecom Newsletter. Information Gatekeepers Inc. p. 15.
  31. ^ "Etisalat continues streamlining of operations, restructuring". Ameinfo.com. 19 December 2006. Archived from the original on 6 October 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  32. ^ "Etisalat Group appoints Saleh Al Abdooli as new chief executive". The National. 28 March 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  33. ^ "Etisalat CEO Al Abdooli resigns, Dowidar appointed acting chief". Gulf News. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  34. ^ "Etisalat appoints Hatem Dowidar as its new group CEO". The National. 16 December 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  35. ^ "Etisalat to provide free Local and National High-Definition Calls". dubaichronicle.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  36. ^ "Etisalat launches its first cloud service in UAE". dubaichronicle.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  37. ^ "30.5Gbps: e& UAE sets world record with fastest 5G speed". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  38. ^ "e& and ADNOC to build largest private 5G network in the energy sector". Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  39. ^ "Etisalat Group 2012 Annual Report". etisalat.com. Archived from the original on 13 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  40. ^ "Etisalat Group | Telecommunications".
  41. ^ Kerr, Simeon; Gross, Anna (25 April 2023). "UAE investment group increases Vodafone stake amid scrutiny of board structure". Financial Times. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  42. ^ Cahill, Helen (13 May 2024). "Take stronger action on Vodafone and UAE, urges Robert Buckland". Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  43. ^ "e& buys into PPF Group's CEE telco assets". Broadband TV News. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
  44. ^ Espinoza, Javier; Cornish, Chloe (7 June 2024). "EU to target UAE buyer in first anti-subsidy probe". Financial Times. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  45. ^ Sophie Sassard (22 July 2013). "Vivendi to announce Maroc Telecom sale to Etisalat – sources". Reuters.
  46. ^ "Vivendi to sell Maroc Tel stake to Etisalat for billion". Reuters. 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  47. ^ bt – Full Story
  48. ^ "China's Huawei, Sweden's Ericsson to build Egypt's 3rd mobile network – report". Forbes. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008.
  49. ^ "Afghan Telecom relying on Etisalat to grow market share" by Alkesh Sharma Sept. 26, 2018.
  50. ^ "Mauritel granted ten-year mobile licence extension". telegeography.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  51. ^ https://www.eand.com/content/dam/eand/assets/docs/latest-announcements/2024/ eand-announces-stake-update-in-vodafone-group-en-02-9-24.pdf
  52. ^ https://www.vodafone.com/news/corporate-and-financial/vodafone-emiratestelecommunications-strategic-relationship-europe-middle-east-africa
  53. ^ "VODAFONE AND e& FORM STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP – Company Announcement - FT.com". markets.ft.com. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  54. ^ "UAE telco e& increases Vodafone stake to 15%". Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  55. ^ "Emirates Telecommunications Corporation in United Arab Emirates, Etisalat". Zawya. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  56. ^ ":: Canar ::". Canar.sd. Archived from the original on 21 November 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  57. ^ ":: Canar ::". Canar.sd. Archived from the original on 30 November 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  58. ^ "Etisalat sells 92% stake in Sudanese telco Canar to Bank of Khartoum". telegeography.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  59. ^ "Etisalat Group sells stakes in Sudan's Canar to Bank of Khartoum". Sudan Tribune.
  60. ^ [1] Archived 5 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  61. ^ "Etisalat Nigeria to invest million this year", Reuters, Africa, 2013
  62. ^ Etisalat launches maiden Africa prize for literature – Xinhua | English.news.cn. News.xinhuanet.com (6 June 2013). Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  63. ^ "Etisalat 4G LTE Network Data Plan Bundles & Activation in Nigeria". Naija Specs. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  64. ^ "UPDATE 3-Nigerian regulators push for deal in Etisalat debt talks". Reuters. 9 March 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  65. ^ "Etisalat Nigeria rebrands as 9mobile". Global Telecoms Business. Archived from the original on 14 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  66. ^ "9mobile CEO Boye Olusanya Biography". empirenaija.com. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  67. ^ "UK-Based Telecoms Company Acquires Majority Stake In Troubled 9Mobile". africanfolder.com. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  68. ^ "Millicom International Cellular: Completion of Sale of Millicom's Sri Lanka Operation". Reuters. 16 October 2009. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  69. ^ "Daily News". Dailynews.lk. Archived from the original on 24 August 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  70. ^ "Financial Times of Sri Lanka". ft.lk. Archived from the original on 22 August 2012. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  71. ^ "Hutch-Etisalat merger will ease competitive pressure: Fitch". Archived from the original on 31 January 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  72. ^ "CK Hutchison finalises Sri Lanka deal". Mobile World Live. 4 December 2018.
  73. ^ Bhat, Divsha (26 June 2024). "UAE's e& buys Turkish cloud provider GlassHouse". AGBI. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  74. ^ Cabral, Alvin R. "UAE's e& expands regional reach with $60m acquisition of Turkey's GlassHouse". The National. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  75. ^ "Skype blocked in UAE, but here are some other alternatives".
  76. ^ Abbas Al Lawati (13 July 2009). "'Interceptor' behind BlackBerry issues". Gulf News.
  77. ^ "BlackBerry update in UAE reportedly surveillance software in disguise". Engadget. 14 July 2009. Archived from the original on 16 March 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  78. ^ Thompson, Ben (21 July 2009). "UAE Blackberry update was spyware". BBC. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  79. ^ "Etisalat's BlackBerry update intercepts communication, says RIM". Gulf News. 21 July 2009. Archived from the original on 16 November 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  80. ^ "Internet access restrictions for Blackberry users". Gulf News. 27 December 2009. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  81. ^ "UAE to cut off BlackBerry users". The Register. 2 August 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  82. ^ "Etisalat officially secures third mobile license in Iran". Ameinfo.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  83. ^ "Etisalat loses Iran licence". Gulf News. 11 May 2009. Archived from the original on 26 September 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  84. ^ "Swan Telecom a front for Anil Ambani: CAG". The Times of India. 17 November 2010.
  85. ^ Telecom Renamed Etisalat Telecom India Pvt. Ltd.
  86. ^ Sinha, Prabhakar (2 June 2010). "UAE's Etisalat in talks to buy 25% stake in Reliance Communications". The Times of India. India.
  87. ^ "2G scam: SC questions PM's silence". Zeenews.com. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  88. ^ "Home ministry blocks Etisalat DB's 2G ambitions". Hindustan Times. India. 1 December 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
  89. ^ Bafna, Sanjay. (5 September 2012) Etisalat Will Not Bid for India’s 2G Spectrum Auction Scheduled in November. Telecomtalk.info. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
edit